Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that are loved by many for their colorful plumage and energetic behavior. However, they can also become a nuisance for some when they flock to feeders or try to nest in undesirable areas around homes and gardens. Understanding what deters hummingbirds can help prevent unwanted visits from these feisty flyers.
Why do hummingbirds come to yards and gardens?
Hummingbirds are attracted to yards and gardens for a few key reasons:
- Food source – Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and tiny insects. Gardens provide both. They particularly love tubular flowers like honeysuckles, trumpet vines, and fuchsias.
- Water source – Hummingbirds need water not just to drink, but to bathe. Sprinklers, birdbaths and fountains attract them.
- Shelter – Trees, shrubs, and crawl spaces provide shelter for hummingbirds to rest and build nests.
Understanding these needs is the first step in discouraging hummingbirds from settling where they’re not wanted. Eliminating food sources and access to water are key deterrents. Trimming back dense vegetation can also make an area less appealing.
When are hummingbirds most problematic?
Hummingbirds generally become an issue when:
- They swarm feeders, preventing other birds from feeding
- They nest in inconvenient areas like porch eaves or garages
- They exhibit aggressive territorial behavior, such as attacking people or pets
This occurs most often during key seasons:
- Spring – In migration and early nesting season when competition for food and nest sites is high.
- Summer – When defending nests and fledglings.
- Fall – When migrating south and food sources dwindle.
Being aware of these seasonal patterns allows anticipation of when hummingbird troubles are most likely.
Deterring Hummingbirds
Here are some of the most effective methods and products for deterring problematic hummingbird behaviors:
Remove Food Sources
Eliminating nectar feeders and flowering plants will make a yard less attractive to hummingbirds looking for food. Consider the following actions:
- Take down feeders or let them go empty for 1-2 weeks.
- Deadhead flowers and trim back nectar-producing annuals and perennials.
- Choose non-flowering ornamental grasses and greenery.
Gradually reintroducing feeders and flowers in moderation can help prevent the area from being overrun again. Avoid peak hummingbird seasons when reducing food sources.
Alter Nectar
If eliminating feeders altogether is not an option, try altering nectar to make it less palatable:
- Add hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper powder to nectar to give it a spicy taste.
- Use raw turbinado sugar instead of refined white sugar. The molasses taste deters some birds.
- Allow nectar to ferment slightly before filling feeders.
Start with moderate amounts and increase if needed. This may need to be avoided during nesting and migration when birds are desperate for food.
Use Deterrent Devices
There are several devices designed to scare away hummingbirds:
- Reflective tape – Hanging near feeders or windows, the flashing reflection startles birds.
- Fake predators – Lifelike models of hawks, owls, or snakes can frighten hummingbirds.
- Wind chimes – Movement and sound helps deter hummingbirds from coming too close.
Position multiple devices near problem areas. Be sure they are humane and do not harm birds.
Exclude from Nesting Areas
Hummingbirds can be very defensive of nests. Block potential nest spots:
- Plug holes, cover ledges, and seal openings to prevent access.
- Hang wind chimes or reflective tape to deter nest building.
- Trim back vegetation around foundations and eaves.
Take action early before nest construction begins. Avoid disturbing active nests which is illegal.
Use Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds birds dislike. They can be effective if moved frequently so birds don’t acclimate. Models with predator sounds or flashing lights work best to mimic imminent danger.
Apply Gel Repellents
Non-toxic gels like polybutene or methyl anthranilate applied to ledges and perches create a sticky, uncomfortable surface. Reapply after rain. Avoid plant surfaces.
Try a Water Mist
Motion activated sprinklers that shoot a quick burst of water when triggered by movement can startle hummingbirds away from an area. Just be sure to prevent prolonged soaking.
Use a Handheld Water Mister
For quick deterrent of individual problem birds, a simple handheld water bottle can be sprayed as a harmless repellent. The sudden sprinkle sends most hummingbirds on their way.
When to Get Help
In extreme cases where hummingbirds pose serious risks like these, further assistance may be needed:
- Aggressive birds that repeatedly attack
- Nesting in vital structure locations like vents or wiring
- Causing significant property damage from nest materials
- Refusing to leave an inappropriate nest after young have fledged
Consult a wildlife rehabilitation expert or pest control professional to remove dangerous nests or trap problematic birds for relocation if necessary. Avoid harming the birds.
Conclusion
Deterring hummingbirds requires an integrated approach including modifying the environment, directly repelling birds, and excluding them from nesting areas. Patience is needed, as it make take 1-2 weeks for hummingbirds to adapt and understand the area is inhospitable. Providing alternate food sources nearby also helps redirect the birds away. With diligence, most unwanted hummingbird issues can be resolved humanely and safely for both birds and people. The key is being proactive before populations grow out of control and behaviors become difficult to change. Implementing deterrents early and consistently will help ensure hummingbirds don’t take over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scent keeps hummingbirds away?
Strong scents like citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, garlic, and vinegar can help repel hummingbirds. Try placing citrus peels near feeders or problem areas. You can also hang cotton balls soaked in distilled white vinegar. Reapply smelly deterrents after rain.
Do hummingbird feeders attract more hummingbirds?
