Hummingbirds are everyone's favourite little buzzy birds, and rightly so. They're beautiful to look at, entertaining to watch, and best of all, they're easy to attract. Hang a feeder with a simple nectar solution and in no time, you'll see a hummingbird sipping from it. Unfortunately, hummingbird feeders don't only attract hummingbirds. Ants, wasps, raccoons, and other critters all love the sticky sweet nectar, too, and can cause trouble (even damage!) to hummingbird feeders if they aren't properly protected and maintained.
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbird, female, feeding from a High Perch Hummingbird Feeder |
- Ants, wasps, and other insects:
In most cases, wasps and other sugar-loving insects do not bother birds at feeders - some birds even make them a snack. But sometimes they become such an issue that the birds stop visiting, and the nectar spoils quickly due to ants in the feeder. If ants or other crawling/climbing insects are a problem at your feeders (as they are with most hummingbird feeders), an ant moat is the best solution. Ant moats are plastic or metal cups that are filled with water and hung above hummingbird feeders to stop ants from even getting a change to feed on the nectar. Some feeders, like our High Perch Hummingbird Feeders pictured in the photos, come equipped with a built-in ant moat in the center of the feeder.
Wasps provide a great service to us by helping keep actual pests (like aphids) in check. Without them there would be a larger need for pesticide use which is not only harmful to us, but to our environment and everything within it. They certainly can become an issue at feeders, but there are several ways to deter them without harming them. Things like ensuring your feeders are properly sealed and undamaged, using nectar guards, avoiding yellow feeders (wasp attractant), and more. Click here for in-depth information on excluding wasps from feeders. - Raccoons:
If you have ever woke up to your hummingbird feeder on the ground and empty, or worse - broken, you've likely had a raccoon visiting your yard. There are two ways to keep raccoons from ravaging your hummingbird feeders: bring them in at night, or hang them on a pole with a raccoon baffle in place. Bringing your feeders in at night is effective as long as you remember to do so, but the nectar may also attract ants creating another issue inside your home. The best method is second option of installing a raccoon baffle. Not only will a racoon baffle eliminate the chances of raccoons getting to your feeders, it will also stop any squirrels and chipmunks who may have a sweet tooth. - Other:
On occasion, you may find another visitor at your hummingbird feeder that a baffle or ant moat can't stop. Those include deer and bears. Deer have been known to tip feeders over to drink the nectar, and bears will physically remove the feeders and open them to get to the nectar inside. Deer are relatively harmless and won't often damage feeders, but bears can become an issue as far as damaging feeders and pole systems. If you have a bear who is a frequent visitor, we recommend removing your feeders until it has moved on to a new location, or installing a bear/deer-proof pole system (contact us for info).
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feeding from a High Perch Hummingbird Feeder |
Hummingbird feeder maintenance
All bird feeders should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to help mitigate the spread of illnesses, but hummingbird feeders in particular can become death traps very quickly if not properly maintained. Hummingbirds are highly susceptible to illness from mold spores and fermented nectar, which can cause tongue swelling which ultimately leads to death by starvation. Hummingbird feeders should be inspected and cleaned every time the solution is changed, even if there is no visible mold or build up on the feeder.
To properly disinfect a hummingbird feeder, first disassemble your feeder completely. Next, soak the feeder in a 10% bleach solution for at least 10 minutes. Use a brush or sponge to thoroughly scrub and clean each piece of the feeder, use a small port brush or toothbrush to clean inside of the nectar ports. Once cleaning is complete, rinse thoroughly in hot water for at least 15 seconds. Allow to completely air dry before refilling and hanging for use.
* Reminder: In extreme heat it is very important to remember to change your hummingbird nectar and clean your feeders every 1-2 days to avoid mold growth. Hummingbird feeders should be inspected and cleaned every time the solution is changed, even if there is no visible mold or build up on the feeder. The same caution should be taken with oriole nectar feeders.
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male, feeding from High Perch Hummingbird Feeder |
Simple hummingbird or oriole nectar recipe:
There are several varieties of hummingbird nectar available commercially, and unfortunately, not all are safe for hummingbirds to consume due to red dyes and other additives. Because of this, making nectar at home is safest option. If you would rather purchase Here is our easy DIY hummingbird (and oriole) nectar recipe:
- Add 4 parts boiled water to 1 part white table sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool before filling feeder. Nectar can be stored in the fridge for one week. It is important to use only white table sugar (no substitutes; brown sugar, organic sugar, etc) as this is what is most similar to sugars found in natural nectar.
- Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
- Attracting and Supporting Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
- The Dos & Don'ts of Hummingbird Feeding
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