Q&A for How to Keep Ants Off Hummingbird Feeders

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What does a carpenter ant look like?

Chris Parker
Pest Control Specialist
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

So, carpenter ants are typically large and black in color, making their size a distinctive characteristic. These ants are known for their wood-eating habits and can cause damage through their nesting behavior. Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include the sound of chewing within wood structures as well as the presence of shavings or dried shavings around nesting areas. So, if you notice large black ants and signs of wood damage in your home, it's likely that you're dealing with a carpenter ant infestation.

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Question

How do I keep bees away from hummingbird feeders?

Community Answer

Avoid yellow. Red attracts hummingbirds while yellow attracts wasps and bees. Avoid feeders with yellow insect guards or flower accents and your feeder will be less attractive to insects. If you have one with yellow accents, repaint with red, non-toxic paint.

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Question

Why do they make feeders with small openings? They're hard to fill and I can't get a brush small enough to clean them.

Community Answer

Probably to keep squirrels, etc. out. Most humming bird feeders come apart so you can clean and fill them. As far as ants, get a bird feeder moat at a local store that sells the feeders, like Walmart.

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Question

What sticky substance can keep ants away from bird feeders?

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Community Answer

Honey (the edible kind) or something slippery or sticky like vegetable oil or petroleum jelly can sometimes be used to keep ants away from hummingbird feeders.

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