How to Keep Hummingbirds Away: Simple Steps!

To keep hummingbirds away, use unappealing colors, remove nectar-rich plants, eliminate other food sources, and install bird deterrents.

Hummingbirds are attracted to gardens that have nectar-rich plants, water sources, and bright colors. To keep them away, it’s essential to make your garden less appealing to these birds.

By using a combination of methods, you can effectively discourage hummingbirds from visiting your outdoor space.

By making changes to your garden’s appearance and removing key attractants, you can effectively keep hummingbirds away from your outdoor space.

Implementing a combination of these methods will ensure that your garden is less appealing to these birds, preventing them from becoming a nuisance while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing landscape.

6 Methods to Deter Hummingbirds from Your Garden

Method	Description	Pros	Cons
Remove feeders	Take down any hummingbird feeders in the area.	Easy to do; no cost	May discourage other birds from visiting too
Use bird netting	Install bird netting around plants or areas where hummingbirds frequent.	Effective barrier; reusable	May be unsightly; can trap other animals
Plant unattractive flowers	Choose flowers that hummingbirds don’t like, such as those with little or no nectar, or small blooms	Can still have a nice garden	Limited to specific plant types; may take time for changes to take effect
Install decoys	Place fake predators, like owls or hawks, near areas you want to protect.	Low cost; easy to move around	May not always be effective; can scare other birds away
Use reflective surfaces	Hang CDs, aluminum foil, or other reflective materials to deter hummingbirds.	Inexpensive; can be decorative	May not always be effective; can create unwanted glare
Adjust watering schedule	Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening when hummingbirds are less active.	Can reduce bird presence during peak watering hours	Requires adjusting personal schedule; may not always deter birds

Understanding Hummingbirds

Did you know that hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that are much loved by many? Their beautiful, colorful appearance and the way they hover in mid-air is mesmerizing.

But while you may be enjoying their company, there are times when you may want to keep them away.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at hummingbirds and why you may need to keep them away at times.

What Are Hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds that are native to the americas.

They can vary in size, with some species measuring as little as 3 inches in length and weighing as little as 2 grams. These birds are unique in that they can hover in mid-air and fly backward.

They are also known for their fast wingbeats, which can range from 50 to over 200 beats per second.

Why Do Hummingbirds Visit Your Garden?

Hummingbirds are attracted to gardens for several reasons:

• Nectar: Hummingbirds feed on nectar and are attracted to flowers that produce it. They are particularly fond of red and orange tubular flowers.
• Insects: Hummingbirds also feed on insects, which are attracted to gardens with a lot of flowers and plants.
• Water: Hummingbirds need water to drink and bathe in, and are attracted to fountains, birdbaths, and other sources of water.

Why Is It Important To Keep Hummingbirds Away?

While hummingbirds are beautiful and fascinating creatures, there are times when you may need to keep them away.

• Aggressive behavior: Male hummingbirds can be territorial and may become aggressive towards other birds or even people.
• Feeding frenzy: If you have a lot of hummingbirds in your garden, they may become aggressive towards each other as they compete for food.
• Damage to plants: Hummingbirds may damage plants as they feed on nectar or hunt for insects.

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that are attracted to gardens for their nectar, insects, and water. However, there are times when you may need to keep them away due to their aggression or potential damage to your garden.

By understanding the behavior of these birds, you can take necessary steps to keep them away while still enjoying their presence.

Natural Ways To Deter Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that bring joy to many people, but sometimes they can become a bit too much of a good thing.

If you’re looking to keep these winged friends at bay, there are a few natural ways to deter them from your garden.

Planting Certain Flowers

Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers with nectar, so planting certain types of flowers can help to deter them.

Here are some examples:

• Red roses: Although roses are beautiful, they attract hummingbirds because of their bright red color. Consider planting a different color of rose instead.
• Marigolds: Marigolds have a strong scent that hummingbirds don’t like. These flowers also come in a variety of colors, so you can still have a beautiful garden.
• Petunias: These flowers are also bright and colorful, but they have a lower concentration of nectar, so hummingbirds are less likely to be attracted.

Removing Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

If you have plants in your garden that attract hummingbirds, it’s best to remove them if you want to keep the birds away.

Here are some examples of plants to remove:

• Salvia: This plant is commonly used in gardens and is loved by hummingbirds. Removing it can help to deter these birds.
• Bee balm: Also known as monarda, this plant is a favorite of hummingbirds. Removing it can help to keep them away.
• Trumpet vine: This plant has large, brightly colored flowers that attract hummingbirds. Removing it can help to deter them from your garden.

