Keep Ants Off Your Hummingbird Feeder & Attract Even More Birds With An Easy Solution

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A hummingbird feeder is a fun addition to your outdoor space. Whether catching a glimpse of the birds through your window or keeping an eye on them from your perfect patio space, it's fascinating to watch the tiny but mighty creatures out in the wild. Plus, they're incredible pollinators, so it's nice to know their visits are helping to grow your healthy garden.

The best hummingbird feeders that attract more feathered friends to your yard are ones filled with delicious nectar. But that ultra-sweet solution also gets the attention of a less-wanted guest, too — ants are also sugar lovers. When they make their way to the feeder, they can contaminate the nectar, clog the feeding mechanisms, and ultimately discourage hummingbirds from frequenting the spot.

One simple way to keep the birds and ditch the ants? Move your hummingbird feeder above a watery location like a birdbath, fountain, or garden pond. Ants can't swim, so they'll stay away. What's more, hummingbirds are naturally drawn to water, so you can make it an even friendlier spot for your feathery visitors.

Hummingbirds don't just need water to survive. They also love to splash and bathe in the mist of water sources like birdbaths and fountains. Traditional bird baths are typically too large for the small birds to enjoy, so a well-positioned feeder above a fountain or bird bath can give hummingbirds the best of both worlds — the refreshing spray of water and delicious food. Ants, on the other hand, aren't big fans of larger water sources like fountains or ponds. They need water for survival, but ants are more likely to seek out spots with minimal amounts of water, like the drips from a leaky hose or a damp welcome mat. By placing your hummingbird feeder near a larger source of water, you'll discourage ants from trying to reach the sweet nectar.

When possible, hang a hummingbird feeder in a spot where the birds can easily find it but one where they won't also be overwhelmed by the amount of water. For instance, you could position it on a ledge of a fountain or over a small garden pond. You can also position a feeder near or above a birdbath, giving the hummingbirds space to enjoy the water mist without competing with bigger birds or being in a too-deep water source. Adding a bird bath sprayer attachment can help — the splatters from the moving water satisfy hummingbirds without them needing to get into the bird bath completely. 

Working with limited backyard space or don't have any water features in your yard? You can find options like the HEADAK Life solar-powered hummingbird feeder and bath for an all-in-one solution. Some of these designs can even attach to decks or apartment balconies. This way, you can give hummingbirds a space to splash while also deterring ants.