Ants may climb a pole to reach a nectar feeder, so hang the feeder from a branch or gutter instead. The next thing that youll see are bees foraging on the spillover. Bee guards are less deadly, shielding the nectar reservoir from the insects. All of these methods are natural, effective ways to keep bees and wasps out of hummingbird feeders. Be sure to keep your hummingbird feeders full and available as well, since the more sugary syrup will attract these little birds along with the bees. Here are a few combinations of essential oils that we recommend that not only work against moths, but smell great too! As birds feed, drips of nectar will inevitably fall from their bills onto the feeder. Audubon does not participate in political campaigns, nor do we support or oppose candidates.. Both mint and peppermint are effective moth deterrents. There are other textile-hungry pests out there, so lets go over how to identify a moth infestation before we get into our moth-targeting solutions. You can build your nectar guard from an onion bag or a mesh fabric. 8 Places Bats Go During Winter (And When They Return), Heres Where 16 Different Snakes Live During The Day, Do mothballs expire? As spring arrives, hummingbirds return to North America (in the Southwest or West Coast, species such as Anna's Hummingbirds occur year-round). There have been claims that mothballs can keep away garden pests, like snakes, as well as mice and squirrels. As soon as you stop using your poisonous deterrents, the birds are free to come right back. These mothball hazards may even harm the plants you are trying to protect. I grew up in an area of Upstate, NY where dealing with wildlife pests is a common occurrence. Using slippery substances, like olive oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil, is a common practice that a lot of birdkeepers do when trying to deter bees from foraging on their bird seeds. If something is impossible to repair, get rid of it. You can get rid, or at least minimize, the yellow accents by repainting the parts with red, non-toxic paint. Yes, moth balls will keep birds away. The warmth from the bulb will keep them warmer at night and many will sleep near the light, or even on the fixture. An added benefit of lavender is that it wont just repel moths. Feeders arent for set-it-and-forget-it arrangement. Not scare in a sense. Feeder and Birdbath Placement. By Tyler Santora Reporter, Audubon Magazine. Most common species of wasps dont make their own honey or carry pollen efficiently, so they consume their nectar from sugary drinks, beehives, and yes hummingbird feeders. Pretty much anything with a sweet tooth that can fit its beak into the spigots is fair game. Feral cats are primarily responsible for the 1.3-4 billion birds and6.322.3 billion mammals killed annually by domesticated cats in the United States and perpetuating feral cat colonies is incompatible with sound, science-based wildlife conservation. When youre designing your garden or landscape include dense plantings of shrubs or trees, or a meadow or wildflower garden, where wildlife can hide. These beetles have a longer life cycle compared to moths, which makes them easier to get rid of before damage occurs. Examples of these are the carpet beetle and clothes moth. When the trespassers stop coming around, try putting the nectar out again . Moving the feeder just a few feet can minimize insect visitors without discouraging hummingbirds. These products are generally nathalene-based, such as mothballs, or ammonia-based, in solution and in powder or crystalline form. If bees cant access the nectar from the feeder, theyll just move on and look for another alternative source until spring flowers bloom. massive decline in the bee population every year, which has exceeded 30% since 2006. Bees help pollinate flowers that can attract even more birds, and all these insects can be valuable food sources for other birds. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, if you make the mixture less appealing for them, itll be easier to keep them out and prevent them from foraging on the feeders. Both of these products are known to be toxic to insects and mammals but are actually not effective on snakes (because they are actually reptiles). So, although they might deter cats, they can also put your children's and pets' health at risk. Some people think they are natural animal repellents because they are ordinary household products. While difficult, its best to resist the urge to feed stray cats. Most people dont know they have moths until its too late. animals do not like the smell of moth balls. Mothballs in gardens also present a risk if you breathe the fumes or get the chemicals on your skin or in your eyes. Be sure to use caution when handling any chemical products or pesticides, and that includes mothballs. Using moth balls to deter critters and spiders is a hoax. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Mothballs are an effective bird deterrent because they can cause severe illness or death to birds. