Safely Keep Pests Away From Hummingbird Feeders With This Essential Oil

Having a hummingbird feeder is one of the many ways you can attract hummingbirds to your garden or yard. Unfortunately, though, the sugary nectar in these feeders can also attract a number of other pests, including ants, wasps, and bees. This can present hummingbird enthusiasts with the tough task of trying to feed these birds without inadvertently attracting unwanted insects, too. To keep hummingbirds both happy and safe, you may have considered using natural pest control methods. Peppermint oil is one such talked-about method for repelling pests from hummingbird feeders, but there are efficacy and safety considerations to keep in mind. 

Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, a key ingredient historically used in traditional medicine, and is known for having a strong fragrance. Research suggests that peppermint oil even has insecticidal activities, including against mosquitoes, lice, and aphids. It's these repellent properties that have led to questions about whether peppermint oil can also help keep insects away from hummingbird feeders. Some proponents of this method promote using peppermint essential oil diluted in water as a spray to use around the feeders. While you may be able to keep wasps at bay with this natural method, it's not yet clear whether it's completely effective or safe to use around hummingbirds. At the same time, there are anecdotal reports that the oil does work, and it doesn't negatively impact these birds. 

If you do decide to use peppermint oil as a pest deterrent, the best method appears to be filling a spray bottle with water and adding a few drops of the oil, similar to other ways you can use peppermint essential oil around your home. You can try adding up to 10 drops of the oil until you've achieved a concentration that seems to make a difference. Proponents suggest spraying around the bottle of the feeder, and perhaps around the pole or string from which it hangs. Another possible method is to soak cotton balls with the oil and strategically place them around the feeder as deterrents. As a caveat, be careful using peppermint oil around any plants that could be in the vicinity of your hummingbird feeders. The USDA doesn't have any particular recommendations for creating a peppermint oil spray around your garden, citing the fact that it may harm and burn plants.

A safer option is to plant peppermint in containers near your hummingbird feeders as a possible deterrent to pests. This also ensures that hummingbirds won't encounter any oils. You can also help manage hummingbird feeder pests by ensuring your feeder isn't leaking, and possibly moving it around to different locations on occasion. Consider buying a feeder that doesn't have yellow flowers on it, as these attract flying insects. Planting pollinating flowers in your garden may also help keep flying insects distracted from nectar-containing feeders.