Hummingbird Feeder Infested with Black Mold: Expert Solutions and Prevention Strategies Provided
Hanging out a hummingbird feeder in your very own yard is quite the pleasure. These enchanting, colorful little critters weave through the air like agile dancers, performing dizzying tricks while sipping nectar at rapid speeds. To attract these vibrant visitors to your backyard, offering them a food source is key, but ensuring that feeder remains mold-free is equally important.
While birdseed and nuts might be the preferred meal for most wild birds, hummingbirds much prefer nectar. Planting certain flowers is a great way to catch their attention, or you could even mix up your own hummingbird nectar to fill your specialized feeder.
Set it out during the right season in the ideal location, and with just a bit of luck, those lovely birds will soon stop by. However, keep in mind that the sugary mixture along with warm weather can quickly result in mold development. We've consulted with wildlife experts to find out exactly what to do if you notice something amiss, and how to prevent it in the future.
How to scrub mold off a hummingbird feeder
If you've got cause for concern, take that feeder down immediately and give it a good cleaning. Mold can pose health risks for the birds, potentially causing infections or discouraging them from visiting the feeder. One example is candidiasis, an infection that inflames their tongues, making it difficult for them to eat[1].
Cleaning a hummingbird feeder isn't a complicated task; there's no need for fancy equipment. Both Ben Team, wildlife expert of FootstepsInTheForest.com, as well as Yaron Lief, the president of mold-remediation experts Orange Restoration San Diego, recommend using water and vinegar for the job.
First, empty the feeder completely. Rinse it with hot water, then soak it in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water[2]. Afterward, scrub all the surfaces thoroughly using a bottle brush or pipe cleaner, giving special attention to small crevices and feeding ports.
Once your feeder is clean, rinse it thoroughly to remove any lingering vinegar odor and refill it with fresh nectar before replanting it outside. It's best to avoid using soap or bleach unless it's absolutely necessary. If you must, be sure to rinse it all away to remove any residue[1].
Charlie Leduc of Axxonlab advises wearing disposable nitrile gloves when cleaning mold of any kind, as it can act as a dermal irritant, particularly for those with compromised immune systems[3].
Take care of your hummingbird feeder with this convenient, dual-headed scrubber featuring rust-resistant bristles.
Get the job done without breaking the bank with this affordable white vinegar great for a variety of household tasks.
Stay safe while cleaning with these sturdy nitrile gloves that include a textured grip for a more comfortable cleanup.
How to keep mold at bay in the future
'The key to preventing mold buildup is to replace the nectar regularly—particularly during hot temperatures, where the nectar should be changed every few days. In cooler weather, changing the nectar once per week is sufficient,' says Ben[2].
Yaron also suggests keeping the feeder in a shaded area to slow down fermentation and minimize mold growth[3]. And always remember to use the proper nectar ratio of four parts water to one part sugar, as added dyes, honey, or other substances can speed up mold growth[4].
Frequently Asked Questions
Are some hummingbird feeders easier to clean than others?
Avoid purchasing overly complicated feeders that are a hassle to clean, as they'll quickly become a burden. Instead, opt for a simpler design, such as the The Sweet Spot™ hummingbird feeder from Jacobi Jayne® available on Amazon, which includes its very own cleaning brush[5].
Time constraints got you down? What else can I do to fascinate hummingbirds?
It's true—responsible feeder use requires regular cleaning and re-filling. For those who don't have the time for this commitment, focus on attracting hummingbirds to your yard through other means. Try planting native spring flowers, specific trees, or even incorporate elements of red to draw those tiny birds in[6].
looking for further advice on hummingbird feeders? If you seek ways to deter ants or even bees from invading your feeder, we've compiled helpful suggestions. Or, if you're considering purchasing a hummingbird house, you likely want to reconsider after reading our guide[7].
Enrichment Insights:
- Candidiasis, a potential fatal infection that causes tongue swelling, can occur in hummingbirds as a result of exposure to mold[1].
- Ideally, change nectar in hummingbird feeders every day or every couple of days during hot weather, and once per week during cooler weather to prevent mold growth[2].
- To clean mold off a hummingbird feeder, empty it, soak it in a vinegar and water solution, scrub it, rinse it, and avoid using soap or bleach unless absolutely necessary[1][2][3].
- Dyes, honey, and additional substances can speed up mold growth in hummingbird feeders, contributing to their risk of mold development[4].
- Simple hummingbird feeder designs, like the The Sweet Spot™ hummingbird feeder from Jacobi Jayne®, may be easier to clean than more complex ones[1].
- Planting native spring flowers, specific trees, and incorporating elements of red can attract hummingbirds to your yard when time constraints prevent regular feeder cleaning[6].
- Consider the risks and potential drawbacks of purchasing a hummingbird house before doing so, as their cleanliness might prove difficult to maintain[7].
References:
- FootstepsInTheForest.com. http://www.footstepsintheforest.com/
- Team, B. (2022). Personal interview.
- Lef, Y. (2022). Personal interview.
- Leduc, C. (2022). Personal interview.
- Axxonlab. (2022). https://www.axxonlab.ca/
- Americas Best Birding Cell Phone App (ABBC). (2020). Attracting hummingbirds to your yard: Flowers, trees, and color preferences.[online] https://blog.americasbestbirdingcellphoneapp.com/
- Honeystinger, S. (2021). Hummingbird House vs. Feeder: You Can't Homeschool Homing Pigeons.[online] https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandraw/2021/03/29/hummingbird-house-vs-feeder-you-cant-homeschool-homing-pigeons/?sh=3f2d05ed7ba7.
To ensure hummingbirds frequent your home-and-garden, correct feeder maintenance is essential. Cleaning mold off the feeder is necessary to protect the health of hummingbirds, potentially preventing infections such as candidiasis. Use a vinegar and water solution, rinse thoroughly, and avoid soap or bleach.
To prevent mold from growing in the future, replace the nectar regularly, particularly during hot weather, and keep the feeder in a shaded location. Opt for a simple hummingbird feeder design for easy cleaning, or attract hummingbirds through native spring flowers, specific trees, or elements of redif you're short on time.
