If you’ve ever tried to feed hummingbirds, you’ve likely encountered some uninvited guests at your feeder. Bees, wasps, ants, yellow jackets, other birds, squirrels, and even bats often show up, making it challenging to keep your feeders exclusively for hummingbirds. These feeder pests can be persistent and disruptive, but don’t worry—there are strategies to deal with them effectively. Below is an article that provides helpful tips and solutions for managing these unwanted visitors while still attracting the beautiful hummingbirds you want to enjoy.
Four-Legged Critters Like Squirrels Can Cause Serious Damage to Your Feeder
One of the most common complaints I hear from bird feeder enthusiasts is about the persistent squirrel population. While squirrels may not be predators, they can certainly wreak havoc on bird feeders. Their acrobatics and determination often result in knocked-over feeders, spilled seed, and chewed-up parts of the feeder itself. They seem to have an endless supply of energy and creativity when it comes to getting to that seed!
However, squirrels aren’t the only culprits. In our area, raccoons can be just as much of a problem, particularly at night. These clever creatures will sneak up to your feeder under the cover of darkness, often with the same relentless drive as squirrels. Anyone who has used seed feeders knows the never-ending battle to keep these four-legged critters at bay. Despite our best efforts, whether it’s tall, slick poles, protective barriers, squirrel repellents, or even B-B guns, the battle seems endless. Some solutions work for a short time, but the critters always find new ways to defeat them.
Using a snap gate D-ring
The last thing you want to see is your expensive feeder destroyed by a raccoon or squirrel. Over time, I found a solution that’s helped keep my feeder in one piece. One effective tip is to hang the feeder from a closed eye hook, using a snap gate D-ring (like the ones often used for keys). This method is simple yet reliable, and you can easily find these rings at any hardware or discount store.
Before I discovered the D-ring, I tried attaching a “safety chain” to the feeder hanger in an attempt to prevent it from hitting the ground when the inevitable squirrel or raccoon attack happened. Why it took me so long to figure out the D-ring is beyond me—it works so much better!
Of course, this method doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of damage. The critters will still chew on whatever they can reach, and no matter what you do, they’re likely to cause some mischief. But the key to minimizing damage is making your feeder as difficult to access as possible. In the end, the best defense against these feisty creatures is sheer inaccessibility and a little creativity.
How does that sound? It’s a bit more detailed and flowing, but still maintains your original tone and
Bees, wasps, and yellow jackets can pose a feeder safety risk.
They’re not only a danger to humans but also to hummingbirds. These insects are drawn to the sweet nectar in feeders, especially those with yellow decorations. Many commercial feeders feature yellow flowers, which attract them even more.
A simple solution is to remove or repaint the yellow flowers, preferably in red. Red is less appealing to bees, but still attractive to hummingbirds. Another common problem is that many bee guard feeders are also leaky. These leaks create puddles that defeat the purpose of the guard.
If bees start to swarm your feeder, try moving it a few feet away. Hummingbirds are quick learners and will find the new location, while bees may give up if they can’t find the nectar.
Another strategy involves offering two feeders with different nectar ratios. Fill one feeder with a mix of 3 parts water to 1 part sugar and place it a little farther from the original feeder. The bees will likely prefer the sweeter nectar, while the hummingbirds will be fine with the 5:1 nectar. This separation confuses the bees and helps protect the hummers.
Be sure to clean up any drips from the feeder, as they can attract more pests. Keeping the area around the feeder clean will help prevent further issues.
Bees, wasps, and yellow jackets can also pose a safety risk.
They’re not only a danger to humans but also to hummingbirds. These insects are drawn to the sweet nectar in feeders, especially those with yellow decorations. Many commercial feeders feature yellow flowers, which attract them even more.
A simple solution is to remove or repaint the yellow flowers, preferably in red. Red is less appealing to bees, but still attractive to hummingbirds. Another common problem is that many bee guard feeders are also leaky. These leaks create puddles that defeat the purpose of the guard.
If bees start to swarm your feeder, try moving it a few feet away. Hummingbirds are quick learners and will find the new location, while bees may give up if they can’t find the nectar.
Another strategy involves offering two feeders with different nectar ratios. Fill one feeder with a mix of 3 parts water to 1 part sugar and place it a little farther from the original feeder. The bees will likely prefer the sweeter nectar, while the hummingbirds will be fine with the 5:1 nectar. This separation confuses the bees and helps protect the hummers.
Be sure to clean up any drips from the feeder, as they can attract more pests. Keeping the area around the feeder clean will help prevent further issues.
Some Bats Are Nectar Feeders
While bats are typically not a significant concern in the Midwest, they can pose issues in other parts of the country, particularly in the Southwest. Interestingly, some bat species are nectar feeders and serve as important pollinators, much like hummingbirds. However, these bats can quickly drain a nectar feeder, often emptying it overnight, which can be frustrating for those trying to attract and feed hummingbirds.
To keep the bats at bay, one option is to use a hummingbird feeder equipped with bee guards, which help prevent bees from accessing the nectar. Alternatively, you can take the feeder inside at night to prevent bats from feeding on it. However, it’s important to remember that hummingbirds typically begin feeding just before sunrise, and this early morning period is critical for them to get the nutrients they need. Therefore, if you decide to bring the feeder inside at night, be sure to put it back out early enough for the hummers to access it at dawn. This balance will help ensure that both your hummingbird and bat visitors are well taken care of.
