Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
SUGAR SOLUTION FOR HUMMERS
To make a sugar solution,
mix 1/4 cup of sugar per cup of water, a good ratio es-
pecially during hot, dry conditions when hummingbirds may be somewhat dehydrated.
During cold, wet periods you can strengthen the mixture, especially during spring and
fall migrations, to 1/3 cup of sugar per cup of water. Boiling isn't necessary if you use
clean containers for measuring, use the sugar solution immediately, and change the solu-
tion every two or three days. If you mix up larger batches to be stored in the refrigerator,
boiling is a good idea.
Q My hummingbird feeders keep attracting wasps and ants. What should I do?
A
Antscaneasilybecontrolledatsuspendedhummingbirdfeedersthataredesignedwith
a central moat at the bottom of the suspension wire rod. Fill the moat with plain water
and ants won't be able to reach the sugar water at all.
Unfortunately, there isn't such a simple solution for discouraging bees and wasps. I'm
not sure why so many feeders are equipped with yellow bee guards because bees and
wasps are attracted to the color yellow, so the bee guards actually attract their attention.
If solution drips from the feeder ports onto the guards, the bees get a tasty meal. I would
never set out wasp traps or put anything toxic, such as insect repellents, on feeder ports
— the risk of contaminating the food is too high.
I learned of one effective way of dealing with bees from an Oklahoma birder named
Phil Floyd, whose wife figured out how to lure the wasps away from the hummingbird
