Quick Answer
Hummingbirds will still come to a feeder that has ants as long as there is still nectar available for them to feed on. However, the presence of ants can deter hummingbirds over time. There are several methods to try to get rid of ants on hummingbird feeders to make sure hummingbirds keep visiting.
Will Hummingbirds Avoid Feeders with Ants?
Hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet nectar in hummingbird feeders. Even if there are ants crawling on the feeder, the hummingbirds will still likely come and feed if they can access the nectar.
However, the presence of ants can make a feeder less desirable over time. Hummingbirds may choose to visit other feeders or flowers that do not have an ant problem. Especially once ants become established on a feeder, hummingbird visitation is likely to decline.
Here are some key points:
– Hummingbirds will not avoid a feeder simply because there are a few ants on it. As long as they can access the nectar, they will feed.
– Large ant colonies that have taken over a feeder are more likely to deter hummingbirds. The insects can make feeding difficult.
– Ants are constantly looking for food sources and can quickly recruit more ants to a feeder with nectar. This means ant problems tend to worsen over time.
– Hummingbirds visiting a feeder crawl all over it while feeding. Ants crawling on their feet and bodies can irritate the birds and make them not want to visit as often.
So in summary, a few ants will not immediately deter hummingbirds, but an ant infestation often leads to decreased hummingbird visitation. It’s best to try to get rid of the ants or regularly clean feeders to keep the birds coming.
Why Are Ants Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders?
Ants are attracted to hummingbird nectar because of its high sugar content. The main ingredients in homemade nectar are simply sugar and water. This combination creates a sweet liquid that provides essential energy for hummingbirds. Ants also love sugary substances, so a feeder full of nectar can become an ideal food source for nearby ants.
Here are some key reasons ants are drawn to hummingbird feeders:
The Sugar Content
Standard white sugar, which is used to make nectar, contains sucrose. This disaccharide is made up of glucose and fructose. Ants are especially attracted to sucrose as an energy source. The higher the sugar ratio in homemade nectar, the more appealing it will be to sweet-seeking ants.
A Readily Available Food Source
Hummingbird feeders provide a consistent supply of sugary nectar that is replenished by homeowners. Unlike seasonal flowers, the feeders offer a constant food source for ants in the area. Once ants discover the feeder, they can recruit more ants to take advantage of the reliability of this nutrition supply.
Nectar is Accessible
Hummingbird feeders have feeding ports or reservoirs that provide direct access to the nectar. Ants are able to easily reach the liquid food without obstacles. Ground-dwelling ants particularly take advantage of bases that allow them to march right up onto the feeder.
Lack of Pest Deterrents
Unlike natural flowers, hummingbird feeders lack built-in pest defenses. Flower nectar often contains unpalatable or even toxic compounds that deter ants and other insects. Feeders have no such compounds, making the nectar extremely vulnerable to ant invasions.
So in summary, hummingbird nectar is essentially an irresistible, sugar-filled, constantly replenished food source for ants that provides easy accessibility. This makes feeders prone to ant problems if preventative measures are not taken.
What Are Some Tips to Get Rid of Ants on Hummingbird Feeders?
If ants have found their way to your hummingbird feeders, here are some tips to get rid of them:
Use Ant Moats or Barriers
Ant moats are devices that prevent ants from reaching the nectar. They work by suspending the feeder from a wire so it hangs over a water reservoir. Since ants cannot cross water, this blocks their access. Other barriers like petroleum jelly or tape can be applied to surfaces to block their path upward.
Change the Nectar Frequently
Ants are attracted to old, spoiled nectar. Frequently changing out the nectar removes a food source before substantial ant colonies establish. Ideally nectar should be changed every 2-3 days in hot weather.
Clean the Feeder
Use a bottle brush and mild soap and water to scrub away any ant pheromone trails and nectar residue on the surfaces of the feeder. This helps reset the feeder to remove traces that attract ants.
Use Ant Baits or Sprays
Apply ant baits or natural sprays like essential oils around the feeder area. However, avoid spraying the feeder itself as this can contaminate the nectar. Target trails and nests to eliminate the ants at the source.
Mix Nectar with Water and Vinegar
Some homemade nectar recipes call for adding a small amount of vinegar, which can deter ants. Use a 5:1:1 water-sugar-vinegar ratio for the nectar. The vinegar makes the nectar less appetizing.
Move the Feeder
If one spot is particularly prone to ant invasions, try moving the feeder to a new location to disrupt the patterns. Look for areas farther from trees and bushes where ants may be nesting.
Use a Feeder with a Built-In Ant Moat
Many hummingbird feeder products now come equipped with specialized ant moats. These integral designs prevent ants from ever accessing the nectar. Look for these feeder styles if ants are an ongoing issue.
