![]() But if the feeder is covered in sugar water, barring bees from the drinking hole won’t do much good-so the guards aren’t a substitute for consistent cleaning. If your feeders don’t have this feature, you can buy attachable ant guards that trap the invaders.īee guards are less deadly, shielding the nectar reservoir from the insects. Some hummingbird feeders are equipped with moats to drown ants that climb down onto them. In warm weather, change the filler twice per week. While you’re at it, dump the old nectar and refill with a fresh, room-temperature mixture to keep the food pure and healthy. Mop up spills with a sponge and hot water at least once a week, and check that the parts are tightened. To stop leakage, hang the devices in a less-than-breezy area and stow them away in rough conditions. ![]() If the structures are whipped around by the wind or not assembled securely, they can drip nectar, giving insects easy access to the goods. The easiest way to parry these pests is to keep your feeders tidy, says Tina Hall, the director of Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Arizona. And bees, while useful pollinators, can obstruct your view of the birds and deliver painful stings. Like bears, they don’t harm the hummingbirds-but ants can crawl into the sugar-water wells and clog them up. Hanging feeders out of reach can also deter bears, though finding a suitable spot is tricky since both black and grizzlies can climb trees.Īnts and bees pose the biggest problems with nectar feeders. ![]() but bring them back in if the bears start coming back.īe sure to clean up your yard, as stinky garbage can attract the lumbering animals. When the trespassers stop coming around, try putting the nectar out again. If bears are frequenting your feeders, take the equipment down and move it inside. Attacks are rare, but if you surprise a bear-especially when cubs are around-it can become violent. Hungry bears won’t hurt birds, but coming in close proximity to humans is dangerous for both their families and yours. Mamas will pass the knowledge on to their cubs, leading generations to visit the well-stocked pantry in your yard. Once a bear finds your free food, it will return time and time again, says Geoff LeBaron, coordinator of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count. But when bears come across hummingbird feeders, the omnivories will knock them down and snack on the sugar water. Ursids are mostly attracted to generic feeders stocked with pungent foods like suet or sunflower seeds. But attracting bears to your neighborhood can put both you and the four-legged interlopers in danger, and excess insects can be a nuisance for any homeowner. ![]() Some intruders, like chickadees and orioles, are a bonus for birders. With a bit of white sugar mixed with water, you can sustain your local Ruby-throateds and Anna’s, while brightening up your garden or patio with their vivid plumage.īut hummingbirds aren’t the only animals that like it sweet: Bears, insects, and other birds often co-opt nectar feeders for their own gain. After all, these perky flitters eat constantly, and their dietary needs are pretty basic. Nectar feeders are an excellent way to attract hungry hummingbirds to your yard.
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