Hummingbird Feeder Nectar Attracts Unwelcome GuestsHummingbird feeder nectar can attract other creatures too. The other species of wild birds that are attracted to Hummingbird food are welcome visitors. But other creatures, like insects and the more common animal pests such as raccoons, squirrels, and bears are not welcome.
Bothersome Bees There are things which can be done to eliminate or at best reduce the number of pests like ants and bees from getting into your hummingbird feeder nectar. Some hummingbird feeders are sold with bee guards in place. Bee guards that fit into the feeding ports can also be purchased. They are a small plastic mesh shape that fits in the opening of the feeder where the bird drinks. The Hummingbird bill can fit through the mesh but the bee cannot get in. Unfortunately bee guards do not fit all styles of feeders. Some feeders have built in bee guards. The Hummers are able to push their bill into the feeder port, but bees are unable to push in, to get at the syrup. To reduce the attraction by bees and wasps to your hummingbird feeder nectar, place the feeder in as much shade as possible. Washing down syrup feeders gently with a hose may help to keep bees at bay. This is a quick fix in-between cleanings. It can be especially handy if your feeder is dripping.  Aggravating Ants Ants drawn to the Hummingbird food are a problem too. Some hummingbird feeders have ant guards built right into the feeder. It is a little cup at the base of the hanging mechanism. These guards can be purchased to add on to an existing feeder. An add-on ant guard is basically a little cup with a hook on the top and a loop on the bottom. The feeder is hooked onto the bottom and then hung up with the hook, on the top of the ant guard. In both types of ant guards, water is poured into the cup. When the ant crawls down to get to the feeder, it has to pass through the water where it drowns. A little vegetable oil can be poured on the surface of the water to prevent it from evaporating too quickly. This device works well, but requires a little maintenance. Moving your hummingbird feeder nectar to a new location where ants cannot access the feeder will also help stop the problem. But some consideration should be given to Hummingbird information sources that tell us Hummingbirds love bugs. So, who do the “pesky” ants really bother? There has been some controversy over using petroleum jelly or oils on parts of a hummingbird feeder to make it too slippery for bugs to access the feeder. Some sources of Hummingbird information recommend a little jelly or oil to keep bees out. These lubricants can be put on the hanging mechanism and around the port holes where the Hummingbirds drink, to make it too slippery for insects to land. But there is concern, if too much oil gets on the Hummingbird’s feathers it could cause them problems in flight. Care should be taken to use only a small smear around the feeding ports and not right up to the edge of the hole or not at all. Pesticides and Chemicals Another method used by some people to keep ants out of hummingbird feeder nectar is to spray chemicals on the piece that is attached to the hummingbird feeder to hang it. Spraying any part of the feeder is not recommended. Hummingbirds are very tiny animals and even a little spray, on an ant that a bird eats, can cause them great harm. Hummingbird information sources warn against using pesticides on flowers or any plants in or around your yard. Bugs or nectar from flowers that are Hummingbird food could become contaminated and be fatal to the birds. This is certainly not just for the safety of Hummingbirds. Many birds will be eating bugs and worms, or even drinking water that collects on leaves after a rain. Any pesticides or chemicals which have been used could cause great harm.
Annoying Animals Hummingbird feeders attract some animals that cannot resist the sweet drink they contain. The only solution is to place your hummingbird feeder nectar where it cannot be reached. There are hummingbird feeders that are made to mount on a pole. Hanging feeders can be hung on a shepherd’s hook. A baffle can then be installed on the pole under the feeder to prevent raccoons and squirrels from reaching the feeders. Bears are not so easy to deter. Taking feeders in and not feeding the birds may be the only solution to this problem. If problems persist of course, animal control may be necessary. Once all the wrinkles have been smoothed out, there will be nothing left to do but a little maintenance and a heap of enjoyment!
 
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