Yes, hummingbird feeders with sugary nectar will attract more hummingbirds to an area. That’s why it’s recommended to take down feeders if trying to deter hummingbirds from overrunning a property. Eliminating this food source is key.
What is the best hummingbird repellent?
For a natural option, spraying mint oil or essence of mint on plants and ledges creates an odor hummingbirds dislike. For a deterrent device, ultrasonic repellents that produce high-pitched sounds uncomfortable for birds are very effective.
Do fake owls scare away hummingbirds?
Yes, fake owls can help scare away hummingbirds, especially if they have large eyes and appear lifelike. Move the owl to different perches periodically so the birds don’t realize it’s not real. The more threatening it appears, the better it will deter hummingbirds.
What smell do hummingbirds hate?
Hummingbirds are turned off by strong, pungent odors. Smells they dislike include mint, garlic, vinegar, citrus oils, and spices like cayenne. Try soaking cotton balls in vinegar or hanging citrus peels to create a hummingbird-unfriendly smell.
Key Facts and Data
Average Hummingbird Weight
| Species | Weight in grams |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | 3-6 |
| Rufous | 3-4 |
| Allen’s | 3-5 |
| Anna’s | 4-6 |
| Costa’s | 3-4 |
Average Hummingbird Heart Rate
| Stage | Heart Rate Per Minute |
|---|---|
| Resting | 200-400 |
| Hovering | 1200 |
| Fast Flight | Up to 1560 |
Average Hummingbird Life Span
| Species | Life Span in Years |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | 5 |
| Black-chinned | 8-10 |
| Anna’s | 6-9 |
| Rufous | 3-5 |
| Allen’s | 4-5 |
Detailed Process for Deterring Hummingbirds
Follow these steps to effectively keep hummingbirds away from your yard or property:
1. Remove Food Sources
Eliminate anything that provides food to hummingbirds:
– Take down feeders and let them stay down for 1-2 weeks minimum to disperse birds.
– Remove any flowering plants that produce nectar attractive to hummingbirds. This includes fuchsias, trumpet vines, salvias, and flowering vines. Trim back trees and shrubs that produce small flowers with ample nectar.
– Clear away overripe and fallen fruit that may attract insects and small pests that hummingbirds feed on.
– Keep grass cut short and landscape free of plant debris where insects could hide and breed.
2. Add Deterrents
Install visual and audible deterrent devices:
– Hang reflective strips of flashing tape near problem areas like feeders or windows. Opt for red/silver or rainbow colors that birds perceive as danger signals.
– Position fake predators like hawk or owl decoys on poles, rails, or fence tops. Move periodically for increased effectiveness.
– Hang wind chimes in trees and plants to create movement and sound that disturbs hummingbirds.
– Set up ultrasonic repellents that make high-pitched noises near nests, feeders, and confined spaces. These should have frequencies in the 20-30 kHz range birds dislike.
3. Alter Nesting Areas
Modify potential nesting spots to make them less desirable:
– Seal off access to crawl spaces, vents, openings in eaves, walls, or under railings where hummingbirds may sneak in to build nests. Use wire mesh, caulking, wood, or metal covers.
– Trim back dense vegetation and tree branches around foundations and roof edges so there are no hidden spots for nests.
– Hang wind chimes or reflective strips around porch ceilings, awnings, and garage doors to deter nesting.
– Inspect for small nest starts each week during spring breeding season and remove any found. Avoid disturbing active nests with eggs or young.
4. Apply Repellent Substances
Try tactile deterrents in key resting areas:
– Use non-toxic polybutene gel on ledges, signs, beams, and other flat surfaces. The sticky texture makes birds avoid these areas. Reapply after rain.
– Coat perches or branches with non-toxic methyl anthranilate gel. The smell and taste repel birds.
– Hang bags of human hair, which birds dislike, near problematic roosting or nesting spots.
5. Use Water
Employ water as an active deterrent for individual birds:
– Set up a motion-activated sprinkler that sprays a quick patterned burst when triggered by movement. Position near feeders or nests.
– Use a handheld spray bottle to squirt water at hummingbirds that approach you aggressively or get too close to excluded areas.
– Install a dripper that creates irregular noise vibration. The erratic sounds disturb hummingbirds.
6. Manage Nectar Feeders
If keeping feeders, make nectar less palatable:
– Add hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper powder to nectar for a spicy taste. Start with 1 part per 3-4 parts water and increase if needed.
– Switch from white refined sugar to raw turbinado sugar, which has a strong molasses flavor.
– Allow nectar to ferment for 1-2 days before filling feeders. The alcohol content of old nectar deters some birds.
– Place feeders well away from homes, pathways, and high traffic areas. Site them hidden amongst trees rather than open exposure. Limit to just 1-2 feeders maximum.
7. Be Patient
– It can take 1-2 weeks for hummingbirds to adapt to deterrents and realize an area is inhospitable.
– Persist through initial resistance when first employing deterrents. Aggressive birds may become more defiant before they accept the habitat is no longer welcoming.
– When fewer hummingbirds are present, gradually reintroducing some flowers and a small feeder avoidance areas can help “redirect” birds away.
– Time deterrent use outside peak hummingbird seasons if possible to avoid disturbing critical feeding and nesting behaviors.