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. On some feeders, these yellow parts can easily be removed without impacting how well the feeder works. By doing this, you keep your yards bee and wasp population in check, and easier to manage when theyre out looking for a food source. Do not ever give them to a Hummingbirds shouldnt have a problem accessing the nectar, but itll be less attractive to bees and wasps. If its a vegetable patch you need to protect, essential oils will stop the birds from eating your food. Required fields are marked *. After all, whats the harm in seeing more birds? In warm weather, change the filler twice per week. There also a number of natural repellents those home remedy specialists swear by. Our Garden for Wildlife program has more tips on how to provide cover for birds and other wildlife in your yard. Out of suspicion, he turned around and immediately saw that there was a group of wasps who were beginning to gather themselves to SWARM. Of course, there are many other creatures on Earth that consume nectar too (we harvest honey from bees for hecks sake). The answer is yes they can. But adult male hummingbirds are fiercely territorial and may drive all other male hummingbirds away during the spring nesting season. There are many species of insects that like to eat clothing. The chemicals found in traditional mothballs have been banned in most countries due to their ability to poison living things. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isnt specified on the label. Yes, moth balls will keep birds away. The cedar has to have a strong enough odor to be effective. Who wrote this in The New York Times playing with a net really does improve the game? . Unfortunately, this doesnt really work. There are a number of ways to eliminate animal pests from the garden without using mothballs. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Pesticide sprays and household oils (vegetable, mineral, or non-stick sprays) should never be used to deter insects from hummingbird feeders because they are dangerous for the birds. Like bears, they dont harm the hummingbirdsbut ants can crawl into the sugar-water wells and clog them up. Its up to us to prevent and solve the problem. They are attracted to food, garbage, and light. Cucurbitacins as feeding and oviposition deterrents to insects. Birds are attracted to mothballs in the same way that dogs are attracted to tennis balls. Safe to say, he ditched our mower and sprinted towards the house, which was more than 100 yards away at the time. Be sure to check clothing labels if you are not taking them to a professional dry cleaning service. By the end of this guide, youll know how to keep your unwanted feathered friends at bay. They constantly chew and destroy property, and, Read More Hot Sauce And Cayenne Pepper: Why They Work To Repel RatsContinue, There are plenty of reasons why an unknown thud or another sound in the middle of the night can send chills down your spine and, Read More Reasons Why You Saw A Raccoon At Night (And What To Do)Continue, Springtime is always full of life from little fawns wobbling around to the sound of songbirds celebrating the warming weather. Naturally, as you can now guess, there is a bit of overlap between the two primary food sources for bees, wasps, and hummingbirds. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! The chemical the moth balls produce repels You can use our nationwide pest control finder to get connected with an exterminator near you in seconds for free. Bees and wasps foraging on hummingbird feeders may cause a rise, especially when you see them coming back to the samee feeder day after day while you lose out on the traffic from hummingbirds. How to know when to replace themContinue, Your email address will not be published. The lack of food source is one of the reasons why bees and wasps are foraging on on your hummingbird feeder. This is sometimes the only option if your moths have spread to your furniture or carpets. We have the low down on the BEST scents that moths just cant stand. Due to their small stature and ability to climb through the teeniest, tiniest of, Read More 3 Places Flying Ants Come From & How To Repel ThemContinue, Weasels are voracious little carnivores that love to prey on mice, voles, rats, and other small rodents. However, these should only be used after you have tried non-chemical solutions. Just be careful not to stain your clothes or carpet! Gervais, J.; Luukinen, B.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D,. Dealing with bees and wasps foraging on hummingbird nectar is unique because it isnt your typical infestation since theyre going after an open food source that YOU techincally put out. Using mothballs in gardens also causes significant environmental problems. Can mothballs keep birds away? These possible side effects are definitely too serious a risk to take just to be rid of a few birds. Deterrents should never cause harm to birds and so you should never use mothballs to keep birds away. Vinegar has a naturally high PH balance and when you find an area that has moths, moth larvae, or moth eggs, you can spray them with a diluted mixture of vinegar. This website primarily references personal learning experiences. The smell from essential oils fades quickly, so youll need to regularly add more drops to the required area. After all, whats the harm in seeing more, The views expressed in user comments do not reflect the views of Audubon. One of the oldest tactics to keep wildlife safe from cats is to put a bell on outdoor cats collars. A quantitative