Spray or apply a nontoxic insect repellent on hanging wire of feeder and at the base where the wire comes into the feeder.
Step3
Spray or coat tree or eave the feeder is hanging from.
Tips & Warnings
Other substances that discourage ants are petroleum jelly, applied as suggested above; vinegar or powdered cloves applied to ant trails; and adhesive tape applied sticky-side-out to the hanging wire.
Moving the feeder to another location may discourage ants - at least temporarily.
Never use insecticide near feeders where it might be ingested by birds.
Avoid applying insect repellent directly into or around feeder ports.
on 6/20/2008
put some automotive bearing grease on hanging wire. won't melt as bad as vaseline. lasts until it gets dirty/dusty. wipe off old, add new grease.
on 7/1/2007
Help~ I have determined ants~ I have a moat- yes they walk across the water they are so light- we watched them. used Vaseline in the heat it melts then harden ups enough they walk across it- never seen anything like it.
on 8/8/2006
Please do not use insecticide or petroleum jelly near your hummingbird feeder! The birds can brush against either one and get these chemicals on their feathers and transfer the substances to their young.
on 8/8/2006
You will need: One small plastic kitchen funnel. One chopstick. Two pieces of 16 gage steel TY-Wire.
Put a tight fitting chopstick through the funnel so that so that it protrudes from the top and bottom. Ensure that it will not leak water. Drill a 1/16 inch hole at each end of chopstick, fashion 2 wire hooks and place them in each hole. The top hook will hang from a branch and the bottom one will hold the feeder. Fill the funnel with water and you will have only hummingbirds and no ants.
Enthusiast 
Comments
crappiecat said
on 6/20/2008 put some automotive bearing grease on hanging wire. won't melt as bad as vaseline. lasts until it gets dirty/dusty. wipe off old, add new grease.
DeniseM said
on 5/18/2008 I find hot pepper sauce like Texas Pete, wiped on the hanger before the feeder, deters the ants.
angelia said
on 7/1/2007 Help~ I have determined ants~ I have a moat- yes they walk across the water they are so light- we watched them. used Vaseline in the heat it melts then harden ups enough they walk across it- never seen anything like it.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Please do not use insecticide or petroleum jelly near your hummingbird feeder! The birds can brush against either one and get these chemicals on their feathers and transfer the substances to their young.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 You will need:
One small plastic kitchen funnel.
One chopstick.
Two pieces of 16 gage steel TY-Wire.
Put a tight fitting chopstick through the funnel so
that so that it protrudes from the top and bottom. Ensure that it will not leak water. Drill a 1/16 inch hole at each end of chopstick, fashion 2 wire hooks and place them in each hole. The top hook will hang from a branch and the bottom one will hold the feeder. Fill the funnel with water and you will have only hummingbirds and no ants.