Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that bring joy to many with their beauty and energetic personalities. Their tiny size and high metabolisms make them very sensitive to toxins and chemicals in their environments. It’s important for hummingbird lovers to understand what substances are harmful so that they can protect these special birds.
Household Chemicals and Cleaners
Many common household cleaners and chemicals are extremely toxic to hummingbirds. Even small amounts can be deadly if the birds ingest them or absorb them through their skin. Here are some major hazards to avoid:
- Insecticides – Any bug sprays or wasp killers can be lethal to hummingbirds. The toxins are designed to attack nervous systems, which affects tiny hummingbirds profoundly. Never spray these chemicals near hummingbird feeders or flowers.
- Herbicides & Pesticides – Chemicals designed to kill plants and rodents can impact hummingbirds that ingest nectar or bugs in treated areas. Avoid using these on lawns and gardens.
- Disinfectants – Products with antimicrobial chemicals or bleach can irritate hummingbirds’ skin and eyes. Avoid letting these chemicals get on feeders or surfaces the birds contact.
- Mold/Mildew Removers – Fungal spores are dangerous to hummingbirds, but the chemicals in mold removers can be just as lethal. Use other methods to remove mold safely when hummingbirds are present.
- Rodent Poisons – Rodenticides aimed at eliminating mice and rats will have the same effect on hummingbirds that ingest poisoned insects or rodents. Use enclosed rodent traps instead.
When cleaning in areas hummingbirds frequent, stick to mild soap and water. Avoid spraying anything near their feeding areas, and always rinse feeders thoroughly after cleaning with only hot water.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, zinc, copper, and iron can leach into nectar and cause heavy metal poisoning in hummingbirds, leading to everything from reproductive issues to death. Here are some ways heavy metals may get into hummingbird systems:
- Lead – Old lead-based paints often have lead particles in their chalky dust. Avoid hanging feeders from surfaces covered in deteriorating lead paint.
- Galvanized Feeders – Feeders coated in a layer of zinc may leach small amounts into nectar. Use glass, plastic, or ceramic feeders instead.
- Treated Wood – Wooden feeder poles or birdhouses treated with copper chromium arsenate (CCA) can leach arsenic. Use untreated cedar or pine instead.
- Rusty Surfaces – Rust is iron oxide, which can dissolve into nectar. Always toss out rusted feeders.
- Rainwater – Toxins in rainwater that runs off of metal surfaces can collect in puddles or bird baths. Provide fresh water daily.
Avoid decorations with lead, zinc, or copper components near feeders as well. Test old ceramic glazes for lead if unknown. Filtered water is safest for nectar mixing.
Toxic Plants
There are many plants toxic to hummingbirds found in nature and in gardens. Since hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the insects attracted to the flowers, ingesting these toxic flowering plants can be very dangerous. Here are some of the most common poisonous plants hummingbirds should be protected from:
- Rhododendron – All parts are toxic, causing weakness and heart issues.
- Buttercups – Contain ranunculin, which is converted to protoanemonin when ingested, causing ulcers in mouths.
- Foxglove – Digitalis glycosides cause severe digestive issues.
- Milkweed – Toxins cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal irritation.
- Nightshade – Solanine glycoalkaloids disrupt nervous systems.
- Oleander – Extremely toxic cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis.
- Castor Bean – Ricin toxin attacks protein synthesis in cells.
- Lantana/Yellow Sage – Lantadene A and B cause liver damage.
Research all flowers and flowering shrubs before planting to avoid these and other poisonous ornamentals. Also be aware of toxic weeds like nightshades that may grow wild in the lawn or garden beds.
Pesticides in Nectar
In addition to avoiding outdoor application of all insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, it’s crucial to avoid using any pesticides on flowering plants that attract hummingbirds. The toxins quickly transfer into the nectar at levels that can kill or harm the birds. This includes:
- Insecticidal soaps
- Nettle oil insecticides
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biological insecticides
- Neem oil insecticides
- Insect growth regulator chemicals
Always check labels to see if a product is approved for use on edible flowering plants. When in doubt, stick to manually removing pests from infested blossoms to protect hummingbirds feeding there.
Spoiled or Contaminated Nectar
Dirty feeders or spoiled nectar in feeders can also make hummingbirds sick. Here are some tips for prevention:
- Change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Toss any with black mold, fuzz, or cloudiness.
- Scrub feeders with hot water only to remove residue. No soap.
- Avoid letting ants, bees, or wasps drinking from feeders and contaminate nectar.
- Never put dye in nectar, which is unsafe and unnecessary.
- Use purified or distilled water for nectar to prevent bacteria growth.
- Keep nectar refrigerated for up to two weeks. Discard if older.
Following these nectar safety guidelines will help prevent diseases like tongue rot in hummingbirds that drink tainted mixes.
Nectar Concentration
Both under-diluted and over-diluted nectar can also be problematic for hummingbirds. Here are some tips on getting nectar ratios right:
- Use a 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar ratio. Use cane, beet, or white table sugar only.
- Do not use honey, agave, artificial sweeteners, or brown/raw sugars.
- Boil the water first for 1-2 minutes and let cool before mixing to kill any bacteria.
- Do not over-dilute with more than 5 parts water, which lacks nutrients.
- Do not under-dilute with less than 4 parts water, which is hard to digest.
- Use fresh mixes. Reheated nectar loses sugar concentration over time.
Test nectar with a refractometer periodically to ensure it stays within an ideal 15-20% sugar concentration range.
Medications and Vitamins
It can be tempting to try and give sick hummingbirds antibiotics, vitamins, supplements or medications intended for human use. However, these substances are highly concentrated and can easily overdose the tiny birds. Avoid giving hummingbirds any vitamin drops, antibiotics, electrolytes, Pedialyte, amino acids, minerals, etc. Even one drop of concentrated medication can poison and kill them.
Miscellaneous Household Toxins
There are a few other common household hazards to keep away from areas frequented by hummingbirds, including:
- Nicotine – From cigarette smoke, vapor, chew pouches, etc. Extremely toxic.
- Carbamate pesticides – These chemicals are still used for roach/ant killer and pet flea control in some places.
- Adhesives – Glues, rubber cement, epoxy, and other sticky adhesives can trap hummingbirds.
- Alcohol – Fermenting or open alcohol sources attract hummingbirds but can cause intoxication.
- Hair products – Hairsprays, gels, etc. can stick to feathers if sprayed around feeders.
Take measures to eliminate or minimize use of products containing these materials in areas frequented by hummingbirds whenever possible.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are very sensitive to many common chemicals and substances due to their small size. By being vigilant and limiting use of pesticides, maintaining clean feeders, avoiding toxic plants, and reducing exposure to hazardous household chemicals, we can help provide a safe environment for these special creatures to thrive.
A few key takeaways to remember are:
- Never use any insecticides or herbicides around hummingbird zones
- Use non-toxic methods to control pests on flowering plants
- Remove poisonous ornamentals and weeds from gardens
- Use plain white cane or beet sugar for nectar mixes
- Change nectar frequently to avoid spoilage
- Carefully follow nectar ratio guidelines
- Always inspect and properly clean feeders
Following these tips will help create a healthy, hazard-free environment for hummingbirds to enjoy without risk of accidental poisoning. With some awareness and preventative measures, we can help keep these amazing pollinators happy, healthy, and visiting our outdoor spaces safely.