The Best Ways To Keep Wasps Away From Your Hummingbird Feeder
Posted on: 16 August 2019
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Hummingbirds are not the only ones who love the nectar placed inside of a hummingbird feeder. Many insects, including wasps, bees, and ants, also are attracted to the nectar and can begin feeding from the feeder. Unfortunately, pests can contaminate the feeder, which will deter hummingbirds from wanting to eat from your feeder. This can cause you to miss out on seeing these beautiful birds close up. If you have wasps who seem to enjoy your feeder, you will want to deter them. Here are a few ways you can keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder.
Hang Wasps Nests Near the Feeders
Wasps are extremely territorial. If they see another nest positioned somewhere, they will typically avoid it. As such, hanging a fake wasp nest near your feeders will help to deter most wasps. You can purchase fake wasps nests online, or you can go online and learn how to make your own paper wasp nest.
Use a Wasp-Proof Hummingbird Feeder
Another way to keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder is to use a wasp-proof hummingbird feeder. Wasp-proof feeders have been designed specifically to keep insects from feeding on the nectar in the feeder. They may have nectar guards over the nectar source. These guards prevent small pests from being able to suck out the nectar while still allowing hummingbirds access with their beaks. Saucer feeders may also be a great option. Most pests cannot reach the nectar, but hummingbirds still can drink through the use of their tongue. Wasp-proof feeders may cost more, but they help to deter wasps.
Move the Feeders at Least Monthly
The last option to keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder is to move your feeders at least monthly. If possible, move them every week or two. Pests are able to find the feeder and then leave a scent that allows other pests of the same species to find their way to the feeder. Moving the feeder throws off this trail, helping to deter many types of pests, including wasps.
If you are looking to keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder, there are a few steps you can take to deter the wasps. You can hang wasps nests near the feeders, use a wasp-prof hummingbird feeder and/or move your feeders at least once a month. All of these steps will allow you to continue feeding hummingbirds while preventing or deterring wasps from eating the nectar.
Contact a company like The Hummingbird Feeder for more tips.