skip to main content

Ants on my hummingbird feeders ....

13 years ago

Hi all,

Does anyone have suggestions on how to keep ants off hummingbird feeders? I have my feeder suspended from a metal plant hanger (curved hook on a 5 foot metal pole buried in the dirt) that the ants climb up on and then crawl down onto the feeder. I have tried rubbing vasoline on the pole, spraying the pole with cooking spray or cooking oil, but that doesn't seem to stop the ants from reaching the feeders. Any suggestions would be a great help. :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
13 years ago
Put tanglefoot, grease, or any long lasting sticky stuff at the base of the pole. You could also use the cap of an aerosol can (spray paint or whatever) that has two chambers (one for over the nozzle and one over the can). Drill a hole in the middle of the inner chamber just big enough for the wire of the feeder and slip the cap on. Fill the outer chamber with water to act as a moat...if you remember to keep it full. Tough to put into words, maybe I'll snap a pic.

tj
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
13 years ago
Duct tape and Tanglefoot.

Dan
Related Professionals
Londonderry Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · West Milford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Accokeek Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Comstock Park Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Otsego Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Williamsburg Landscape Contractors · Apollo Beach Landscape Contractors · Deer Park Landscape Contractors · El Segundo Landscape Contractors · Inglewood Landscape Contractors · Kettering Landscape Contractors · Peachtree City Landscape Contractors · Severna Park Landscape Contractors · St. Louis Landscape Contractors · University City Landscape Contractors
kathi_mdgd
13 years ago
I take my feeder down and while it's down i spray the pole(shepards hook) with Pam,ya know the stuff you use in the kitchen when cooking!! LOL It works like a charm,and i've been doing it this way for years.Only have to do it 2 or 3 times a year.
Kathi
jmrockey
8 years ago
I have a Sheppard's hook in our garden and I put "Vicks VapoRub" on the bottom 4 inches of the pole and have no ants! Just in case, I put "Vaseline" on the very top. My hummers are very happy!!
kimmq
8 years ago
https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;ylt=AwrBTz0AZlVhOQAEzpXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEycTgwOTVxBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQjAzOTVfMQRzZWMDc2M-?p=Feeder+Moats&fr=mcafee

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Flowers That Hummingbirds Adore

To draw those mesmerizing little birds to your garden or doorstep, plant these flowers that are attractive in more ways than one

GARDENING GUIDES These Hummingbird-Attracting Native Plants May Surprise You

By Susan J Tweit

These flowers, vines and shrubs offer shelter and food supplies that keep hummingbirds around longer

FLOWERS AND PLANTS Agastache Rupestris, a Heat-Loving Hummingbird Magnet

By Susan J Tweit

Threadleaf giant hyssop adds color and fragrance to late-summer and fall xeric gardens

GARDENING GUIDES Attract Hummingbirds and Bees With These Beautiful Summer Flowers

By Annie Thornton

Roll out a welcome mat for pollinators to keep your landscape in balance and thriving

EARTH DAY Create a Container Wildlife Habitat for Hummingbirds and Butterflies

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Don’t let limited space prevent you from welcoming wildlife into your garden

GARDENING GUIDES Hummingbird or Moth? See Why You Want Clearwings Around

By Pollination Press LLC

These fascinating moths may be helpful pollinators for your garden. Here’s how to coax them your way

FLOWERS Great Design Plants: Penstemon Rostriflorus

By Susan J Tweit

Plant bridge penstemon, also called mountain fountains, for its long-blooming scarlet spikes that act like a living hummingbird feeder

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Design Details: Outdoor Decor for the Birds

By Lily Gahagan

Feeders, Houses and Baths for Our Feathered Friends

Sponsored

More Discussions

Palm pest how to treat

3

What kind of slug is this?

7

Can fallen leaves in winter be used as fertilizer?

5

Native ground cover for shade in Philadelphi

2

Can you help me identify culprit if those damages?

4