How to Keep Ants From Climbing Shephard Hooks to Hummingbird Feeders

With a little creativity you can enjoy watching hummingbirds, not ants.

Since ants aren't known to be the best jumpers, the only way ants can access your hummingbird feeders is by taking the long way. Ants climb up the shepherd's hook and down into the tasty treat you set out for your local hummingbird. Stopping ants in their tracks before they ever get to their final goal makes the feeder more attractive to hummingbird and less hassle for you.

Things You'll Need

• Borax
• Jelly
• Plastic container with lid
• Large needle or awl
• Deep plastic lid
• Utility knife or saw
• Glue and hot glue gun or silicone sealer

Instructions

Bait Them

1. Mix borax and jelly in equal parts to make a thick paste.

2. Place the mixture into a small plastic container with a lid.

3. Poke small holes in the side with a large needle or awl to allow ants to access it.

4. Place the container next to the shepherd's hook to distract ants with a much more accessible treat.

5. Replace the bait every two to three days.

Trap Them

1. Use a utility knife to cut a hole in the bottom of a cooking spray lid or any deep plastic lid that is big enough for the shepherd hook rod to go through the middle.

2. Slice the container in half with a knife or saw.

3. Fit the lid facing up around the base of the pole.

4. Seal the space between the hole and the pole so that you can fill it with water without it leaking out. Use hot glue from a hot glue gun or a bit of silicone sealer to fill in the space. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for the glue or the sealer. Allow the chosen sealant to dry completely.

5. Fill the homemade moat with water to trap ants trying to climb up the pole. Refill the moat every couple of days with your garden hose to allow it to overflow, washing away drowned ants.

Tips & Warnings

• A much simpler method of trapping ants before they can climb up the pole is to use a weatherproof tape with the sticky side facing out or petroleum jelly.

• Pesticides that contain harmful chemicals will get rid not only of the ants, but of the hummingbirds as well and should be avoided.

References

• University of MIssouri Extension: Ants
• Operation Ruby Throat: Bees and Ants at Hummingbird Feeders
• Organic Facts: Home Remedies for Ants
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Dealing with Predators and Pests in Your Yard