With some persistence and preventative measures, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds feed without the unwanted company of ants. But even with an ant problem, rest assured the hummingbirds will still come for the nectar they depend on.
5 Tips to Prevent Ants on Hummingbird Feeders
To help prevent ants from invading hummingbird feeders, here are 5 handy tips:
Tip 1: Use a Hummingbird Feeder with an Ant Moat
An ant moat is a water barrier that prevents ants from reaching the nectar. Specialized feeders have a built-in moat so you don’t have to rig one up yourself. The nectar chamber is surrounded by water ants cannot cross.
Tip 2: Choose a Feeder Style that Deters Ants
Suspended disc-style feeders or saucer feeders are more difficult for ants to access versus column feeders. Avoid feeder bases that allow ants to march directly to the nectar port. Opt for a smooth, detachable base instead.
Tip 3: Coat the Hanger and Pole with Petroleum Jelly
Applying a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the feeder hanger and pole prevents ants from traversing these areas. Reapply after rain or every few days. Vegetable oil can also be used but is not as effective long-term.
Tip 4: Mix a Small Amount of Vinegar in the Nectar
Adding around 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water and sugar in the nectar solution provides a smell and taste ants dislike. Start with a 5:1:1 water-sugar-vinegar ratio and adjust if needed.
Tip 5: Move the Feeder to Disrupt Ants
Periodically moving your feeder to different locations in the yard prevents ants from establishing predictable trails and patters. Choose spots farther from trees, shrubs, and other ant nesting sites.
Following these tips will help make your hummingbird feeder less appealing to sweet-seeking ants. Implement preventative measures proactively rather than reactively waiting for ants to appear. With some diligence, you can deter ants and create an ideal safe feeding space for hummingbirds.
Do Hummingbirds Eat Ants?
Hummingbirds do not intentionally eat ants as a food source. In fact, ants can be problematic to hummingbirds when the insects congregate on feeders. However, hummingbirds may occasionally ingest an ant by accident while feeding.
Here are some key points on hummingbirds and ants:
– Ants do not provide any nutritional value to hummingbirds. Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and small insects like gnats, aphids, and fruit flies. Ants contain formic acid which could be toxic in large amounts.
– The presence of ants makes feeders less desirable, so hummingbirds actively avoid them when possible. Ants can crawl on hummingbirds and disrupt feeding.
– Hummingbirds have long slender tongues designed for lapping up nectar. They do not seek out or consume ants using their specialized tongues.
– While feeding from flowers and feeders, hummingbirds occasionally ingest small insects like gnats by mistake. This could apply to the occasional ant, though ants are not a target food source.
– Hummingbird chicks (nestlings) are fed regurgitated insects by their mothers early on for protein. But ant consumption would be minimal and has not been documented.
So while it’s possible a hummingbird may swallow an ant here and there, they are not purposely targeting ants as a food item. Hummingbirds prefer tiny soft-bodied insects and nutrient-rich nectar from flowers and feeders to fuel their rapid metabolism. Ant deterrents can help provide an ant-free feeding experience.
What is the Best Hummingbird Feeder to Avoid Ants?
Here are the top styles of hummingbird feeders that help avoid ant invasions:
Feeders with Built-In Ant Moats
Specialized feeders have water-filled ant moats encircling the nectar reservoir so ants cannot cross over to access the nectar. Brands like Perky Pet and Aspects make feeders with detachable moats.
Saucer or Disc Feeders
The shallow reservoirs of saucer feeders limit ant access to nectar. Ants have difficulty traversing the smooth outer edges. Brands like More Birds and Stokes Select make saucer feeders.
Suspended “Flying” Feeders
These feeders hang down from a wire attached to a tree branch or pole. Ants cannot climb down hanging wires, keeping them away from suspended feeders.
Bottle or Tank Feeders
The enclosed nectar tanks of glass bottle or plastic tank feeders protect against ants, especially when paired with slick poles. Squirrels still may be an issue.
Nectar Tip Feeders
Long nectar tips prevent ants from entering the reservoir. Nectar is accessed through tiny tip holes. Brands like Perky Pet and First Nature make these styles.
Choosing feeders with built-in ant deterrents is the most effective approach. Additionally, supplement feeders with other deterrents like petroleum jelly on poles. With smart feeder selection and proactive measures, hummingbirds can enjoy an ant-free feeding experience.
Conclusion
While hummingbirds will still feed from ant-infested feeders if nectar is available, large ant populations can deter hummingbirds over time. The best approach is to implement proactive deterrents to prevent ants from accessing feeders in the first place. Strategies like integrated ant moats on feeders, petroleum jelly barriers, vinegar in nectar, and frequent cleaning make feeders less desirable to ants. Focus deterrents on ant trails and nesting areas away from the feeder as well. With diligence, you can provide hummingbirds a rewarding, ant-free feeding experience while enjoying their beauty and activity.