DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder

suz1230
Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 451 Feedbacks

August 16, 2018

DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder - twist the other end for the top Make a plastic cap moat to keep the ants from getting into your hummingbird feeders.

Supplies:

8 - 10 in piece of plastic coated wire
1 plastic cap of some kind
glue gun
Phillips screw driver

Steps:

First heat up the Phillips screw driver with a flame, this enables it to go right through the bottom of your plastic cap with ease. Don't make the hole too big, just the same diameter as your wire if possible.

DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder - pushing heated screwdriver through the cap and then putting wire through

Next string your wire through, you need at least an 8-10" piece of wire.
Twist the end like in the picture (the bottom part first).

DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder - twist the bottom

Then twist the other end (which is the top).

Now apply the glue, using the glue gun, really well on the outside on the bottom twist, and let fully dry.

DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder - apply hot glue on the outside around the bottom opening for the wire

Then apply the hot glue to the inside really well, as we don't want the moat to leak water.

DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder - coat the inside to prevent leaking

Now use the bottom 'loop' to hang your feeder from, and the top loop is what you put your hanging wire through.
The moat will be in the middle.
Ants can walk down the wire hanging from a tree or your house eaves, but as soon as they get to the moat, which is before the feeder, they can't go any further (as long as there's water always in it).

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likekinds
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 523 Posts

August 18, 20181 found this helpful

Nice

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cacollie

August 19, 20180 found this helpful

What a great idea and one I can use! I bought something similar at a store which cost $8. It fell apart after one year of use. I can make this for zip! I will probably use E6000 glue instead of a glue stick since it might melt in this Texas heat (over 100 degrees). E6000 won't melt and will stay there forever.

I glued a window bird feeder to my kitchen glass window 2 years ago and it is still there - even though the squirrels found it. It supports the squirrels! So, I can't use it as a bird feeder anymore since the squirrels found it, but that feeder is there for life! Again, GREAT IDEA here! Thanks!

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cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

August 19, 20180 found this helpful

Thanks for such clear instructions for a truly inexpensive "fixer" to keep those ants from our feeders.

I am going to try the E6000 glue also as someone borrowed my glue gun and forgot they borrowed it so I hope this will work. At least I do not have to be concerned about whether it is harmful to the ants!

Thanks for all the great hummingbird pictures and stories on your other postings - I love these little critters!
Betty

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pontiacg2000

August 19, 20180 found this helpful

Vaseline on my sheperds hook works really good.

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DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeder

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