2006-07-24 12:55:33 · 11 answers · asked by Eagle 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Annoying as they may be to you, the hummingbirds actually eat the small insects attracted to the nectar as a source of protein and fats.
2006-07-24 12:59:21 · answer #1 · answered by P. M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how your feeder is standing, or being hung,
either way, you could use flypaper on the ends so that before the ants enter, they would get stuck, fly paper works for ants as well so don't worry. I had the same problem only not only ants, but bees as well were getting in the feeder, for the flying insects the flypaper also worked well. you can buy flypaper at walmart for cheap.
other alternatives would be to spray the feeder with repelent before inserting the food, s the food doesn't get contaminated, but I wouldn't reccomend taht because it could be harmful to the hummingbirds as they inhale.
but yes as our previous member answered, if the ants DO get into the feeder, it's okay if a few get in because the hummingbirds could consume them for a daily treat of protein in their diets however if too many ants get in and start consuming the feed and get away with it, then there's a problem.
i hope this helps in anyway and it's good to hear that your concerned for animals and that you've picked up a great hobby.
Have a nice day
2006-07-24 13:11:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just solved this problem a couple weeks ago. My feeder is in a tree and I sprayed the tree trunk with home defense insect spray. This would normally be used around the walls of your home, inside or out. It worked for me, I have not seen one ant since, as they are destroyed when they climb the tree. good luck Bob
2006-07-24 13:04:49 · answer #3 · answered by bungee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a tumbler feeder heavily isn't diverse. attempt a non-poisonous insect repellent utilized to the twine from which the feeder hangs, and utilized to the tree or shape from which the feeder hangs. different ingredients that discourage ants are petroleum jelly, utilized as reported above; vinegar or powdered cloves utilized to ant trails; and adhesive tape utilized sticky-component-out to the putting twine. moving the feeder would not artwork as a results of fact the ants at last locate it. do not use poisonous repellents or insectisides or different sprays that kill ants. The birds will injest it and die.
2016-11-02 22:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your feeder is yellow, change the color to red. Additionally, if it is mounted on a pole of some sort, you could put poison at the base of the poll. The ants would be unlikely to cross the poison line.
http://www.humbirds.com
2006-07-28 09:59:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sprinkle cinnamon around the base of the feeder. Ants won't cross cinnamon.
2006-07-27 07:06:27 · answer #6 · answered by TomTom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put a dish of water under the feeder to drown the ants.
2006-07-24 13:01:48 · answer #7 · answered by san_pellegrino 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to buy a skyhook and hang your feeder from that..ants can't climb on nothing !!
2006-07-24 13:20:37 · answer #8 · answered by MIGHTY MINNIE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heres a recipe...take an old bar of soap(any kind)shave it down,,put it in water until mushy...put in spray bottle and spray where ever insects seem to go...and they will leave,,,it won't hurt plants or animals...
2006-07-24 13:00:30 · answer #9 · answered by rosie w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
draw a line with chalk where they climb up to it..they will avoid the chalk.
2006-07-24 12:59:28 · answer #10 · answered by Sharlala 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