How to keep flies/other flying insects out of hummingbird feeders?

Cir25429151
by Cir25429151
I have solved the ant problem buy wrapping a small piece of fly paper around the hook where the ants travel down into the feeders. The fly paper does not stop the flying creatures from getting into the feeder holes. Within a day the surface of the sugar water is covered with dead bugs. Help!

  4 answers
  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jul 07, 2018

    mint, they don't like it

    • Cir25429151 Cir25429151 on Jul 07, 2018

      Hi Carol,

      This might sound silly, but where do I put the mint? Thanks! Marie

  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 07, 2018

    Place sticky trap on the pole. Buy hummingbird feeders with "Bee guards" which prohibit flies entering. Plant basil nearby. Don't drip any hummingbird feeder liquid on ground when refilling. Diatomaceous eath on ground around feeder area will kill crawling insects.

  • Number5 Number5 on Jul 07, 2018

    How about giving the insects their own water supply? just an idea.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3inyt1kQPSQ


    Also, instead of the fly paper you might wish to install an ant moat. Some feeders come with an ant moat on the top of the feeder, but most people are not aware that is what it is. If your feeder has a lip or a cup like top - that is an ant moat. You can buy an ant moat at Lowes or online - but you can also make your own moat. The moat is just a small area of water on the top of the feeder. Ants do not like to cross water. They will crawl down the hook - discover the water - turn around and go away. Here is a couple of youtube videos, if you are interested.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCIX_ifcUrE


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6TsmQ965qY


    Happy Bird Watching!


  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jul 07, 2018

    Not silly just sprinkle it on the top of the humming birds dish top. I hope that makes sense.