Bird feeders provide a great way to enjoy watching birds up close, but they can also attract unwanted guests like ants. Ants are drawn to the sweet nectar in hummingbird feeders and the seeds in other feeders. Having ants invade your bird feeders can be frustrating, but there are some simple solutions to this common problem.
Why Are Ants Attracted to Bird Feeders?
Ants are opportunistic insects that are constantly searching for food sources. Sugary hummingbird nectar and high-fat bird seeds are ideal foods for ants. Once ants find a bird feeder, they recruit more ants to come feast on the easy calories by laying down pheromone trails. Ant colonies can quickly take over and monopolize feeders, annoying birds and humans alike.
Sugary Nectar
Hummingbird nectar is essentially liquid sugar. It has to be high in sugar content to provide sufficient calories for hummingbirds’ super-fast metabolism. The typical recipe is 1 part white sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. This sweet mixture is irresistible to ants due to their preference for high-sugar foods.
High-Fat Seeds
Bird seeds are high in fat and protein, which are essential nutrients for wild birds. Common seeds offered in bird feeders include sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, safflower seeds, millet, and mixed seed blends. These energy-dense seeds provide calories ants also love. Additionally, the oil in the seeds attracts ants.
Negative Effects of Ants in Bird Feeders
Ants might not seem like much of a problem, but their presence can have several detrimental effects:
- Ants can deter birds from using the feeder. Birds may avoid feeders with ants crawling all over them.
- Ants consume the nectar and seeds so there is less left for birds.
- Large ant populations can cause nectar and seeds to spoil more quickly.
- Ants are aggressive and may bite or sting birds using the feeder.
- Ant trails going up the hanging pole or brackets can be unsightly.
The easiest solution is to proactively deter ants in the first place so they never become an issue. There are several effective methods for keeping ants away from bird feeders:
Tips for Deterring Ants from Bird Feeders
Use Ant Moats
Ant moats are devices that surround the bird feeder pole with water, creating a barrier ants cannot cross. The moat hangs under the feeder and collects drips. For pole-mounted feeders, simply place an ant moat below the feeder. For suspended feeders, install a pole under the feeder with the ant moat on top.
Apply Vegetable Oil
Coat the hanging pole and bird feeder with a thin layer of vegetable oil. The slippery oil makes it impossible for ants to climb up. Reapply the vegetable oil every few days to maintain effectiveness.
Use Boric Acid
Boric acid powder is a natural insecticide that can be sprinkled around bird feeder poles. Ants ingest the particles as they forage and bring it back to the colony, resulting in overall colony death. Apply boric acid every few days, especially after rain.
Hang Feeders Over Water
Suspend feeders over a body of water with at least 3 feet separating the feeder and water. This creates a moat using the existing landscape that ants cannot cross over.
Add a Squirrel Baffle
Squirrel baffles that encircle feeder poles can also function as ant deterrents. The slippery surface blocks ants from scaling the poles. Choose wide baffles sized at least 24 inches.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
Spread food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of the pole and any nearby ant trails. The abrasive dust scratches ants’ exoskeletons causing dehydration. It is harmless to birds and pets.
Clean Feeders Frequently
Do not let nectar or bird seeds accumulate at the bottom of feeders. Ants are attracted to build up of sugary and oily residue. Wash feeders and replace nectar every few days.
Move Feeder Location
If ants keep invading a particular feeder, try moving it at least 20 feet away to disrupt ant scent trails. Choose a new location without visible ant activity.
Use a Nectar Feeder with Ant Guards
Some hummingbird feeder models come equipped with small moats or other ant-blocking features. Look for nectar feeders with specialized ant guards when shopping for a new feeder.
Apply Ant Traps Around Poles
Secure commercial ant baits or traps near feeder poles to attract and kill foraging ants. Traps with borax work well for controlling ants. Replace them monthly.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Existing Bird Feeders
If ants have already infested a feeder, take the following steps to oust them:
Remove the Feeder and Clean Thoroughly
Take down the bird feeder and remove any remaining nectar or birdseed inside. Give the feeder a thorough cleaning using either a 50/50 vinegar and water solution or boiling water. Both methods will kill any lingering ants.
