Feeders can be used to attract hummingbirds before many of your flowers bloom. Another advantage of feeders is that they can be moved near a window or other desirable location where plants may not be suitable. Place the feeder in a semi-protected place where rain cannot dilute the nectar mixture in the end of the tube. Avoid direct sunlight as heat may cause the nectar to expand and be lost unnecessarily. Heat also enhances bacterial
growth. If ants are attracted, moisten the hanging wire with salad oil. Bee guards prevent
bees from using the feeder. Clusters of bees will keep hummers away. Use either instant nectar preparation available at many nurseries and other retailers, or prepare your own nectar with 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiled water. It is not necessary to add red food coloring although you may if your feeder tube lacks this color.