If you are looking to feed hummingbirds in your area, you should be looking to buy a wasp-proof hummingbird feeder. A wasp-proof hummingbird feeder is specifically designed to keep wasps from eating the nectar inside, but it may also prevent other pests, such as bees, ants, and praying mantises, from feeding on the nectar as well. If you are new to feeding hummingbirds, you may wonder why you want a wasp-proof feeder. Here are a few of the reasons why you want to keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder and nectar.
You Don't Want to Attract Wasps Near Your Home
One of the reasons why you want to keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder is because you do not want to attract wasps near your home. If you have feeders that wasps can eat out of, they may be hanging out around your home. This can be harmful to children or pets who play outside. It also increases the odds of the wasps building their nest nearby and multiplying. A feeder that wasps can eat out of is an invitation for them to stay, and it is not an invitation that you want to give them.
Contaminated Nectar Is Less Appealing to Hummingbirds
Another reason why you want to keep wasps, and any other type of insect, away from your hummingbird feeder is because different pests can contaminate the nectar as they suck on it and leave their scent behind. This makes the nectar less appealing to hummingbirds. Most people put out a feeder to attract these beautiful birds, but you may be keeping them away by using a feeder other insects eat out of.
Wasps Can Be Harmful to Hummingbirds
The final reason why you want to keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeder is that wasps are actually a predator of hummingbirds. The venom from a sting can severely injure or even kill a hummingbird, due to their small size and body mass. Wasp-proof feeders also help to deter praying mantises, which is another predator of hummingbirds. A wasp-proof feeder can ultimately help to keep the bird a little safer.
There are many different ways that you can work to reduce the likelihood of pests, such as wasps, being attracted to your hummingbird feeder. One of the best methods is to buy a wasp-proof hummingbird feeder. Look online or at stores that sell hummingbird feeders to see the various options that are available to you.
