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PROBLEM: I HAVE NO HUMMINGBIRDS AT MY FEEDER!

The reasons for this problem can be numerous. Sometimes birds change their feeding habits for no apparent reason. Just be patient, and check to make sure you are doing the following:

• Make sure you are making the hummingbird nectar correctly, according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are making your own, make sure your nectar is one part sugar to four parts of water. Please see our additional tips on making hummingbird nectar.
• Try to keep your hummingbird feeder in the shade or partial shade. Direct sunlight can make your nectar go bad or even ferment very quickly.
• Keep your hummingbird feeder clean and full of fresh nectar. Be consistent! Change your nectar and clean your feeder at least every week. More often in hot weather.
• Try adding a bright red ribbon to your feeder. Sometimes the color and movement will get their attention, especially if the feeder is a new one.
• Place your hummingbird feeder near plants or flowers that you know they like. Sometimes they will discover your feeder as they visit a favorite flower or plant.

PROBLEM: DO HUMMINGBIRDS USE A BIRD HOUSE AND IF SO, WHERE CAN I GET ONE?

Hummingbirds do not use bird houses, they are not cavity nesting birds. Instead, they prefer to make their small, cuplike nests in the fork of a tree branch. They prefer downey-like materials for their nesting like plant down, lichens, spider webs, etc.

Get an ant moat!

The simplest and most effective way to rid yourself of ants at the hummingbird feeder, is to use an ant moat. An ant moat is a small cup-like device that hangs between your feeder and your hook. Fill it with water, and it creates a barrier to ants! Many manufacturers also make hummingbird feeders with ant moats built in. Take a look at the HummZinger and Hummerfest models.

And here's a great suggestion from one of our visitors.....
"Just to let you know I think I have finally solved the problem of ants attacking the hummingbird feeder. The feeder is hung by a metal rod with hooks at both ends. The substance that has finally worked to keep ants from crawling to the feeder but not have a smell that will chase away the hummingbirds is a sticky substance that comes on cards designed to attract and catch whiteflies. Just roll the hanging rod into the sticky substance (which does not melt down onto the feeder in hot weather--I am in so.calif) and hang the feeder. Thanks for the enjoyable web site." Bob Langston

NEW!!
The HummZinger II
with NECTAR GUARD
keeps your nectar insect FREE!!

The best way to avoid bees is to deny them access to the syrup. The HummZinger and Hummerfest feeders are inherently bee and wasp-proof because the syrup level is too low for insects to reach, but easily in range of the shortest hummingbird tongue. If you choose not to try a new feeder and bees or wasps persist, first try moving the feeder, even just a few feet; insects are not very smart, and will assume the food source is gone forever. They may never find it in its new location, while the hummingbirds will barely notice that it was moved. If that doesn't work, take the feeder down for a day, or until you stop seeing wasps looking for it. You'll see hummingbirds looking for it, too, but they won't give up nearly as soon as the wasps.

1. Most importantly: always fill the feeder completely full with cool nectar. Insert the stopper and invert quickly to avoid any air entering the feeder. Tube feeders operate on a vacuum principle. Only if the feeder is initially filled completely full will the vacuum form!
2. Hang your feeder in shade or partial shade. The cooler the feeder, the less likely it is to drip. Try our PAR-A-SOL Shade!
3. Make sure to keep the feeder very clean by regularly cleaning with hot water and a bottle brush. Try periodically using a vinegar rinse to thoroughly clean your feeder and then rinse well with hot water.
4. Dripping too much for you? Try one of our top-feeding feeders.