Ant Moats on Humming Bird Feeders Keep Food Free of Ants

The humming bird is a small bird with a very long and skinny bill. These tiny birds are able to hover in one place by flabbing their wings up to 80 times per second. In addition the humming bird has another ability that other birds do not as they can fly in reverse as well as forward. They also can fly right to left and up and down. Amazingly enough these little birds can do this while they are eating as well. The humming bird got their name because of the humming sound they produce while they are flying and flapping their wings at these great rates of speed.

Because the humming bird is so fascinating, many enjoy enticing them into their yards to feed. To do this a special small humming bird feeder, either purchased or made at home is used. The humming birds feed on a very sweet liquid that can be purchased or made with water and sugar. Because of this sweet liquid, ant infestation can be a big problem.

When ants are in a humming bird feeder the tiny bird will not be as attracted to feed. To fight against ant infestation in humming bird feeders a barrier referred to as an ant moat is used. Ant moats come in several forms. Water filled ant moats are possibly the most successful type of ant moat. When one uses water filled moats they will need to make sure that the water doesn't run out as it evaporates over a period of time. In addition to this type of ant moat being a great choice, other birds may stop by to take a drink. As a result, it is important not to place any type of insecticide in the water container. If one wishes to make use of a moat that will not evaporate, they may use a petroleum jelly barrier or moat. Ants won't readily pass over a petroleum-based product. To use petroleum jelly as a barrier one can simply spread it over the base of the post the feeder is attached to as well as the upper portions.