A Hummingbird Feeder That Will Deter Pests
Hummingbirds are interesting creatures that benefit the ecosystem with their pollinating capabilities. If you would like to attract hummingbirds to your yard but have been wary about purchasing a feeder because of the possibility of ants, wasps, or bees invading the birds' territory, purchase a feeder that contains a built-in moat and guards and hang the feeder in an area that will deter pesky pests.
How Do Guards Come Into Play?
Standard feeders do not offer protection from crawling and flying insects. Ants have a tendency to walk along the frame of a feeder to gain access to feeding stations, and wasps, bees, and other flying insects will simply fly along the perimeter of a feeder. Ant moats are plastic or copper structures that are secured to the tops of feeders. Each unit will contain one moat, which is essentially a round basin.
After hanging a feeder, pour water into the moat. If ants are attracted to the nectar or sugary mixture that has been added to the feeding stations, they will attempt to walk down the feeder's surface. Once they approach the moat, they will fall into the water and be unable to continue their trek.
Wasp/bee guards are specially designed feeding stations that won't grant access to small insects. The rounded and raised design of each station will provide ample room for hummingbirds but will discourage flying insects from trying to collect nectar or sugar water, since they will be unable to succeed in their endeavors.
How Can The Area That Is Chosen Be Influential?
Go online to purchase a feeder that contains built-in insect deterrents. Select a single-tiered model that includes plenty of feeding stations or a double-tiered model that contains feeding stations on each level. A nectar solution of sugar and water can be used to fill each station. Although the built-in moat and guards will vastly reduce the number of insects that attempt to reach the feeding stations, you should take additional measures to reduce the likelihood that pests will become a nuisance.
Wasps and bees tend to congregate in sunny areas that contain tubular flowers. Choose a shaded portion of your yard to house the feeder. A low-lying branch will provide a suitable area to anchor the feeder. Make sure that you can easily reach the branch, because you are going to need to regularly clean and refill the feeding stations. Additionally, choose an area that will provide you with the perfect vantage point so that you can participate in daily birdwatching sessions.
Start looking for ant-proof hummingbird feeders online if this interests you.
