Ants! Arrrgh! Need Feeding Idea (1 Viewer)

goofyfish

Future Sushi

• May 13, 2004

• #1

I live in a townouse with a fenced backyard, and am fortunate to have attracted many species of birds over the years. For several years, I placed orange halves on top of the fence line to see what might visit, and was finally rewarded with a pair of catbirds. They love the oranges until the ants discover them as well. The halves are quickly overrun and the birds quickly lose interest.

I have tried placing the orange on a spike and setting it a bowl of water, but the Maryland heat quickly evaporates it and the ants return. Any creative ideas or success stories to share?

Rick.

 

CJW

Hit-and-run WUM

• May 13, 2004

• #2

Hello Rick and welcome to Bird Forum from all the Moderators and Admin. Staff.
Hmm, sounds like you've got a problem there mate. I'm sure one of our more practical types will be along shortly with a solution.

 

walwyn

Well-known member

• May 13, 2004

• #3

Ants are supposed not to like mint, so you could grow spearmint underneath the posts. Alternatively try wrapping the sticky bands that are used to protect fruit trees from climbing insect pests, around the posts.

 

prairiemerlin

registered guy

• May 13, 2004

• #4

I've never had a a problem with ants. But hornets and wasps are nesting IN my birdfeeders! It's really annoying when I open the feeder and hornets come buzzing out!

 

C

CENTEX Cardinal

New member

• May 13, 2004

• #5

goofyfish said:

I live in a townouse with a fenced backyard, and am fortunate to have attracted many species of birds over the years. For several years, I placed orange halves on top of the fence line to see what might visit, and was finally rewarded with a pair of catbirds. They love the oranges until the ants discover them as well. The halves are quickly overrun and the birds quickly lose interest.

I have tried placing the orange on a spike and setting it a bowl of water, but the Maryland heat quickly evaporates it and the ants return. Any creative ideas or success stories to share?

Rick.

Click to expand...

Use vegatable oil in place of water.

 

goofyfish

Future Sushi

• May 17, 2004

• #6

Vegatable Oil...

It strikes me as a good idea, but might there be an issue if it gets on a bird? I get
frequent squabbles out back, and would hate to cause a problem for a feathered
friend that accidentally came into contact with it...

Rick

 

Rasmus Boegh

BF member

• May 17, 2004

• #7

The oil initially sounds like a good idea, but could give your feathered friends problems if they have a tendency of fighting among each other. Of course chemicals isn't the best thing, but rubbing some insecticide in a ring around the foot of your feeders should keep the ants away.

Good Luck!