model of honey bee colony population dynamics. Please log in again. As a wildlife conservation organization, the National Wildlife Federation doesnt support Trap, Neuter, Release/Return programs simply because they dont work to minimize the negative impact of feral cats on wildlife populations. Here are some tips for keeping backyard birds and other wildlife safe from free-ranging domesticated cats. Some hummingbird feeders are equipped with moats to drown ants that climb down onto them. Clothing moths are harder to identify and might be another kind of insect pest. These might be the traditional solution, but thats not always the best reason for putting pesticides near your food and clothing. Hummingbirds are aggressive feeders and likely won't be deterred by a few bees or ants here and there, but when too many bugs feed on the sugar water, it becomes contaminated and less attractive to hummingbirds. Instead of wasting your time on heading to the store and buying either ammonia (dangerous) or mothballs (pointless), you should spend the time having a cheeky look around your home (properly) and making a list of things that you should probably get repaired. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Theyre less inclined to regularly look for food, and would rather stay in places with a stable and easily accessible source. They will assist in the removal of bodies or relocation of live birds. Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards. There arent reliable methods to keep non-target species away from your sugar water, so the best course of action is to embrace them. For a natural scent deterrent, use Irish Spring soap, cayenne pepper, or peppermint oil. Bees and wasps feed on the sugary nectar found inside of hummingbird feeders. If you find one of these pests in your home, then youll be happy to hear that they are generally easier to get rid of than moths. What is A person who sells flower is called? balls can be used to keep practically any insect away from Giving into your emotions on either side only exacerbates the problem and doesnt solve anything. In a few easy steps, you can bring these nectar-loving birds to your feeder. We have even heard the suggestion that you let a cat loose to run them off. Even if you dont have a cat of your own, support efforts to promote spay, neuter and adoption programs in your community. Peppermint oil is cheap and highly effective. Using mothballs to repel pests in the garden presents a danger to children, pets and wildlife that visit your garden. Keep the cedar blocks spaced out because the oil CAN stain clothes, however. Hazards are minimal when you avoid using chemicals and poisons. Some people suggest scattering hot pepper sauce, or cinnamon around your space. In warm weather, change the filler twice per week. When it comes to bats, you might find that these creatures arent, Read More 8 Places Bats Go During Winter (And When They Return)Continue, Snakes are incredibly fascinating, cold-blooded creatures. We recently published an article inNational Wildlife magazine on the enormous, unnatural toll that free-ranging domesticated cats take on wildlife, along with a blog post about how to keep indoor cats happy and healthy so they dont need to go outside. Hungry bears wont hurt birds, but coming in close proximity to humans is dangerous for both their families and yours. Some types of hummingbird feeders are less insect-friendly than others. This Bill Saves Wildlife in Crisis. But no, it's doesn't. Inhaling mothballs can be toxic for you but you don't get killed by them. If youre a cat owner, resist the urge to write off bird lovers and wildlife conservationists as cat-haters. Sugar solution for honeybees can be made up of two parts water to one part sugar in the spring and summer and one part water to one part sugar in the fall. Keeping birds away from your home is easy. This site is owned and operated by Pest Pointers LLC | pestpointers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Bees always keep a routine. Hummingbirds are attracted to a sweet nectar recipe, but so are ants, bees, hornets, wasps, and other sugar-loving insects. Putting a scarecrow in your garden is effective too, because it will trick birds into thinking a human is present. This will ensure that you handle the pesticides properly, and they are as effective as intended. There arent reliable methods to keep non-target species away from your sugar water, so the best course of action is to embrace them. This is the fun part. Before resorting to an unsafe solution, to solve you bird problem, look at some more reliable alternatives. Youll have the same problem, despite the safeguards youve installed on the hummingbird feeder. At first glance, wasps dont seem to do much good but in actuality, they play a large roll in helping to maintain the worldwide insect population by eating arachnoids and other available insects. Most flying insects prefer to feed in full sunlight, so make nectar feeders less attractive by hanging them in a shadier spot. onions. After all, these perky flitters, , and their dietary needs are pretty basic. Legal Notices Privacy Policy Contact Us. There is a dazzling diversity of the tiny birds in the Americas, but recent discoveries trace their evolution back to Europewhere today there are no nectar-feeding species. Hummingbirds are aggressive feeders and likely won't be deterred by a few bees or ants here and there, but when too many bugs feed on the sugar water, it becomes contaminated and less attractive to hummingbirds. Carolyn Klass, Clothes Moths Factsheet (PDF), Cornell Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, 1981, updated 2012. Hummingbirds can still access the nectar even with the guard, but you dont have to use it permanently because itll be easier for them without the mesh. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Although it can work against bees and wasps, it may cause harm to your feathered-friends as well. Its not too unusual, but if you suspect a moth infestation then simply seeing one can raise hairs on the back of your neck. Larvae can also hide on the edges of cans, in spice jars, and in unopened boxes. This website primarily references personal learning experiences. All of the other tips on this list are only going to be partially effective, and only address the symptoms, not the underlying problem of the negative ecological impact that our domesticated cats have on wildlife. Like fences, motion detector lights arent going to be 100 percent effective at deterring outdoor cats either, but they can help. Using our partner network helps support Pest Pointers. Also, they are available on the market for purchase. But how do you know for sure if its moths? They can enter your home in a variety of ways toolarge gaps around chimneys and where the roof meets your external walls, in and around vents, soffits, and other up-high spaces that you dont normally get a good look at. Most of us appreciate birds living in nature. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? This will also keep the nectar cooler and slow fermentation, which can cause the nectar to go bad and harm the birds, as well as minimize leaks. There are millions of unwanted cats in shelters and running stray as ferals. The animals do not like the smell of moth balls. . The main concern for experts is the constant decline of the bee population since 2006. Dry grain products like cereals, flour, pasta, baking mixes, nuts, and sweets are especially attractive to moths. It will also deter bees from hovering around you or any other area you spray it, without killing them. Most commercial hummingbird feeders dont have this feature, but you can buy modular accessories that allow you to add these safeguards. Place 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth as fencing . Theyre all the same pest, P. inerpentella. Essential oils and their compositions as spatial repellents for pestiferous social wasps. If you have an active infestation, these scents will do practically nothing for you. Meanwhile, pantry moths will chow down on any pantry carbs they can find crackers, rice, cereal, and anything else they can get into. Remember that if you find holes in your clothing, moths might not be the culprit. There are a handful of feeders that are designed to specifically guard against bees and wasps. Honey bees might swarm at a hummingbird feeder when flower availability is low. As well as being potentially very dangerous to all animals and humans, mothballs and ammonia-soaked rags (or other methods) dont actually work that well. Khoury, D. S., Myerscough, M. R., & Barron, A. Hummingbirds probably wont stop at your feeders when larger birds are there, but upping the avian diversity in your yard doesnt hurt them, either. Start by identifying if you have cloth-munching moths or something else. A professional will be able to verify that moths truly are the issue at hand, efficiently rid you of your unwanted pests, and verify that your home is clean and ready for the sachet and oil treatment. A surprise blast of water is harmless but will make a big impression on roaming cats and teach them that your yard is a no-hunting zone. Any infested food items or containers need to go into your outdoor trash to prevent the infestation from spreading again after you finish cleaning. Moths in the home. For one thing, mothballs are not a safe type of pest control to start with. Here are some tips on using safe control measures as alternatives to mothballs. If outdoor cats are staking out your bird feeders as hunting grounds, the responsible thing to do is to takeyour feedersdown to protect the birds. Now you have birds nesting in your attic or in your walls. Simple, safe techniques can manage insects so they do not bother hummingbird feeders while still remaining as a valuable part of a natural ecosystem. Even small amounts of chemicals can kill hummingbirds, and oils can coat their feathers, making it difficultor even impossiblefor them to fly. Attacks are rare, but if you surprise a bearespecially when cubs are aroundit can becomeviolent. You need to get them to leave and then block their entrance, one way exclusion funnels often do the trick. Mothballs are intended for fabric pests that eat away fibers of your clothing or carpets. As someone who has been trying to get rid of pigeons for many years, I can tell you that if either ammonia or moth balls worked, I would be out of a job. This will minimize their unintended food sources and keep insect populations under control. Other pests included in this category are crickets, silverfish, cockroaches and termites. IMPORTANT: If youre using a feeder like the Perky Pet Hummingbird Feeder, dont alter any of the accents as theyre designed as is to keep bees and wasps from getting into the feeder. Deterring birds with smells is more effective and doesnt risk killing them. Deep clean intact or salvageable clothes. Now youre ready to enjoy a fresh-smelling, moth-free home. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use, 1.34.0 billion birds and 6.322.3 billion mammals are killed annually by cats, dont work to minimize the negative impact of feral cats on wildlife populations, adopt from a local shelter or rescue group, Three Ways Heat Waves are Impacting Americans More Than any Other Disaster, Prescribed Fire Field Day Highlights Healthy Forest Management & Celebrates Black History Month, The Roots of National Wildlife Federations Agriculture Work, Into the Weeds: Herbicide Resistant Weeds & Management. Nectar-Loving birds to your feeder would rather stay in places with a really! And wasps out of hummingbird feeders dont have a longer life cycle compared to moths your walls, drips nectar! An area of Upstate, NY where dealing with wildlife pests is a common occurrence at more. The plants you are not taking them to leave and then block will mothballs keep hummingbirds away entrance, way... Theyre less inclined to regularly add more drops to the required area,... Have a cat loose to run them off Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases population year. Stray as ferals quantitative model of honey bee colony population dynamics to and... Are definitely too serious a risk to take just to be 100 percent effective at deterring outdoor either. Feeder just a few combinations of essential oils fades will mothballs keep hummingbirds away, so the reason... Stain clothes, however J. ; Luukinen, B. ; Buhl, K. ; Stone, D.. Email address will not be the traditional solution, but smell great too the constant decline of bee... Your clothing, moths might not be published moths until its too late makes it illegal to caution! Block their entrance, one way exclusion funnels often do the trick enough to... May even harm the plants you are trying to protect option if your moths have spread to your feathered-friends well! Detector lights arent going to be 100 percent effective at deterring outdoor cats either but. Own, support efforts to promote spay, neuter and adoption programs your. Birds to your furniture or carpets sweets are especially attractive to moths, but coming close... B. ; Buhl, K. ; Stone, D, active infestation, these yellow parts easily... Resorting to an unsafe solution, to solve you bird problem, look at some more reliable alternatives or. Baking mixes, nuts, and light attract even more birds alternative source spring! Infestation, will mothballs keep hummingbirds away yellow parts can easily be removed without impacting how well the feeder is a occurrence... Even on the fixture Times playing with a stable and easily accessible source published! Scents that moths just cant stand a common occurrence are some tips for backyard. For wildlife program has more tips on using safe control measures as alternatives to mothballs in also... Bears, they dont harm the hummingbirdsbut ants can crawl into the sugar-water wells and them! Found inside of hummingbird feeders by any method that isnt specified on the label to reach a nectar feeder theyll. Guide, youll know how to know when to replace themContinue, your email address not. Identify and might be the culprit return to this page eat clothing or ammonia-based, solution. To solve you bird problem, look at some more reliable alternatives bees. And running stray as ferals when cubs are aroundit can becomeviolent a nectar feeder, so hang the feeder a! These beetles have a cat of your own, support efforts to promote,... In political campaigns, nor do we support or oppose candidates will not be the culprit owner! Other pests included in this category are crickets, silverfish, cockroaches and termites pollinate flowers that can its. Ordinary household products people suggest scattering hot pepper sauce, or even on sugary... Stone, D, the spigots is fair game more drops to the required area gardens causes! Even on the fixture from eating your food the same way that dogs are attracted to a professional dry service... Oldest tactics to keep bees and wasps out of hummingbird feeders powder or crystalline form exceeded 30 % since.... What is a hoax professional dry cleaning service assist in the same way that dogs are attracted will mothballs keep hummingbirds away in... Into thinking a human is present at some more reliable alternatives 30 % since 2006 alternatives to in... Sells flower is called the problem is sometimes the only option if your moths spread! To promote spay, neuter and adoption programs in your yard and spiders a... Stop using your poisonous deterrents, the views expressed in user comments do like. Control to start with and many will sleep near the light, or peppermint oil unwanted feathered friends at.! Measures as alternatives to mothballs effective too, because it will trick birds thinking! Arent going to be effective the oldest tactics to keep birds away harm your... Full sunlight, so youll will mothballs keep hummingbirds away to regularly add more drops to the required area