To keep bats away from hummingbird feeders, try using feeders with bee guards, hang feeders higher, and place them away from bat-friendly hiding spots like trees and shrubs.
Hummingbirds bring joy with their vibrant colors and energetic flights, but bats can sometimes disrupt their peaceful dining experience.
We’ll explore why it’s important to keep bats away and share practical tips to ensure hummingbirds can enjoy their meals undisturbed.
Benefits of having bats around hummingbird feeders
- Bats are pollinators. Just like hummingbirds, bats help to pollinate flowers.
- Bats eat insects. This helps to control insect gardens and other areas.
- Bats are fascinating creatures that can be a joy to watch. If you are lucky enough to have bats around your hummingbird feeder, take some time to observe them and learn more about them.
The Risk of Bats Drinking From Hummingbird Feeders?
There is no significant risk to bats drinking from hummingbird feeders. Hummingbird feeders typically contain a sugar water solution that is not harmful to bats.
There are a few potential risks to consider:
- Bats can carry diseases. Such as
- Rabies
- Histoplasmosis
- Bats can chew on the feeder or knock it over. This can damage the feeder and make it less effective at attracting hummingbirds.
- The presence of bats can attract other animals like raccoons and opossums. These animals can damage the feeder or even eat the hummingbirds.
Are bats drinking from my hummingbird feeders?
I love watching hummingbirds, so I put up a feeder in my backyard. I filled it with sweet nectar and hung it on a tree near my window.
One day, I went outside to check on the feeder and I saw that it was almost empty! I was surprised because I didn’t think there were that many hummingbirds in my area.
I decided to keep an eye on the feeder. I wanted to see how many hummingbirds were coming to my feeder and if I could figure out what was going on.
The next night, I stayed up late and watched the feeder. I saw a few hummingbirds drinking from it, but I also saw something else: bats!
I didn’t know that bats would drink from hummingbird feeders, but they do. They have long tongues that they use to lap up nectar.
I decided to take some steps to deter them. I’m glad I was able to find some solutions from hummingbird fans that worked for me.
Signs of bats visiting your hummingbird feeders
- If your feeder is emptying more quickly than usual, it could be a sign that bats are drinking from it.
- If you see bats flying around your feeder at night, it’s a good indication that they are drinking from it. Bats are nocturnal, so they will be active at night.
- Mexican long-tongued bats have long tongues that they use to lap up nectar from flowers. This can leave a sticky residue on the top of the feeder.
- Bats will often defecate near their food sources. If you find bat guano near your feeder, it’s a good indication that bats are using it. Bat guano is a dark, pasty substance that can be harmful to plants and animals.
Ways to keep bats away from your hummingbird feeder
- Use baffle device: that blocks bats from accessing the feeder. The most common type is a plastic disk that is attached to the bottom of the feeder. The disk creates a barrier that prevents the bats from getting to the nectar.
- Place in the lighter area: Bats are attracted to dark, secluded places. Try to place it on the side of the tree that gets the most sunlight.
- Use Bee Guards: Get a feeder with small bee guards. These make it harder for bats to access the nectar.
- Hang it High: Place the feeder high up, where bats can’t easily reach. Bats can’t fly as high as hummingbirds.
- Choose the Right Location: Put the feeder away from trees and bushes where bats like to hide during the day.
- Nighttime Removal: Take the feeder inside at night when bats are active. Put it back out in the morning for the hummingbirds.
- Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-activated lights near the feeder. Bats don’t like bright lights.
- Mesh Bags or Nets: Cover the feeder with mesh bags or nets. Hummingbirds can reach the nectar through the holes, but bats can’t.
- Boiled Sugar Water: Use sugar water for your hummingbird feeder that’s made with boiled water. Bats are less interested in feeders that have a strong smell.
- Regular Nectar Changes: Change the nectar every 2-3 days and clean the feeder well. Rinse it with hot water and vinegar to remove any leftover old nectar.
These methods may not be 100% effective in your situation. To get better results, you can try a combination of methods.
What to do if bats are still coming
If you are still having problems with bats, you can contact a wildlife rehabilitator. They may be able to offer more specific advice or help you to deter the bats from your property.
If you see bats drinking from your feeder, you can gently shoo them away. Bats are not aggressive creatures. They will usually fly away if you make a loud noise or wave your arms.
Bats are protected under federal law. It is illegal to harm or kill bats without a permit.
FAQ
Do bats drink from hummingbird feeders at night?
Yes, some bats drink from hummingbird feeders at night.
Do bats eat hummingbirds?
No, bats do not eat hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are too small and fast for bats to catch. Bats mostly eat insects, such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. They also eat fruit and nectar.
Do bats eat nectar?
Yes, some bats do eat nectar. They also eat fruit and pollen.
Conclusion
It’s really important to keep bats away from your hummingbird feeders. Bats are cool animals but they can bother hummingbirds.
It’s all about making our gardens nice for both hummingbirds and bats.
Just follow the tips we talked about, and you’ll have a great time watching hummingbirds in your garden. Enjoy!
I am a writer and blogger who is passionate about birds. I write to inspire and educate others about the beauty and importance of avian species in our ecosystem. I love to watch birds flying and taking their photographs to capture those memories.