Moving Your Hummingbird Feeder Could Be The Solution To Your Problems

Hummingbird feeders are such a lovely addition to any outdoor space, but sometimes feeders can come with a few hiccups. Maybe you've noticed ants, bees, or wasps taking over. Or perhaps the hummingbirds just aren't showing up like you hoped. If this sounds familiar, simply moving your feeder might fix everything.

Bees, wasps, and even ants are drawn to the sugary nectar just as much as the hummingbirds are. Once they find your feeder, they'll keep coming back, often chasing the hummingbirds away in the process. Here's where moving the feeder comes in. Insects, especially ants, rely on scent trails to find food. When you move your feeder -– even just a few feet -– you confuse them and disrupt those trails. 

But bugs aren't the only reason to consider relocating. Moving your feeder can also attract more hummingbirds to your garden. If your current spot is too exposed, noisy, or sunny, it might be scaring off these shy little visitors. Hummingbirds love a quiet, shady space, especially if it's near flowering plants or trees. Also, keeping them away from busy areas like patios or doors reduces disturbances and gives the birds a chance to feed peacefully.

First, take a good look around your yard before deciding on the best place to hang a bird feeder. Do you have any flowering plants or shrubs? Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to red or tubular flowers, so putting your feeder near those plants can create a one-stop shop they'll love. If you have multiple feeders, spacing them out can also make a big difference. Hummingbirds, especially the males, can get pretty territorial about their feeding spots. If one feeder isn't cutting it because of all the squabbling, try placing a second feeder somewhere else in your yard.

Don't forget about height and accessibility. Hang your feeder at eye level, around 5 to 6 feet off the ground. This makes it easy for hummingbirds to spot and reach while staying out of range for most pests. To keep ants at bay, consider adding an ant moat from the Piffny Store above the feeder. It's a simple tool that creates a barrier to stop those tiny intruders in their tracks.

Lastly, make sure you pick a spot that's convenient for you, too. Cleaning and refilling the feeder is key to keeping your hummingbirds happy and healthy. Nectar can spoil quickly, especially in hot weather, so you'll need to clean the feeder every 2 to 3 days.