Date: 7/7/25 3:38 am From: Paul Schmitt <pschmitt9...> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] ants in bird-feeders
You perhaps misunderstand? It is not a one-cup liquid measure. That would be huge! Fabricated mine using a copper 1/2 inch pipe cap soldered to a short length of heavy copper wire. Anyhow, a single drop of Dawn is hardly toxic.
Paul
Sent from my iPad
> On Jul 7, 2025, at 6:30 AM, John Gregoire <johnandsuegregoire...> wrote:
>
>
> Strongly advise against your suggestion to use soap Paul. Physically, breaking the surface tension is as you describe BUT, many birds including hummers drink from the ant cups.
> John
>
>> On Sun, Jul 6, 2025 at 5:48 PM Paul Schmitt <pschmitt9...> wrote:
>> Ant guards only work if you add and a small, very small bit of soap to break the surface tension. Think Dawn. Similarly, I add a drop or two of dawn to the dandelion treatment so the treatment wets the weeds natural surface barrier.
>>
>>
>> Mine are hung from the house overhang by a 16 gauge wire with the ant guard at eye level. There is a S hook next to accept the feeder.
>>
>> Also, NO RED DYE please.
>>
>> Good luck.
>>
>> Paul
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>>> On Jul 6, 2025, at 2:41 PM, Sandra J. Kisner <sjk3...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>
>>> Any suggestions for keeping ants out of hummingbird feeders? My sister-in-law has one, and even with an ant-guard on it they get in (and drown).
>>>
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