Quick Answer
Some insecticides can be toxic to hummingbirds if the birds ingest or come into direct contact with them. However, there are several things you can do to use insecticides safely around hummingbirds:
- Avoid spraying insecticides on flowering plants that attract hummingbirds.
- Use insecticidal soaps or oils instead of synthetic insecticides when possible.
- Avoid spraying on windy days when drift could blow onto hummingbird-visited plants.
- Spray in the evening after hummingbirds are less active.
- Rinse plants sprayed with insecticides before hummingbirds visit the next day.
With proper precautions, insecticides and hummingbirds can coexist safely in the yard and garden. The key is using natural alternatives when possible and minimizing hummingbird exposure to synthetic chemicals.
What insecticides are harmful to hummingbirds?
Many common synthetic insecticides can be toxic to hummingbirds, especially if used improperly. These include:
- Neonicotinoids – Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid are linked to hummingbird declines.
- Organophosphates – Malathion, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos can be lethal to hummingbirds.
- Pyrethroids – Bifenthrin, cypermethrin and other pyrethroids are highly toxic.
- Carbamates – Carbaryl (Sevin), carbofuran, and methomyl can poison hummingbirds.
- Avermectins – Abamectin is highly toxic to hummingbirds.
Even when used according to label directions, residual traces of these chemicals on plants may still sicken or kill hummingbirds that ingest them. Safer options include insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or microbial insecticides like Bt or spinosad.
Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids like imidacloprid are commonly applied as systemic insecticides and can persist in plant tissues for months or years. Trace residues in nectar and pollen can slow down hummingbird feeding, reduce nesting success, and have other chronic effects.
Organophosphates and Carbamates
Organophosphates like malathion and chlorpyrifos, and carbamates like carbaryl, act as neurotoxins that can quickly kill hummingbirds if ingested. They can persist on sprayed plants for days or weeks.
Pyrethroids
Synthetic pyrethroids are designed to bind to insect nerve channels but they also bind to channels in hummingbird brains. Exposure can cause disorientation, tremors, respiratory paralysis, and death.
Avermectins
Avermectins like abamectin disrupt neurotransmitters in insect nerve cells. They are highly toxic to hummingbirds, with ingestion linked to impaired coordination, lethargy, vomiting, and death.
How can insecticides harm hummingbirds?
There are two primary ways hummingbirds can be harmed by insecticides:
- Ingestion – Hummingbirds may ingest toxic residues when feeding on nectar and insects from sprayed flowers or trees. Even tiny doses can sicken or kill hummingbirds due to their small body size.
- Contact – Hummingbirds can absorb insecticides through their feet or feathers during direct contact with treated plants, soils, or spray drift. This can cause poisoning symptoms.
In addition, insecticide contamination of food sources like nectar reduces available nutrition and stresses hummingbird health. Indirect ecosystem effects like insect prey loss may also impact hummingbirds.
Ingestion
Nectar and sap are the primary food sources for hummingbirds. When these fluids are contaminated with neonicotinoid, organophosphate, pyrethroid or other synthetic insecticide residues, hummingbirds ingest toxins with every meal.
Research indicates that imidacloprid doses of just 4-5 nanograms per milliliter of nectar can significantly slow hummingbird feeding. At higher doses, insecticides can impair coordination, suppress immune function, reduce reproductive success, or kill hummingbirds after only a small amount of contaminated nectar.
Contact
Hummingbirds can absorb insecticides through their feet while perching on sprayed plants. Their thin, permeable skin and rapid metabolism make them vulnerable to poisoning from these types of exposures.
Contact with foliage treated by any systemic insecticide allows uptake through the feet into the bloodstream. Pyrethroids can also adhere to and penetrate feathers, causing toxicity.
Indirect Effects
Insecticides reduce insect populations that hummingbirds rely on for food, especially small soft-bodied insects like aphids, leafhoppers, and spider mites. Neonicotinoids have been linked to broad insect losses.
Use of herbicides and fungicides may also decrease nectar availability by killing flowers hummingbirds depend on. These indirect ecosystem impacts compound the threats of insecticide toxicity.
How to use insecticides safely around hummingbirds
If insecticide use is necessary, there are several precautions that can help mitigate risks to hummingbirds:
- Avoid application on or near flowering plants.
- Spray early or late when hummingbirds are less active.
- Use natural insecticides like horticultural oils and soaps.
- Rinse off treated plants before hummingbirds return.
- Allow insecticides to dry completely before permitting hummingbird access.
- Minimize drift by not spraying on windy days.
With some care, it is possible to control problematic insects without putting hummingbirds in harm’s way. Prioritizing their favorite flowers and shrubs when making spraying decisions helps balance needs.
Avoid Flowering Plants
Insecticides are most dangerous when applied directly to plants hummingbirds feed from. Never spray nectar sources including:
- Fuchsias
- Salvias
- Penstemons
- Petunias
- Columbines
- Trumpet vines
- Crocosmia
- Bee balm
Focus treatments on non-flowering trees, shrubs, or ornamental grasses. Temporary removal of hummingbird feeders may also be wise.
Spray During Off Hours
Hummingbirds are most active from dawn to mid-morning and again prior to dusk. Applying insecticides late in the evening or before dawn minimizes exposure.
Weather conditions are also important. Hummingbirds often shelter during rain or high winds, providing windows for safer application.
