Ants and bees can take the fun out of feeding hummingbirds and orioles. Luckily, there are some simple tricks and products that will help you deter pests and still provide meals for your favorite nectar-eating birds!

Hang your hummingbird and oriole feeders from an ant moat filled with water.  The ants can’t swim across the moat and are prevented from getting into the nectar or jelly. 

Add a drop or two of cooking oil to slow down evaporation.

Wipe the nectar ports with mint extract to deter bees. If you grow mint in your garden, crush the leaves a bit and rub them on the feeder.

Lightly spray the jelly with cooking spray to prevent bees from landing.

Fill your cup feeders with mealworms at the same time every day; such as 6 am and 6 pm.  The orioles will learn when to expect food to be present and will perhaps learn to defend the feeders from other birds.

Use Nectar Fortress Natural Ant Repellent (available in our stores) in a line around the pole or along the window sill. The cinnamon and palm oil prevent the ants from crossing and climbing into the feeders.

Use Nectar Fortress Natural Ant Repellent (available in our stores) in a line around the pole or along the window sill. The cinnamon and palm oil prevent the ants from crossing and climbing into the feeders.

By Minnetonka Manager CAROL CHENAULT