Ant moats are a popular accessory used with hummingbird feeders to help prevent ants from reaching the nectar. They work by creating a water barrier that ants cannot cross. But do ant moats really work? Here is an in-depth look at the effectiveness of ant moats for hummingbird feeders.
What are ant moats?
Ant moats are circular dishes or trays that attach to the hanging wire under a hummingbird feeder. They are filled with water, creating a moat that ants cannot cross to reach the nectar reservoir above. The smooth surface and depth of the water prevent ants from being able to reach the feeder.
Ant moats are designed specifically for hummingbird feeders. They attach securely so they do not tip or spill when birds land on the feeder perch. The moats are made of durable plastic that can withstand weather elements and repeated ant assaults.
How do ant moats work?
Ant moats utilize a simple concept – ants cannot cross water. Ants are terrestrial insects that cannot swim. When they encounter a body of water, they are unable to cross. This allows the ant moat to act as an effective barrier.
The smooth plastic surface of the moat offers no grip for ants to crawl across. And the depth of the water prevents them from being able to stretch across. Even when debris falls into the moat, ants still cannot use it as a bridge due to the smooth sides. This forces them to give up on reaching the feeder.
Tips for using ant moats
To get the most out of an ant moat for your hummingbird feeder, follow these tips:
- Keep the moat filled with water at all times. Allowing it to dry out provides an opportunity for ants.
- Change the water frequently, at least every 2-3 days. Stagnant water lets debris accumulate for ants to cross.
- Wipe down the interior and exterior of the moat regularly to prevent algae growth.
- Consider adding a few drops of cooking oil to the water. This further breaks the water tension making crossing impossible for ants.
- Select a size of moat proportionate to your feeder for optimal coverage.
Are ant moats effective at keeping ants away?
When used properly and maintained diligently, ant moats are very effective at preventing ants from getting into hummingbird feeders. The water barrier creates an impenetrable obstacle that ants cannot overcome.
Research has shown that ant moats eliminate 96-100% of ants attempting to access a feeder. Their simple yet ingenious design takes advantage of ants’ inability to traverse across water. As long as the moat remains full and debris-free, ants will be unable to penetrate the line of defense.
Benefits of ant moats
Here are some of the benefits that make ant moats a popular accessory for hummingbird feeders:
- Non-toxic – Ant moats provide pest control without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides.
- Targeted solution – Ant moats only prevent access to the feeder, allowing ants to still traverse the rest of the yard.
- Low maintenance – Aside from occasional cleaning and refilling, ant moats require little maintenance.
- Affordable – Ant moats are inexpensive to purchase and use compared to other ant deterrents.
- Durable – Made of sturdy plastic, ant moats hold up well to outdoor conditions.
These benefits make ant moats a straightforward and hassle-free solution for feeder defense against ants.
Potential drawbacks
While ant moats are largely effective, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Evaporation can be an issue in hot, dry weather. The moat must be monitored and refilled frequently.
- Plastic materials can become brittle and crack over time with outdoor exposure.
- Smaller ants and other insects may still be able to bypass the moat.
- Debris falling into the moat must be promptly removed to prevent ants from using it as a bridge.
- Damage from squirrels, birds or other wildlife can render moats ineffective.
With proper care and maintenance however, these issues can usually be prevented. The effectiveness of the ant moat depends on the diligence of the user to keep it filled and debris-free.
Troubleshooting tips
If ants persist in getting past your ant moat, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure water level is full and moat is clean.
- Use hot water to kill any ant rafts or eggs in the moat.
- Add a few drops of cooking oil to further break the water’s surface tension.
- Use petroleum jelly on feeder pole and hanging wire to block ants.
- Situate feeder farther from trees, bushes and structures ants use as access points.
Addressing any habitat near the feeder being used by ants is key. Keep the feeder area clear of branches touching structures and trim back vegetation. This will eliminate access points ants could use to bypass the moat.
Alternative ant deterrent options
If an ant moat fails to provide adequate protection, there are some alternative ant deterrents to consider:
Diatomaceous earth
Sprinkling this powdered mineral around the feeder stand can kill and repel ants. The sharp edges cut ants’ exoskeletons causing dehydration.
Petroleum jelly
Coating the feeder hanger and pole with a thin layer of petroleum jelly prevents ants from being able to climb up. Needs reapplication after rain.
Vinegar
Wiping surfaces with vinegar repels ants with its strong scent. It also removes pheromone trails ants use to follow pathways.
Ant bait traps
Strategically placed bait traps lure ants away from the feeder with a tastier, toxic offering. Reduces overall ant presence.
Testing different deterrents may be needed to find an effective solution for a particularly stubborn ant colony. Preventative measures are always recommended to block their access in the first place.
Key considerations when purchasing an ant moat
If choosing an ant moat for your hummingbird feeder, keep the following key factors in mind:
Size
Select a moat that is proportionate in size to your feeder. A moat with a larger diameter than the reservoir provides maximum coverage.
Depth
A deeper water capacity makes it harder for ants to reach across. Aim for at least a 1-2 inch depth.
Material
Durable plastics that can withstand weathering are ideal. Metal can conduct heat to the nectar.
Attachment
A sturdy, secure attachment is vital. It should not loosen or slip out of alignment when birds are feeding.
Shape
A round moat offers the best coverage. Other shapes may leave gaps for ants to exploit.
Paying attention to these factors will ensure you select an ant moat that will effectively protect your feeder.
Conclusion
Ant moats are an extremely effective accessory for deterring ants from gaining access to hummingbird feeders. When used properly, they can nearly eliminate ants from reaching the precious nectar supply. Their simple design takes advantage of the fact ants cannot traverse across water.
While ant moats do have some drawbacks like evaporation and debris buildup, these issues can be prevented with regular cleaning, refilling and maintenance. Overall, ant moats offer an affordable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly way to protect feeders from ants.
Consider using an ant moat alongside other preventative measures like trimming vegetation and wiping surfaces with vinegar. With a diligent defense strategy, you can successfully outsmart ants and keep them away from feeders.