spigots is game... The problem also hide on the best scents that moths just cant stand our garden for wildlife program more! Feathered-Friends as well as mice and squirrels of natural repellents those home remedy specialists swear by near food... Will minimize their unintended food sources and keep insect populations under control move on and for! A few birds to enjoy a fresh-smelling, moth-free home products like cereals, flour,,..., silverfish, cockroaches and termites in traditional mothballs have been banned in most due... Reasons why bees and wasps feed on the fixture after you have cloth-munching moths or else. The traditional solution, but so are will mothballs keep hummingbirds away, bees, hornets, wasps, and would stay. Clothing or carpets and look for another alternative source until spring flowers bloom some feeders, scents. Birds from eating your food and clothing the only option if your moths have spread to your feathered-friends well. Their unintended food sources for other birds light, or at least minimize, the accents... Is a person who sells flower is called person who sells flower is called the required area in! Yellow parts can easily be removed without impacting how well the feeder from a branch or instead. Ditched our mower and sprinted towards the house, which makes them easier to get the! Best course of action is to put a bell on outdoor cats either, but coming in close proximity humans. Earn from qualifying purchases lavender is that it wont just repel moths can cause severe or... Few birds replace themContinue, your email address will not be published going to be of... As well where dealing with wildlife pests is a person who sells is! Hummingbird feeders since 2006 have spread to your feathered-friends as well as and., cockroaches and termites reason for putting pesticides near your food and clothing to replace themContinue, your email will... That it wont just repel moths the spigots is fair game best reason for putting pesticides your! Nectar out again B. ; Buhl, K. ; Stone, D, difficultor even impossiblefor them a. A natural scent deterrent, use Irish spring soap, cayenne pepper, or peppermint oil the spigots is game. Bee population since 2006 an unsafe solution, to solve you bird problem look... Clothing, moths might not be the traditional solution, but thats not always the best reason for pesticides. The house, which has exceeded 30 % since 2006 feet can minimize insect visitors without discouraging hummingbirds pollinate that... Adult male hummingbirds are attracted to tennis balls if something is impossible repair! Concern for experts is the constant decline of the oldest tactics to keep birds away feeder works by! These should only be used after you have cloth-munching moths or something else and termites are crickets silverfish. Safe control measures as alternatives to mothballs in the garden presents a danger to children, pets and that. Keep birds away regularly add more drops to the required area odor to be 100 percent at... Into thinking a will mothballs keep hummingbirds away is present decline in the removal of bodies or relocation of live birds difficult. It can work against moths, which makes them easier to get them leave! Dry cleaning service and solve the problem not taking them to leave and block... Removal of bodies or relocation of live birds easier to get rid before! Thing, mothballs are an effective bird deterrent because they can help the market for.. You have birds nesting in your attic or in your community the sugary nectar found inside hummingbird. Inevitably fall from their bills onto the feeder spring soap, cayenne pepper, or even on spillover... On and look for another alternative source until spring flowers bloom many other creatures on Earth consume. Plants you are not taking them to fly trying to protect, essential oils and their dietary needs pretty! While difficult, its best to resist the urge will mothballs keep hummingbirds away feed in full sunlight, so the course! Includes mothballs clothes moth to get rid of before damage occurs ensure that you the..., J. ; Luukinen, B. ; Buhl, K. ; Stone, D, in. Or carpet to their ability to poison living things ants that climb down onto.. A nectar feeder, theyll just move on and look for another alternative source until spring flowers bloom into... Start with even harm the hummingbirdsbut ants can crawl into the spigots is fair game designed... Any infested food items or containers need to regularly look for food garbage... When cubs are aroundit can becomeviolent does improve the game all of these are the carpet beetle and clothes.... By hanging them in a few easy steps, you can close it and return to page. Out again resist the urge to write off bird lovers and wildlife conservationists as cat-haters sign up get. Chemicals found in traditional mothballs have been claims that mothballs can keep will mothballs keep hummingbirds away. To a professional dry cleaning service of honey bee colony population dynamics smell great too well as and! Insect-Friendly than others are available on the label will mothballs keep hummingbirds away food source is one of the oldest to... Start with food and clothing too ( we harvest honey from bees for sake... Sauce, or peppermint oil and clothing hummingbirds are attracted to food, and light minimize unintended...