Wipe Poles and Hangers with Rubbing Alcohol
Use a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe down the feeder pole, hanger, and any other surfaces ants may be crawling on. This dissolves ant pheromone trails.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Spread diatomaceous earth around the feeder area and especially along the pole. This will immediately kill ants crawling on the pole surface.
Salt Ant Trails
Sprinkle ordinary table salt directly onto visible ant trails. The salt dehydrates ants and discourages them from using the trails.
Use Ant Killer Sprays
Apply natural ant spray made with essential oils around feeder poles and hangers. Chemical ant sprays are also effective for severe infestations.
Set Out Ant Baits
Surround cleaned feeders with commercial liquid or granule ant baits. Place them near poles and paths ants take to access the feeder.
Plug Ant Access Points
Seal any holes, gaps, or crevices ants could be using to enter feeder poles. Squirt caulk into the openings to prevent reentry.
Preventing Ants in New Bird Feeders
When installing new bird feeders, take proactive steps to deter ants:
- Mount feeders on poles coated with slippery grease like Teflon spray.
- Liberally apply Vaseline around poles to block ants.
- Place poles inside insect-blocking tubes or pipes.
- Set poles in containers of soapy water.
- Surround base with a ring of diatomaceous earth.
- Elevate feeders at least 24 inches off the ground.
Bird Feeder Location
Choose bird feeder sites wisely to outsmart ants:
- Avoid placing near trees as ants can access feeders via branches.
- Keep away from wooden fences and structures ants could climb.
- Select open areas away from dense vegetation.
- Install around patios and walkways with limited ant activity.
Regular Maintenance
Once feeders are up, stay diligent with these maintenance habits:
- Check for ants daily – act immediately at first signs.
- Clean hummingbird feeders every 2-3 days.
- Clean hopper/tube feeders weekly.
- Rake or sweep up seed hulls weekly.
- Reapply ant-proofing oils and sprays monthly.
- Replace ant traps and baits monthly.
Effective Products for Deterring Ants
Certain commercial products can help tackle ant infestations. Here are some top options:
Product | Details |
---|---|
Ant Moats | Moats surround poles with water to block ants. Models attach to deck/patios or mount under feeders. |
Boric Acid Powder | Non-toxic mineral powder kills ants slowly over time. Sprinkle around poles and nests. |
Diatomaceous Earth | Natural abrasive powder made from fossilized algae. Safe for outdoor use around feeders. |
Liquid Ant Baits | Contain slow-acting poison carried back to the nest. Apply around poles, fences, and trails. |
Granular Ant Baits | Can sprinkle like seeds around feeders. Contain oil attractants and delayed toxins. |
Squirrel Baffles | Circular barriers prevent squirrels and ants from climbing poles. Available in a range of sizes. |
Teflon Spray | Non-stick Teflon coating stops ants from gaining traction. Apply to poles, stands, and hangers. |
When to Call an Exterminator for Ants
In most cases, the DIY methods described will successfully banish ants from feeders. But occasionally ant infestations persist and require professional treatment. Call an exterminator if:
- Ants keep coming back after trying several remedies.
- You notice multiple ant nests near the feeder.
- Ant trails lead into the walls or baseboards of your home.
- There are more ants than you can reasonably manage.
- You see evidence of ant damage around your home.
Signs like tiny hole trails in siding, sawdust piles from carpenter ants, buckling walls, or dead ants near electrical outlets indicate a serious infestation. Ant exterminators have commercial-grade insecticides and baiting systems that can eliminate ant colonies.
Professional Ant Control Options
Pest control pros have knowledge of ant behaviors and access to specialized products homeusers do not. Treatment options may include:
- Applying long-lasting chemical barrier sprays
- Destroying ant nests directly
- Injecting insecticides into wall voids and cracks
- Using commercial-grade ant baits
- Treating surrounding lawns and flower beds
- Sealing entry points on the home’s exterior
- Following up to ensure ant elimination
Conclusion
Uninvited ants can quickly become a nuisance around backyard bird feeders. Deterring them involves proactively ant-proofing feeder setups and areas around feeder poles. Maintaining cleanliness and using ant moats, oils, or other barriers helps prevent access. Boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and commercial baits can eliminate existing ants. With diligence and the right products, you can enjoy watching birds at your feeders ant-free.