Ants can sometimes be a nuisance for bird lovers who have feeders in their yards or gardens. If you’ve noticed ants crawling all over your bird feeders, you may be wondering if this is a problem that needs to be addressed. There are a few considerations when it comes to ants and bird feeders.
Why are ants attracted to bird feeders?
Ants are opportunistic insects that are always searching for food sources. Bird feeders contain seeds, suet, nectar, and other food items that are irresistible to ants. The sugary hummingbird nectar and high-fat suet are especially attractive. Ants will also feed on dropped bird seed underneath feeders. They follow scent trails left by other ants to discover these rich food supplies.
Do ants harm birds or baby birds?
Ants are not directly harmful to adult birds visiting feeders. However, they can sometimes pose a threat to baby birds still in nests if the ant population is not controlled. Some species of ants may prey on hatchling birds or climb into nests seeking food. The presence of fire ants near nests is especially problematic, as they have a powerful, painful sting that can injure nestlings.
Can ants contaminate the bird food?
Ants can contaminate bird food by crawling over and through it. When ants march over the bird seed or suet, they leave traces of formic acid behind. Formic acid can impart an unpleasant flavor. Ants can also transfer bacteria and other microbes onto feeder food as they move back and forth from the ground. This bacteria contamination produces mold and slime on the feeder contents.
Problems Caused by Ants at Bird Feeders
Though ants themselves are typically harmless to birds, their presence at feeders can lead to a few issues:
Ants deter birds from feeders
Some birds may avoid feeders that are teeming with ants. The birds likely find the presence of ants unpleasant. Hummingbirds, in particular, will abandon ant-infested nectar feeders and seek cleaner sources of food. This defeats the purpose of providing bird feeders.
Ants can chase away birds
Aggressive ant species may intimidate or even chase away birds from feeders. Birds retreat when swarmed by ants near food sources. Very small birds may not be able to access feeders at all if there are many ants marching back and forth.
More ants lead to more ant nests
An accumulation of ants at one feeder location can lead to them building satellite nests nearby. Ant colonies may take up residence in the soil, landscaping materials, or structural crevices of a patio or porch where feeders are positioned. Multiple ant nests make the problem harder to control.
Problem | Description |
---|---|
Deter birds | Birds avoid ant-infested feeders |
Chase away birds | Aggressive ants intimidate birds |
More ant nests | Ant colonies take up residence near feeders |
Solutions for Ants in Bird Feeders
If ants are disrupting the bird feeding experience, there are several eco-friendly remedies to try:
Use ant moats or poles
Moats and poles create a barrier ants cannot cross to reach the feeders. Pole mounts isolate feeders on a central pole coated with a slippery substance. Moats are dishes of water that surround pole feeder mounts or hang below hanging feeders. The water blocks the ants’ path.
Apply vegetable oil
A light coat of vegetable oil on feeder poles, hanging hooks, and other surfaces can prevent ants accessing feeders. The oil causes ants to slip and fall. Reapply after rain or sprinklers.
Use diatomaceous earth
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth at ant access points. The powdery substance dehydrates ants upon contact. Reapply after heavy rain or watering.
Solution | How it works |
---|---|
Ant moats/poles | Water barrier blocks ant access |
Vegetable oil | Oil causes slippery surface |
Diatomaceous earth | Powder dehydrates ants |
Use vinegar
Wipe down feeder areas with white distilled vinegar, or spray it directly onto ant trails. Vinegar removes ant pheromone trails and discourages ants from returning. Reapply vinegar every few days.
Sprinkle cinnamon or chili powder
These strong spices are repellent to ants. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or chili powder at ant access points and reapply after rain or watering. Take care to avoid getting these seasonings into the bird food itself.
Move feeder location
If one spot seems to be a magnet for ants, try moving your feeder to a new location and cleaning up leftover seed from the ground. This may help eliminate the ant problem.
Preventing Ants at Bird Feeders
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to dealing with ants. Here are some tips for deterring ants proactively:
Clean up spilled seeds
Promptly sweep up any bits of seed or hulls that accumulate underneath feeders. Removing this food source denies ants access.
Use ant-proof feeders
Invest in feeders with features designed to exclude ants. Look for models with built-in moats, slippery poles, or cages that keep ants out of feeder ports.
Eliminate standing water
Drain or dry up sources of standing water in your garden after rainfall. Ant nests are often located in moist soil. Avoid over-watering.
Store bird food securely
Keep unused bird food in airtight containers to prevent ants from getting into it. Store bird food in the refrigerator or freezer if ants persist.
Inspect plants for aphids
Ants feed on the honeydew secreted by aphids and other sap-sucking insects on plants. Control aphids to make your garden less hospitable to ants.
Seal cracks
Seal any small cracks or crevices on porches, patios, or structures near feeders. Caulk and weatherstrip entry points to prevent indoor ant trails to feeders.
Conclusion
Bird lovers need not despair if ants come marching in. A two-pronged approach of implementing ant deterrents and prevention measures can help eliminate ants from feeders. Be patient, as it may take ants awhile to get the message. With persistence, you can enjoy watching birds feast at your feeders again ant-free. The birds will thank you for giving them back an ants-free dining experience!