As temperatures continue to rise, and birds seek shelter and sustenance to help them survive the summer sun, you'd be doing hummingbirds a big favor if you put out a feeder full of tasty nectar to keep them coming to your yard.
But if you want to keep hummingbirds flocking to your hummingbird feeder this summer, you might be interested in trying this quirky hummingbird feeder hack. And best of all, you only need one household staple that you’ll find in your kitchen: aluminum foil.
The secret to this hummingbird hack is all about temperature, and keeping the special nectar you feed the hummingbirds just right. Here's how you can use aluminum foil to keep hummingbirds flocking to your feeder.
Prevent your nectar from overheating
In the summer, when temperatures rise, hummingbird nectar can spoil. And it’s particularly prevalent right now, as we experience heatwave after heatwave. If left to fester in the high heat, the sugary treat that hummingbirds love can begin to ferment and become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
So, to keep their nectar cool, some people are wrapping their hummingbird feeders in aluminum foil. It may seem bizarre to add shiny kitchen wrap to your feeder, so why are people trying this hack?
How does aluminum foil keep hummingbird nectar from spoiling?
The concept behind this hummingbird hack is that aluminum foil reflects the light and heat away from the food, hopefully keeping the nectar at a temperature that won’t allow it to ferment.
Although the aluminum foil won’t reduce the temperature of the nectar to an exact degree, the idea is that it will go some way to keep it cooler.
How to use aluminum foil to keep your hummingbird nectar cool
Apart from keeping our food fresh, aluminum foil can be used in cleaning hacks to revive stained cutlery and improve dishwasher cleaning. It’s also well known that aluminum foil can beat the heat, and can be used to cool our homes during heat waves.
And just as it reflects heat from our homes, it can be used on hummingbird feeders to protect the wildlife’s food.
So, after purchasing a hummingbird feeder and making up hummingbird nectar, using a ratio of one part sugar to four parts water, you can follow this hack to keep your nectar cool.
What you need to do
It’s just as simple as making your own hummingbird nectar. Start by tearing off a piece of aluminum foil and wrapping it around the nectar reserve on your hummingbird feeder. Ensure you leave the whole on the spout exposed to allow the hummingbirds to feed. The foil will help to reflect the heat and decrease the chance of the nectar spoiling.
Change your nectar regularly
Whatever the temperature, Maria Kincaid, head ornithologist at FeatherSnap, advises changing the nectar every one to two days, especially when the temperatures are warm. This will avoid the nectar becoming harmful to hummingbirds once consumed.
When the temperature is about 90°F, you should change it daily. And whenever it’s changed, clean your feeder with hot water and the feeding ports with a brush to prevent mold build-up.
To make your life easier, keep a store of hummingbird nectar in your fridge — just allow it to come to room temperature before you add it to your feeder.
Be mindful where you place your hummingbird feeder
Position your feeder where it's easier for you to reach and remove, and find a shady spot which will help keep the nectar cooler than if it's placed in full sun.
More from Tom's Guide
- Discover 7 ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard
- 5 plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators to your yard
- 7 benefits of a wildlife garden and why you should grow one
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