You’ve set up your hummingbird feeder, filled it with nectar, and waited for those little buddies to zoom in.
But instead of hummingbirds, you find earwigs crawling around inside. Not exactly the visitors you were hoping for, right?
Earwigs are attracted to the sugary sweetness of hummingbird feeders, and they can easily ruin your bird-watching experience.
Don’t worry—keeping earwigs out of your hummingbird feeder is easier than you think. With a few simple tricks, you can make sure the only guests sipping nectar in your garden are the ones with wings. Let’s dive into the best ways to keep those earwigs away from your feeders.
Here’s How To Keep Earwigs Out Of Hummingbird Feeders:
1. Choose a Feeder with Built-in Ant Moats
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you have the right kind of feeder like this one (available on Amazon).
Many hummingbird feeders come with built-in ant moats, which are small water-filled barriers that keep crawling insects like earwigs from reaching the nectar.
These moats act as a mini water-filled trench that earwigs can’t cross. Since earwigs aren’t good swimmers, they’ll avoid the feeder altogether. It’s a simple yet effective way to create an earwig-free zone around your feeder.
Pro Tip: If your feeder doesn’t come with a built-in moat, don’t sweat it! You can buy a separate ant moat attachment or even make one using a small cup or bottle cap filled with water.
2. Position the Feeder Away from Plants and Structures
Earwigs like dark, damp places to hide. If your feeder is too close to plants, trees, or other structures like fences, you’re giving them an easy route to the nectar.
Move your feeder away from plants and place it in an open area. Earwigs are less likely to venture into open spaces where they feel exposed. And hey, this also makes it easier for hummingbirds to spot your feeder without the obstruction of branches or leaves.
Fun Fact: Earwigs are nocturnal and usually hide in moist, dark areas during the day. By keeping your feeder in a bright, open spot, you reduce the chances of them crawling onto it at night.
3. Regularly Clean Your Feeder
If you’re not cleaning your hummingbird feeder regularly, you’re basically inviting bugs to a sugar party. The sugary residue left behind after the birds feed is a major attractant for earwigs and other pests.
Make it a habit to clean your feeder at least once a week (or more during hot weather). Use warm water and a brush to scrub away any buildup. Not only does this keep earwigs away, but it also prevents mold and keeps your hummingbirds healthy.
Pro Tip: Nectar can ferment quickly in hot weather, attracting more than just earwigs. By keeping the feeder clean, you’ll also avoid problems with ants, bees, and even mold growth.
4. Keep the Ground Around Your Feeder Clean
Earwigs love to hide in mulch, dead leaves, and other organic debris. If the area around your feeder is a mess, it’s an open invitation for them to set up camp.
Rake up leaves, grass clippings, and other debris around the feeder regularly. You don’t want to give earwigs a cozy hiding place nearby.
Fun Fact: Keeping your garden tidy not only helps reduce earwig problems but also makes your space more appealing to birds overall.
5. Add Cinnamon or Diatomaceous Earth Around the Base
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep earwigs at bay, try using cinnamon or diatomaceous earth around the base of the feeder or on the pole. Both act as natural deterrents for earwigs and won’t harm birds.
Cinnamon has a strong scent that many insects, including earwigs, dislike. Diatomaceous earth, on the other hand, is a powdery substance made from fossilized algae that dehydrates and kills insects on contact.
Pro Tip: Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as it’s safe for pets, birds, and other wildlife. Reapply after it rains to keep the barrier effective.
6. Monitor and Adjust as Needed
The key to keeping earwigs out of your hummingbird feeder is consistency. Keep an eye on your feeder and check for any signs of earwigs or other pests regularly. If you notice any crawling insects, take action right away.
Adjust your methods as needed. Sometimes a combination of strategies works best—like using an ant moat, applying petroleum jelly, and keeping the area clean. The more proactive you are, the fewer problems you’ll have.
Pro Tip: Keep a little notebook or checklist to track when you clean the feeder, apply barriers, or set traps. It’ll help you stay on top of things and avoid letting earwigs get the upper hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing worse than finding earwigs in your hummingbird feeder. But with a few simple steps, you can keep these unwanted guests away and enjoy watching your hummingbirds in peace. Remember, consistency is key! Clean your feeder regularly, set up barriers, and monitor the situation often.
Not only will these steps keep earwigs out, but they’ll also make your garden more inviting for hummingbirds. So, grab that feeder, make the necessary adjustments, and get ready to enjoy some peaceful bird-watching without the creepy crawlers.
Happy birding!