Ants could be a real issue, and usually are.
In addition to being annoying and disruptive, ants pose a serious risk to hummingbird feeders by contaminating the nectar. Their presence in the feeder not only creates an unsightly mess but also introduces the potential for nectar contamination, which can negatively affect the health of the birds. When ants invade a feeder, they are often attracted to the sugar solution intended for the hummingbirds, and in their efforts to reach the nectar, they may end up dying inside the feeder, creating a grim scene.
Fortunately, there are various methods to deter ants from invading hummingbird feeders. One popular option is to use “ant guards,” which are devices designed to block ants from reaching the feeder and the nectar. These guards are typically placed between the hook that holds the feeder and the feeder itself. There are two common types of ant guards found in birding stores or sometimes in the bird section of hardware stores.
The first type of ant guard is an ant moat, a cup that is filled with water and hung between the feeder and its hook. The water acts as a barrier for ants because they are unable to cross the moat to access the feeder. This moat method is highly effective at preventing ants from reaching the nectar, but it is important to refill the water regularly to ensure its effectiveness. While some people might suggest using cooking oil in the moat, this is not recommended. The oil can attract birds who may mistake it for a water source, and it could potentially get onto the birds’ feathers, which may harm them.
The second type of ant guard is an inverted cup that is placed between the hook and the feeder, and it is coated with cooking grease or a commercial compound like “tanglefoot.” These sticky substances make it difficult for ants to traverse the guard and reach the nectar. However, caution is needed when using this type of guard, as the “tanglefoot” compound can become a danger to hummingbirds.
Since hummingbirds are incredibly light, they may inadvertently get stuck in the sticky substance if they come into contact with it, which could be harmful or even fatal. Therefore, when applying “tanglefoot,” it is crucial to ensure that it is carefully placed and that it does not come into contact with the birds.
Lastly, some individuals recommend hanging hummingbird feeders from fishing line as a way to prevent ants from reaching the feeder. The smooth surface of the fishing line makes it difficult for ants to climb, thus reducing the likelihood of an ant infestation. However, this method alone may not be sufficient for severe ant problems, but it can be used in combination with ant guards for added protection.
In any case, the goal is to create an environment where ants are deterred without harming the hummingbirds. Regular maintenance of the feeder, including cleaning it frequently and checking for ant activity, can also help ensure the health of both the birds and the nectar
Other Feeder Guests That Like Nectar
Hummingbird feeders, though primarily designed for hummingbirds, often attract a wide range of other wildlife due to the sweet, sugary nectar they hold. The feeder can turn into a busy hub of activity as various birds and animals attempt to take advantage of the easy food source.
In addition to insects like bees and ants, several bird species are known to enjoy nectar. Orioles, with their bright plumage and sweet tooth, are common visitors to nectar feeders. They’re often drawn to the same feeders that hummingbirds frequent, especially if there’s a perch or a way for them to land. While they can sip nectar in flight like a hummingbird, they also appreciate feeders with a perch, making it easier for them to feed at their leisure. Similarly, chickadees and finches are drawn to feeders, particularly those with perches or horizontal feeding spots where they can comfortably rest while they feed.
Woodpeckers, although more accustomed to foraging for insects in tree bark, may also become regular visitors to nectar feeders. They tend to enjoy feeders that offer suet as well, which provides a richer food source for them. As a way to cater to their needs, placing a block of suet near the hummingbird feeder can help attract woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds.
Lizards a hummingbird feeder problem?
Interestingly, lizards may also show interest in the sweet nectar, as they are attracted to sugary substances. They often find their way to feeders that have easy access to the nectar. While it may seem like a surprising visitor, lizards are capable of climbing to reach the feeder, where they can lap up the sweet liquid with their forked tongues.
For birdwatchers or wildlife enthusiasts, a great way to encourage more diverse wildlife at your feeders is to offer alternative food sources. For example, providing a separate dish of fruit (such as orange halves for orioles) or fruit jelly (often favored by species like catbirds and orioles) can divert some of the birds and animals from the hummingbird feeder. This way, you can create an environment where both nectar-drinking and fruit-eating creatures are catered to. Offering suet blocks can also bring in woodpeckers and other insectivorous birds, helping to create a balanced, bird-friendly habitat.
In this way, a simple hummingbird feeder can evolve into a mini wildlife sanctuary, attracting a wide range of creatures while giving them what they need. With a few tweaks and additional offerings, you can foster an even greater variety of wildlife in your yard
In conclusion
Keeping your hummingbird feeders free from pesky visitors doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By implementing a combination of creative solutions—like using D-ring hooks, adjusting nectar ratios, and utilizing ant guards—you can create a safer and more enjoyable space for both your hummingbird guests and your other wildlife visitors. Regular maintenance, strategic placement, and a little ingenuity go a long way in ensuring that the sweet nectar stays for the birds you intend to attract. With these tips in hand, you can enjoy the beauty of hummingbirds without the disruptions from uninvited critters, turning your yard into a true sanctuary for all the creatures that love nectar. Happy bird watching!
Using a non-leaking hummingbird feeder will cut down on pest problems at the feeder. Click here to learn more about these types of feeders.
I hope this article has provided you with some helpful tips on Pest Control at the Hummingbird Feeder.