Use Natural Insecticides
Organic options like neem oil, pyrethrin, insecticidal soap, and _Bacillus thuringiensis_ (Bt) have low toxicity to hummingbirds. Avoid synthetic chemicals like imidacloprid, permethrin, and chlorpyrifos which persist and accumulate.
Microbials derived from fungi or bacteria have little residual effect or risk to hummingbirds. Horticultural oils and soaps also provide more targeted control of soft-bodied insects.
Other Tips
Additional ways to reduce hummingbird insecticide exposure:
- Rinse off treated plants with a strong stream of water before hummingbirds return the next day.
- Allow sufficient drying time for insecticides to adhere to leaves and become less bioavailable.
- Avoid spraying on windy days when drift is likely.
- Spray when humidity is low to facilitate faster drying.
With some thoughtful planning, both insect control and hummingbird conservation goals can be achieved. The key is being strategic about when and where treatments are applied.
Conclusion
Insecticides can pose a risk to hummingbirds through ingestion, contact, and by reducing insect prey populations. However, there are ways to use insect control products safely in areas frequented by hummingbirds. By avoiding application to flowering plants, spraying during off-hours, permitting thorough drying, and selecting natural insecticides, hummingbirds can be protected even with a pest management program in place. With extra care taken around their favorite nectar sources, we can keep hummingbirds happily visiting our gardens.
Hummingbird Insecticide Toxicity Ratings
| Insecticide | Toxicity Level |
|---|---|
| Neonicotinoids (imidacloprid) | Very High |
| Organophosphates (malathion) | Very High |
| Carbamates (carbaryl) | High |
| Pyrethroids (permethrin) | Very High |
| Avermectins (abamectin) | Very High |
| Neem oil | Low |
| Horticultural oils | Low |
| Insecticidal soaps | Low |
| Bacillus thuringiensis | Low |
| Beauveria bassiana | Low |
This table provides a quick reference guide for the relative toxicity of common chemical and organic insecticides to hummingbirds. Very high toxicity chemicals like neonicotinoids and pyrethroids should be avoided, while oils, soaps, and microbials can be used much more safely around hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Insecticide Exposure Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible Insecticide Cause |
|---|---|
| Lethargy, weakness | Neonicotinoids, avermectins, organophosphates, carbamates |
| Uncoordinated flight | Pyrethroids, avermectins, carbamates |
| Tremors | Pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates |
| Paralysis | Pyrethroids, avermectins, organophosphates |
| Dead in feeder | Neonicotinoids, organophosphates, carbamates |
| Vomiting | Avermectins, organophosphates |
| Diarrhea | Neonicotinoids |
| Respiratory distress | Pyrethroids, organophosphates |
This table outlines common neurological and physical symptoms that may indicate insecticide poisoning in hummingbirds. Coordination problems, paralysis, tremors, lethargy, and death in the feeder are typical effects of different neurotoxic chemical classes.
Alternative pest control methods
For homeowners who want to avoid the use of hazardous insecticides around hummingbirds, there are several effective alternative pest control options:
- Insecticidal soaps – Potassium lauryl sulfate solutions kill soft-bodied insects like aphids without harming pollinators.
- Horticultural oils – These oils smother eggs, larvae, and adult soft-bodied insects when applied to leaves and stems.
- Microbial insecticides – _Bacillus thuringiensis_ and entomopathogenic fungi kill insects without toxicity to birds.
- Diatomaceous earth – The sharp edges of this powdered mineral physically damages insect cuticles and causes dehydration.
- Beneficial insects – Release or attract ladybugs, green lacewings, and other predators to naturally control pests.
- Physical removal – Hand-picking larger insects like beetles and caterpillars can provide control in small spaces.
Employing these kinds of non-chemical methods allows management of garden insect issues while completely protecting hummingbirds and other pollinators. With some additional effort, toxic pesticide use can be avoided even when controlling problematic infestations.
Insecticidal Soaps
Insecticidal soaps containing potassium lauryl sulfate disrupt cell membranes of soft-bodied insects through direct contact. They provide rapid knockdown with minimal effect on beneficials like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when used properly.Coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces is important for control.
Horticultural Oils
Light oils derived from petroleum or plants physically smother insects and disrupt cell membrane function. They leave no toxic residues and are safe for hummingbirds when dried. Oils target aphids, mites, thrips, whiteflies, mealybugs and other soft pests, but have limited effect on beetles or caterpillars.
Microbial Insecticides
_Bacillus thuringiensis_ (Bt) products contain bacteria that produce toxins lethal to certain insects like caterpillars, but harmless to vertebrates. Beauveria bassiana fungus can help control aphids, thrips, and other pests. Both provide extended control after application.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth consists of tiny fossilized remains of algae called diatoms. The sharp silica particles abrade and stick to insect cuticles, causing lethal dehydration. It provides long-lasting control and is approved for organic production. Avoid breathing dust when applying.
Beneficial Insects
Releasing or attracting lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid flies, and tiny parasitic wasps can provide natural biological control of aphids, mites, scales, mealybugs and other insect prey. Each beneficial targets specific hummmingbird-safe pest control.
Conclusion
While insecticides can pose risks to hummingbirds, there are many safer alternatives that protect both pollinators and plants. By avoiding the most hazardous chemicals and taking precautions with any necessary insecticide use, we can manage pests while keeping hummingbirds safe and healthy in our yards and gardens.
