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Pretty Parasol Ant Moat
For those who adore hummingbirds and enjoy feeding them, an accessory like the ant moat is of utmost importance. Sweet and sticky nectar is a real attractant for pesky ants, and can easily ruin the whole experience of feeding and watching these flying jewels.By adding an ant moat to hummingbird or other nectar feeders, you’ll stop ants dead in their tracks. Ants can’t swim-so they’re never able to cross the moat as long as there’s water in it.
Standard ant moats will serve the purpose well, but Parasol ant moats add grace and charm to pretty hummingbird feeders. Parasol ant baffles are also available for staked hummingbird feeders and will keep ants away from nectar by using a touch of petroleum jelly on the underside.
Whether a hanging or staked type feeder, an ant moat or baffle helps to provide a better birding experience for you and feathered friends!
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Ant Moats Make it Better
They don’t have to be fancy, just kept filled with water. When feeding hummingbirds or orioles, sweet nectar can easily become messy nectar! Filled with ants to ruin your pleasurable bird watching experience, and feathered friends’ meals too.Ant moats totally alleviate this pesky problem. As long as they’re kept filled with water-they’ll do their job properly. And by adding a drop or two of salad oil, it helps to slow evaporation during higher temperatures.
Basic ant moats work just as well as decorative ones, there’s even a clear model that allows you to easily view the water level…very clever! I’ve even read that you can make one from a peanut butter jar lid and some simple hardware.
Whatever model tickles your fancy, it’s definitely best to add one to feeders before ants become a problem!
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The Difference Between Ant Moats and Ant Baffles
To protect your hummingbird-or any nectar feeder from ant hassles, the use of ant moats is strongly recommended. For the newer staked versions of hummingbird feeders, the ant baffle was invented. Essentially, it’s an upside down ant moat.Instead of holding water to prevent ants’ crossing, the baffle requires a coat of petroleum jelly on the underside. This works the same way as far as preventing the ants from getting to nectar.
If you’ve ever encountered problems with ants at nectar feeders…well, once is enough! Ant moats like these by Parasol, are a one-time, relatively inexpensive solution to this nasty problem.
For those who enjoy watching the “flying jewels” feed close up, check out this great video produced by Parasol.
Birding Tips, Information & News
