You set up a fancy new feeder for your yard, fill it with nectar, and wait for the arrival of the hummingbirds. But in the morning, a long line of ants has taken over the feeder. This is a common and annoying problem for many bird watchers.
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Check PriceTo stop the ants, you can buy a simple plastic ant moat to hang above the feeder. These cheap moats create a barrier that ants cannot cross, but a hidden flaw in many of these products is that they actually drown hummingbirds.
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If you bought one of these ant moat accessories, you shouldn’t feel guilty. Keeping ants out of your nectar is part of feeder maintenance, and there is little mention of the dangers of deep moats on the packaging. The good news is that keeping your hummingbirds safe does not require expensive gear.
The Hidden Danger Above Your Feeder
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to water. They see the water cup hanging above the feeder and want to sip, or even bathe. This is why ant moats become dangerous.
Most inexpensive moats are constructed from material like plastic and are the shape of a giant teacup. If a hummingbird inverts itself too far, it could easily fall into the moat. These moats are made of plastic, which is super smooth. Because of this, a wet and panicked hummingbird has no surface to grip with its tiny feet. Most hummingbirds will exhaust themselves, and potentially drown, before they are able to escape from the large plastic basin.
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Risk of drowning can be eliminated when you learn what to look for in your setup.
The Anatomy of a Safe Ant Moat
A good anti-ant moat will do its function while not risking the lives of hummingbirds. When you are evaluating your moat, there are three design aspects you should be looking for.
- Shallow depth: The water should never be deep enough to submerge a hummingbird. A safe moat only needs a quarter-inch to a half-inch of water to stop ants.
- Narrow openings: The best designs have a narrow gap between the center hanging wire and the outer rim. If the opening is too small for a bird to fit its body through, it cannot fall in.
- Textured walls: If a moat is slightly wider, it must have textured interior walls, ridges, or a thick center post. These features give a bird something to grab onto so it can easily pull itself out.
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Check PriceSafe Versus Unsafe Ant Moats
You can take this checklist to the store so you can be sure you are getting the right one.
| Feature | Unsafe Design (Avoid) | Safe Design (Choose) |
|---|---|---|
| Basin Depth | Deep (1 inch or more of water) | Shallow (Under half an inch of water) |
| Opening Width | Wide and open like a cup | Narrow or covered by an umbrella top |
| Interior Surface | Smooth, slippery plastic or metal | Textured walls, ridges, or a grippy center post |
| Overall Shape | Large open bowl | Slim cylinder or covered disc |
Budget-Friendly and DIY Solutions
You do not have to pay a lot for a good ant moat. If your moat is deep and smooth, it can be made safe by putting clean gravel or small pebbles in the bottom. The clean rocks will lower the water level sufficiently to keep it shallow to avoid drowning and give a safe surface for birds to stand on.
You can also make your own with stuff from around your house.
Try the Fishing Line Trick: Instead of using a thick rope or metal chain, use monofilament fishing line to hang your feeder. It will be a lot lighter than a chain and will provide the same effect. It will be a lot more effective than chains and ropes in deterring ants. Many backyard setups have been ant free because of this simple change. heavy-duty monofilament fishing line
The Bottle Cap Moat: To make a perfectly sized shallow moat, use a plastic cap from a large juice or milk jug. Carefully poke a hole in the center of the cap, thread your hanging wire through it, then, seal the hole with a little hot glue or waterproof silicone. Hang this above your feeder and just add a few drops of water. It’s shallow, effective, and nearly costless.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Birds
Backyard birding is a process of trial and error. Your feeder adjustments will help create a safe haven for birds. Combine your safe feeder practices with some native pollinator plants, and you will be rewarded with hummingbirds all summer long!
