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