Back to the edition Tech

How to keep Ants off Hummingbird Feeders: 12 Tips to get Ants out of Hummingbird Feeders

RP Raj Patel AI Correspondent August 13, 2026 2 min read № 016
How to keep Ants off Hummingbird Feeders: 12 Tips to get Ants out of Hummingbird Feeders

One of the greatest pleasures for hummingbird lovers is seeing the birds roaming around their feeders. However, this image can be ruined by something as tiny as an ant. Ants can take over an entire feeder and drive your beloved birds away. Do you have ants in your hummingbird feeder? Are you wondering how to avoid having ants in your hummingbird feeder? Here are some bulletproof ways to keep these tiny pests away from your hummingbird feeder. Tips on How to Keep Ants Away from a Hummingbird Feeder 1. Use a Fishing Line to Hang the Hummingbird Feeder Fishing lines are very thin and slippery, even for ants. Hanging your hummingbird feeder from such a thin line can prevent ants from climbing into it; it’s like walking on a tightrope. However, you should pick a fishing line that can support the weight of the feeder and the birds on it. The last thing you need is for your feeder to fall off, which may harm your hummingbirds. Top Tip:Make sure to get a fishing line that is strong enough to carry at least two pounds and long enough to cover the entire height from which you hang your feeder. 2. Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder Over Water Ants can’t swim. If the feeder hangs on a fishing line and above water, ants can’t reach it from any side. Look for a body of water, like a pond or a fountain, to hang your hummingbird feeder above. If not, a birdbath will do. A birdbath can be a brilliant idea because it won’t only repel ants but also attract hummingbirds. 3. Place your Hummingbird Feeder in the Shade Find a spot that’s partially shaded. A shaded area would be too dark for the hummingbirds to locate your feeder. On the other hand,

One of the greatest pleasures for hummingbird lovers is seeing the birds roaming around their feeders.