How to Start Feeding Hummingbirds

8. What Can I Do About Bees and Ants in the Feeder?

By far, the biggest challenge in maintaining a healthy hummingbird feeder is dealing with bees and other insects that are attracted to sugar water.

Even though insects can be a challenge to hummingbird feeding, you must never use insecticide or other chemicals to kill them. Always select natural, chemical-free methods.

Crawling insects are easily dealt with by a device called an ant moat; it's easy to purchase one or make your own.

If bees and wasps are using the feeder, you must purchase nectar guard tips so they can't access the food. If your feeder hangs in direct light, move it to a shadier place. And always clean up any spilled nectar that might attract these insects.