Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders

thingiverse

These DIY solutions work fantastic! Simply fill with cooking oil up to about half an inch above the inside riser, and you're ready to go. No more pesky ants messing up your bird feeders. The design prints perfectly with a 1/8 inch hole running all the way through, making it easy to cut five inches of coat hanger wire for a tight fit. If yours is loose-fitting, consider filling any gaps to prevent ants from sneaking down into the feeder. Simply attach a hook made from about an inch of leftover coat hanger to leave 4 and three-quarters inches dangling. Add a tiny loop in the wire near the bottom to secure the oil bowl in place. You can print this model using as few as two layers, but make sure to set the fill density at least at 20% for durability. A coat of acrylic hobby paint adds an extra layer of protection and gives it that perfect finish. These little beauties are made from PLA plastic, and I've been thrilled with their performance all season long. Don't be afraid to experiment and come up with your own unique design – after all, spring is just around the corner, and hummers need a reliable way to fuel up! Happy building, and I hope you'll enjoy every moment of it! UPDATE: Don't forget to add at least two coats of paint, especially if you have oil-based options on hand. I found that my solution had some minor leakage last summer, but with a little TLC and some extra prep work this time around, it should withstand even the toughest weather conditions – including the harsh realities of sub-freezing temperatures!