Quick Answer
Yes, you can make an ant moat for a hummingbird feeder to help keep ants away. An ant moat is a simple barrier that prevents ants from reaching the nectar in hummingbird feeders. It typically consists of a container filled with water that is placed below the feeder, preventing ants from crossing over to the feeder. Ant moats are an effective, non-toxic way to deter ants without harming hummingbirds.
What is an Ant Moat?
An ant moat is a small container filled with water that creates a barrier around a hummingbird feeder to prevent ants from reaching the sugary nectar. It is essentially a tiny “moat” of water that ants cannot cross over.
Here’s how an ant moat works:
- A shallow container, like a plastic bowl or jar lid, is filled with water
- The container is placed directly below the feeding ports of the hummingbird feeder
- The feeder is suspended above the water, either hanging from a tree/hook or sitting on a stand
- Ants trying to reach the feeder must cross over the water, which they will not do
- Hummingbirds can easily fly over and access the feeder from above
This creates a simple but very effective barrier. The ants are stopped by the water, while the hummingbirds can continue to feed unimpeded.
Why Use an Ant Moat?
Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar in hummingbird feeders and can quickly invade and take over feeders if given the chance. An ant infestation can:
- Prevent hummingbirds from feeding – ants may intimidate or even attack hummingbirds attempting to feed
- Contaminate the nectar with ant larvae or ants that have drowned
- Lead to bacterial growth in the nectar from ant bodies
Using an ant moat helps ensure hummingbirds have full, uncontested access to your feeder without the mess and harm ants can cause. The ant moat serves as a simple, non-toxic deterrent that takes advantage of ants’ unwillingness to cross over water.
How to Make an Ant Moat
Making an simple and effective ant moat is easy with just a few basic supplies:
Supplies Needed
- Shallow container like a plastic bowl, jar lid, aluminum pie pan, etc.
- Water
- Hook or stand for hanging/suspending feeder over moat
Instructions
- Select a shallow container that is a few inches wider than your feeder
- Fill the container with about 1-2 inches of plain water
- Position the feeder over the center of the water container
- Suspend the feeder above the water using a hook, rope, or stand
- Ensure there is 2-3 inches of space between the water’s surface and the feeder ports
- Refill water as needed to prevent drying out
The ant moat should now provide an effective barrier to keep ants away! You can make adjustments to the size of the moat and how it is suspended as needed.
Tips for Using an Ant Moat
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of your ant moat:
- Use soapy water instead of plain water – a mild detergent solution makes it harder for ants to float/survive if they fall in
- Adjust moat position to be level with feeder – ants may use other surfaces to bypass the moat if not positioned properly
- Make sure it’s deep enough – 1-2 inches of water will prevent ants from traversing the moat
- Top off water level regularly – evaporation can make the moat ineffective if it fully dries up
- Wipe down feeder to remove ant trails – eliminates existing ant scent trails they use to find the feeder
Proper placement, sizing, and maintenance will ensure the ant moat remains an impassable barrier. Checking it regularly to top off water and wiping down the feeder are simple ways to enhance its effectiveness.
Alternative Ant Deterrents
While ant moats are one of the most popular and effective options, there are some other deterrents that can be used:
Petroleum Jelly
Coating feeder poles and hanging wires with a thin layer of petroleum jelly prevents ants from being able to climb up. The slippery surface stops them in their tracks.
Vinegar
Wiping down surfaces with white vinegar repels ants with its strong scent. It removes existing ant trails.
Cinnamon
Sprinkling cinnamon powder around the feeder stand/pole creates a spicy barrier ants avoid. Must be reapplied after rain/watering.
Chili Pepper
chili pepper powder or cayenne pepper can be sprinkled around feeders. The spice irritates ants and deters them from the area. Needs to be reapplied regularly.
Conclusion
An ant moat is an extremely effective yet simple solution for keeping ants away from hummingbird feeders. The water barrier stops ants in their tracks without harming hummingbirds. With just a shallow container filled with water properly positioned under the feeder ports, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds feed without the frustration of ants. Place your ant moat correctly, keep the water level topped off, and couple it with regular feeder cleaning for best results. And be sure to wipe down surfaces and remove any existing ant trails that may bypass the moat. An ant moat allows hummingbirds and humans alike to reap the full benefits of a feeder.