HORTICULTURE & FORESTRY
Serving Mecklenburg County
Hummingbirds
NEVER use honey in a hummingbird feeder. It can grow a fungus that is fatal to hummingbirds
Do NOT use food coloring. The red band of the feeders is sufficient. If your feeder is not red or orange, hang some red tape from it.
Use 1 part sugar to 4 parts water
Sugar and water must be boiled, allowed to cool and then placed in feeder
Wash feeder every two to three days
Clean and scrub feeder with vinegar and water instead of soap
If you're going away and don't have time to clean the feeder. Take it down, empty it and leave it indoors.
Hummingbirds are attracted to red or orange tubular plants such as beebalm, trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, azalea, butterfly bush, etc.
Keep the bird feeder high enough to avoid cats. Providing and an open area where cats can't hide and stalk may also be helpful.
Avoid using pesticides in or near the feeder or on plants intended for hummingbirds.
A thin layer of Vaseline placed around the opening and on the hanging wire will discourage insects