How to Keep Ants off a Bird Feeder

Ants are a common problem for people with a bird feeder, especially during the summer. Although more likely to attack a hummingbird feeder, they will also eat seeds.  There are several ways to prevent or treat this problem. You will want to use caution when using a chemical pest control product.

• Spray the pole of your hummingbird feeder with vegetable oil spray. This will make it slick, and prevent ants from being able to travel up and down.


• Purchase a drip less bird feeder. Drips attract ants. If you make sure that there are no drips, they will have a harder time locating your bird feeder.


• Use ant powder around the base of your bird feeder on the ground. Dust liberally, especially after it rains. Should any ants come across the dusted area, it will eliminate them.


• Purchase a bird feeder with a moat. You fill these with water, and it prevents the ants from getting to the nectar. Read your instructions for alternate ways to prevent the ants from attacking your feeder.


• Move the feeder to a different location. This will buy you some time until the ants locate it again.


• Never use any type of pest product directly around the food. The birds will ingest this and die.


• Plant mint around the base of your bird feeder. Ants do not like mint, and they will not come around a mint plant. Ants do not like garlic or black pepper either. Some people sprinkle black pepper around the base of the feeder to prevent ants from climbing the pole.