Six Mistakes That Could Attract Pests To Your Hummingbird Feeder

If you're trying to attract hummingbirds to your yard, you might become frustrated with the fact that pests like ants and wasps are often attracted to hummingbird nectar. One of the best things you can do to keep pests away is invest in an ant proof hummingbird feeder online.

In addition to buying a pest proof feeder, you also should avoid some common mistakes that can attract ants and wasps to hummingbird feeders. The following are six mistakes to avoid that could attract pests to your hummingbird feeder. 

Leaving your feeder in the same place all the time

You're more likely to attract unwanted insect pests if you leave your feeder in the same exact spot all the time. Even moving your feeder a few feet away can help to throw off insects and prevent them from trying to get at the sweet nectar inside your feeder. 

Not cleaning off the exterior of your feeder

Even if a feeder is designed to be ant proof or wasp proof, it's still going to attract insects if there is nectar on the surface of its exterior. That's why it's important to regularly clean the exterior of your feeder. 

Putting your feeder around items that are yellow

Many types of insect are attracted to the color yellow in particular. It's therefore inadvisable to locate your feeder around items or flowers that have the color yellow on them. 

Placing your feeder under direct sunlight

Insects are generally more attracted to bright sunlight than shade. You therefore might avoid some insect pests if you keep your feeder in a partially shaded area. 

Hanging your feeder by a piece of thick string

Insects like ants will need to crawl on the string your feeder is hanging on to get at the feeder itself. They can easily climb on regular string. However, insects sometimes have trouble crawling on very thin pieces of string.

If you hang your hummingbird feeder by a string of fishing line, non-flying insects like ants will have more trouble crawling on it and accessing your feeder. 

Using a feeder that is leaking

If your feeder leaks, it's inevitably going to attract pests. All kinds of insects- and possibly even animals like rodents- will be attracted to sweet hummingbird nectar if it leaks out of your feeder.

You need to regularly inspect your feeder to make sure that it is not leaking. If you notice any leaks, repair them or replace your feeder promptly.