Where I live, we only get to see them for a few months, and I want to enjoy every minute, but ants try to ruin the party and get on your hands and into the house when changing out the food.
They climb down the hook and into the feeder and block the holes, and put off the birds. So I found this perfect way to make your own ant moats or ant traps for hummingbird feeders that works!
Homemade Ant Traps for Hummingbird Feeder
Here is what you will need:
- Long Cork
- 2 x cup holder screws or similar
- paint tin cap or something of similar size
- Check out this video for the method:
Ants and Hummingbirds
Ants can really put off these tiny little birds. Can you imagine how big an ant is to a hummingbird? Not only that, they somehow manage to get into the feeder and drown and then foul the mixture, which then requires you to make more. I have a great hummingbird food recipe that the birds absolutely love, by the way!
By adding an ant trap, you can simply unhook your feeder from the mote to take inside for cleaning without dragging ants in with you. That has to be my biggest pet peeve when it comes to sugar feeders such as with hummingbirds but orioles too. If you want to keep 99% of the ants off the food then make a mote. It is totally worth it.
How the Ant Moats for Hummingbird Feeders Work
The ant will usually climb down the supporting hook to the feeder. But if part way up there is a cap full of water they simply can't get past the water. Ants can't jump, and so they will either turn back or drown in the moat before they get to your feeder. Make sure to keep it filled.
Ready to Go Hummingbird Moats
If you prefer not to get into DIY, you can purchase them to simply add to your present setup online. If you want something a little friendlier on the eye in your garden, this might be a good option too. This one is made from copper and looks good.
Another Option....
Window mounted hummingbird feeder.
Ants don't tend to walk across the glass window, they are more likely to stay on the frame. This is not totally ant proof, but is another option to deal with those pesky critters.
Place the feeder in the center of the window, not too close to the framework, and they will have a harder time getting to their sweet treat, plus you get to watch the birds up close and personal!
Now enjoy those beautiful little hummingbirds without the interruption of ants. When too many ants get on the feeder, I noticed my little birds hovering and not landing, so this is an important issue if you enjoy watching them feed.
Make Your Own Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeder or Purchase one
Either way you are making a small investment of time or money to safe guard the food you place in these feeders with love to keep it unspoiled. This is especially important if you have numerous feeders. You don't want to be bringing ants into the house when it it time to clean them and refill.
If you Don't Like the idea of making your own, and you are not a fan of the copper ant trap, then here is an entire page of ant moats that should work with your decor.
Now that you have your ant problem figured out, you can find some of the cutest hummingbird feeders around. I have found that shopping online for these items will give you the best assortment and some of the best prices.
Cute Hummingbird Feeder Page
There is a lot of variety online I have personally found. Plus you get it delivered to your door. Hummingbirds are not always a social group so having a few of them around your yard is a great way to make sure they get fed, and for you to enjoy!
They should be away from regular bird feeders as it doesn't take much to put them off and leave your yard.
Also plant lots of bright red and orange flowers around or have a hanging pot or two nearby on hooks, this will attract them to your yard.
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