Hummingbird enjoying sugar water from a red bird feeder in rural Minnesota
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What Hydrogen Peroxide Can Do For Your Hummingbird Feeder
By MARCO ROSSI
Hummingbird feeders are a charming addition to any yard, but they require regular upkeep to keep them clean and inviting. Using hydrogen peroxide, a natural disinfectant, can help.
Saucers filled with nectar or sugar water can go bad, especially during the summer, leading to cloudy liquid. Letting hummers eat that moldy food can lead to serious health issues.
Use hydrogen peroxide biweekly or monthly to disinfect the feeder after cleaning it with hot water and an abrasive brush. Don’t use soap, which can leave behind a harmful residue.
Add a couple of ounces of the disinfectant into the feeder, and let it sit for 10 minutes before pouring it out and rinsing. It’s odorless and tasteless, so won’t harm the hummers.