How to Keep Ants Out of Your Hummingbird Feeders

Here's a simple little trick I've used for many years with great success, and I thought maybe someone else could use it, too.

We've been feeding more and more Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds every year here in NE PA for the last decade or so, and it's a blast! We're up to 5 feeders, and about to add more. Seems the more feeders you have, the more hummers you end up with every year.

In July, when the young leave the nests, we often have 30-40 of the little buggers buzzing around the back porch at once, fighting for a spot. It's like being inside a hive of giant bees - except they don't sting. They're fearless, and become used to people pretty quickly. A lot of fun, especially in early evening when they're all stoking up for a chilly night!

But Hummers aren't the only critters that love our sugar water solution (1:4). I used to have problems with ants in the feeders, but this little trick has taken care of that.

In the picture below, you'll notice a small piece of an old terrycloth towel wrapped around the feeder hanger. Every few weeks through the summer, I soak this piece of cloth with a teaspoon or so of kerosene, dispensed with a small, turkey-baster style squeeze-bulb.

Ants won't cross that barrier, at least the ants we have here in the Northeast. I've watched about every 'sweet-toothed' ant species we have try to get across this, and they all look horrified when they  get near it, and take off in the other direction! Works great! try it!

Not exactly an appliance related subject, I know <grin>, but I thought someone could use this simple little trick.

And hey, if you've had success with any other Hummingbird feeding tricks, or had any unusual experiences with Hummingbirds, drop me an email, will you? Thanks!

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