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Black wasps on Hummingbird feeder
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Author:  trvln41 [ Mon Jun 02, 2003 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Black wasps on Hummingbird feeder

I have black wasps that come every night and glom onto my hummer feeder. It is red-looks like big strawberry. They leave the next day-but come back again before dark. Anybody have a similar problem-they keep the hummers from their last drink of the day-would llike to get rid of the wasps...

Author:  hwilliams [ Wed Jun 04, 2003 7:02 pm ]
Post subject: 

The wasps are coming to your feeder because they can access the nectar -- either because the feeder is leaking or the pressure in the feeder is pushing the nectar near enough to the feeder ports. I would recommend changing the type of feeder you use to a pan-style feeder. Aspects makes a couple of pan feeders that are very durable and are easy to clean. Droll Yankee makes pan-style feeders as well although they don't fully disassemble for easy cleaning. Pan-style feeders can be filled with enough nectar solution to allow hummingbirds to feed but not allow wasps or ants to reach the nectar. They might visit your feeder on occasion but they won't stay long since they get nothing to eat. Also, your strawberry feeder is made of cheap plastic that won't last very long. The other feeders I mention are made of polycarbonate and will last many seasons.

One last thing: Wasps are beneficial insects -- although a little scary -- so don't kill them just discourage them.

Howard Williams
Dallas, Texas

Author:  hwilliams [ Wed Jun 04, 2003 7:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oops! I wrote;

"Pan-style feeders can be filled with enough nectar solution to allow hummingbirds to feed but not allow wasps or ants to reach the nectar. "

I meant to say "...not allow wasps or *bees* to reach the nectar."

But if you have problems with ants let me know. I designed an ant moat for use with Tanglefoot that will not allow ants to reach your feeder -- or the hummingbirds to come in contact with the Tanglefoot. I can easily describe how to make one if you find the need.

Howard Williams
Dallas, Texas

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