Quick Answer
Yes, hummingbirds will still feed even if there are ants on the feeder. Hummingbirds are determined to get the energy-rich nectar they need, and will not be deterred by the presence of ants. However, ants can be a nuisance and their presence indicates the feeder needs to be cleaned. With some simple steps, you can discourage ants and keep your feeder clean for hummingbirds.
Do Hummingbirds Avoid Feeders with Ants?
Hummingbirds are highly motivated to feed on the sugary nectar in feeders. Their high metabolism requires them to consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day. This drive means they will visit feeders even if ants are present.
However, the presence of ants likely means the feeder has become dirty with spilled, rotten nectar that attracts the ants. Hummingbirds will prefer a clean feeder without ants, but will still utilize a feeder with ants to get the calories they desperately need.
Why are Ants Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders?
Ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders because of the sugar-rich nectar. The primary diet of ants is insects, but they have a strong sweet tooth and will readily consume sugary foods like nectar.
In particular, ants are attracted to old, spoiled nectar that gets spilled or leaks from the feeder. The rotten nectar contains nutrients attractive to ants. They will swarm the feeder to get every last drop.
Ants also may enter or crawl on feeders simply because they are scavenging for food. A feeder dripping with fresh nectar can attract nearby ants just like any other sugary food source.
Common Ant Species at Hummingbird Feeders
There are many ant species found across North America that may visit hummingbird feeders, including:
- Carpenter ants – large black ants that nest in wood structures
- Argentine ants – small black ants that form large colonies
- Odorous house ants – black ants with a strong rotten coconut odor
- Pavement ants – small brown or black ants that nest outdoors
- Thief ants – tiny ants that nest indoors
- Sugar ants – small black or brown ants with a sweet tooth
The most common ant encountered at feeders is the Argentine ant. This species forms super colonies with multiple queens and aggressively seeks out food sources.
Do Ants Chase Hummingbirds Away?
Ants themselves do not drive hummingbirds away from feeders. Hummingbirds are much larger than ants and unfazed by their presence. They will fly right past ants to access the nectar they need.
However, hummingbirds may avoid a feeder if the ants indicate it is covered in rotten, fermented nectar. Rancid nectar does not have the sweet taste or nutritional value hummingbirds desire. So a swarming ant colony is more a sign of an unclean feeder than an irritant to hummingbirds.
Signs Ants Have Chased Away Hummingbirds
There are a few signs that indicate ants may have caused hummingbirds to avoid a feeder:
- Ants crawling inside the feeder
- A thick layer of ants completely covering the feeder
- Leaking, sticky nectar on which ants are feeding
- The feeder is empty even though hummers no longer visit
- A putrid smell coming from the feeder
If you notice these signs, the ant infestation has likely rendered the feeder unusable and requires thorough cleaning before hummingbirds will return.
Do Hummingbirds Eat Ants?
While hummingbirds will feed next to ants, they do not intentionally eat ants. Ants contain little nutritional value for hummingbirds. And their hard, crunchy bodies would be difficult for a hummingbird to digest.
However, hummingbirds may occasionally accidentally ingest small ants while feeding rapidly at the nectar source. Much like humans swallowing a fly or mosquito, this does no harm to the hummingbird.
There is no evidence hummingbirds purposefully capture ants or other insects to eat. Plant nectar and small spiders comprise nearly the entirety of a hummingbird’s diet. They get some small nutrients from ants but certainly do not rely on them as a food source.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Hummingbird Feeders
Preventing ants from invading hummingbird feeders requires diligently cleaning the feeders and using deterrents:
Daily Cleaning
The most important step is cleaning the feeder thoroughly each day. This removes any stale nectar or drips attractive to ants:
- Rinse with hot water and scrub inside
- Soak in a vinegar solution to dissolve residue
- Use a small brush to clean crevices and tubes
- Let the feeder completely dry before refilling
Also clean up any drips or spills below the feeder. Rotten nectar on the ground below is a magnet for ants.
DIY Ant Deterrents
There are several homemade solutions that can be added to the nectar or applied around the feeder:
- Cayenne pepper powder repels ants
- Cooking oils like vegetable oil form a barrier
- Apple cider vinegar alters the pH balance
- Powdered sugar absorbs moisture ants need
Start with small amounts to avoid altering the nectar too much. Reapply deterrents daily or after rain.
Pesticide Sprays
Insecticide sprays like Raid can be applied around the base of the feeder pole to kill ants on contact:
- Use sprays formulated for ant elimination
- Follow instructions carefully to avoid harming hummingbirds
- Reapply after rain or every few days
- Do not spray onto the feeder itself
Take care using pesticides, as they may inadvertently get into the nectar or impact pollinators like bees.
Ant Moats
Ant moats are devices filled with water that surround the feeder and prevent ants from reaching it. The ants cannot swim across the moat:
- Use a commercial ant moat or make your own
- Position the moat a few inches below the feeder
- Add vegetable oil to the water to better trap ants
- Top off water as needed after rain
Ant Prevention Tips
With vigilance, ants can be kept away and feeders maintained for hummingbird feeding:
- Empty and clean feeders fully each day
- Wipe up drips and spills below the feeder
- Use thick nectar concentrate that does not drip as readily
- Replace feeders that leak
- Move feeders away from bushes and structures where ants originate
- Apply deterrents liberally and frequently
- Consider using an ant moat for severe infestations
The extra effort to control ants is well worth it to support the amazing hummingbirds that visit your yard.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are tenacious and will access the food they require even in unpleasant conditions like an ant infestation. But taking steps to actively control ants around feeders is best for both the hummingbirds and bird lovers who want to provide a safe, tidy feeding environment. With routine cleaning and ant deterrents, hummingbird enthusiasts can evict ants and create an ideal spot for hummingbirds to thrive. The birds will reward the effort by providing an amazing display of nature just outside the window.