Using Specific Bird Feeders Or Bird Foods

If you still want to feed birds in your garden but don’t want hummingbirds around, consider using specific bird feeders or bird foods that they don’t like.

Here are some examples:

• Suet feeders: Suet feeders attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches, but hummingbirds don’t typically visit them.
• Nyjer seed: This type of seed is loved by finches and other small birds, but hummingbirds don’t like it.
• Safflower seed: Cardinals and other larger birds enjoy safflower seed, but hummingbirds aren’t typically attracted to it.

By employing these effective and natural bird deterrent measures, you can keep your garden bird-friendly yet hummingbird-free.

Using Scare Tactics To Keep Hummingbirds Away

Hummingbirds are lovely creatures. They are beautiful to watch, but sometimes they can be quite a nuisance. These birds can quickly become territorial when they’ve found a food source which can lead to aggressive behavior.

In such circumstances, using scare tactics may become necessary.

Here are some ways to use scare tactics to keep hummingbirds away:

Hanging Reflective Objects

Hanging reflective objects around hummingbirds’ favorite spots in your yard can be useful in scaring them away.

Hummingbirds don’t particularly enjoy the bright light that reflective objects produce, so they tend to fly away when they see them. You can use objects like cds, mirrors, or even aluminum foil to achieve this.

Using Decals Or Stickers

Decals and stickers are available in various shapes and sizes and can be found at your local garden store.

Birds tend to avoid areas with the presence of predators, which is why using stickers or decals depicting predators such as birds of prey, snakes, or even human faces can be helpful in keeping hummingbirds away.

Creating Movement With Wind Chimes Or Streamers

Hummingbirds are attracted to still objects, which is why you could use movement as a tactic to scare them away. Hanging wind chimes or streamers around hummingbirds’ favorite spots can spook them away.

The noise and movement produced by wind chimes can scare them away, while the fluttering movement of streamers works similar to hanging reflective objects.

These scare tactics are effective when used consistently; however, keep in mind that the goal is not to harm the birds but to deter them from areas you’d rather they stay away from.

With these tips, you can maintain a harmonious environment for both hummingbirds and humans.

Chemical Solutions To Keep Hummingbirds Away

Hummingbirds are beautiful creatures that can enhance any garden or backyard. However, some people find them to be a nuisance and want to keep them away. Chemical solutions are an effective way to prevent hummingbirds from visiting your garden.

Here are some ways to keep hummingbirds away using chemical solutions:

Using Pest Repellents:

If you are dealing with a serious hummingbird infestation, pest repellents can be an effective solution. However, it is important to use repellents that are safe for hummingbirds and other wildlife.

Here are some pest repellents you can use:

• Capsaicin repellents: Capsaicin is a naturally occurring compound found in peppers that can repel hummingbirds. Just spray the solution on bird feeders, flowers, and other areas where the birds frequent.
• Vinegar and water: A solution of vinegar and water can be sprayed on plants to keep hummingbirds away. It is important to use a mild solution so as not to harm the birds or the plants in your garden.

Spraying Plant Oils:

Plant oils can repel hummingbirds by making the plants taste and smell unpleasant. The most effective oils are cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus oils.

Here are the steps to use plant oils:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil with 1 quart of water.
• Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the areas where the hummingbirds are going.

Setting Up Traps Or Barriers:

Traps and barriers can be an effective solution to keep hummingbirds away. However, it is important to choose a trap or barrier that is safe for the birds.

Here are some traps or barriers you can set up:

• Decoys: You can use fake birds or other objects to scare the hummingbirds away. Place them in strategic locations where they are likely to be seen by the birds.
• Netting: Hang netting around the plants or flowers you want to keep the hummingbirds away from. This will prevent them from accessing the plants and flowers.

Chemical solutions are an effective and safe way to prevent hummingbirds from visiting your garden. Using pest repellents, spraying plant oils, and setting up traps or barriers can all help you keep these beautiful birds away.

Try these solutions today and enjoy your hummingbird-free garden!

FAQ On How To Keep Hummingbirds Away

Conclusion

Hummingbirds are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can also become a nuisance when they keep coming back to the same spot. The good news is that there are many solutions to keep them away, some of which involve simply changing habits or patterns.

Decide which method is best for your situation, and be sure to keep an eye on the hummingbirds to ensure they are not being harmed.

Remember to take preventative measures, such as cleaning up any spilled nectar or food, and planting different types of flowers and shrubs to create a more diverse habitat.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully keep hummingbirds at bay while maintaining a welcoming environment for them to visit. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy the beauty of these wonderful creatures without the hassle of constant visits.