How often to clean hummingbird feeders, according to wildlife experts

Regular cleaning keeps hummingbirds safe from conjunctivitis, fungal infections, and other issues.

Putting out hummingbird feeders is a thoughtful way to ensure these winged creatures get the nutrients they need to keep up with their fast wing speed. Plus, it allows you the opportunity to witness the beauty of these impressive birds.

However, for you (and local hummingbirds) to reap the benefits of backyard feeders, cleaning them regularly is a must. If the nectar sits for too long, mold and bacterial growth will occur. At best, this will limit your birdwatching opportunities; at worst, it can sicken hummingbirds.

To keep birds safe and enhance your backyard views, we consulted wildlife experts who shared how often you should clean your hummingbird feeders.

Meet Our Expert

• Tess Renusch, native plant habitat content and certifications coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation
• Jordan Rutter, ornithologist and communications director at American Bird Conservancy

Related: How to Make Hummingbird Nectar the Right Way (and Keep Your Backyard Birds Safe)

How Often to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders require frequent cleaning to keep birds coming back to your yard. Aim to clean your feeders every three days. “This is critical because sugar water quickly supports the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to hummingbirds if consumed,” says Tess Renusch, native plant habitat content and certifications coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation.

But keep in mind that the weather may influence how often you clean hummingbird feeders. “Temperature makes a big difference,” Renusch says. “Heat speeds up fermentation and microbial growth, so feeders spoil much faster in warm climates.” In hot weather, she recommends cleaning hummingbird feeders daily or every other day.

Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Hummingbird Feeder

Whether you clean your hummingbird feeders on a strict schedule or you often forget to do it, there are some indicators that your feeders need immediate cleaning. “If the sugar water turns cloudy or moldy, feces are present, or insects like ants are present, then it’s definitely time to clean,” says Jordan Rutter, ornithologist and communications director at American Bird Conservancy.

Risks of Neglecting Hummingbird Feeders

Failing to clean your hummingbird feeder won’t just deter birds from visiting; it also poses a serious health risk to the birds that continue to drink from them. “Bird feeders and bird baths are communal spaces that invite close contact, which can hasten the transmission of diseases between birds,” says Rutter. “Conjunctivitis, a disease affecting the eyes and respiratory system, is a persistent concern for some common backyard birds. Regularly cleaning feeders is one of the best ways to prevent conjunctivitis, fungal infections, and other diseases from spreading among the birds flocking to your yard.”

Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders

Avoid these common mistakes when cleaning hummingbird feeders to ensure a thorough clean that keeps backyard avians safe.

• Using the wrong cleaning products: Don’t use chemicals that may harm insects, birds, and other wildlife when cleaning feeders. “Treat your bird feeders like you would your own kitchen,” says Rutter. “Just as you wouldn’t want children or pets to ingest toxic chemicals and pesticides, the same should hold true for hummingbirds and neighborhood wildlife.”
• Using the dishwasher: Always clean hummingbird feeders by hand, rather than in the dishwasher. “Dishwashers are not recommended because of this, and the heat can warp the plastic or seals on feeders, which can later cause leaks or contamination,” says Rutter.
• Not cleaning feeders often enough: Infrequent cleaning or waiting until hummingbird feeders get dirty can pose health risks to backyard avians. Aim to clean feeders every three days with a diluted bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) and thoroughly rinse for optimal hygiene.
• Not taking the feeder apart: Renusch recommends fully disassembling the feeder so you don’t miss hidden mold or bacteria. Thoroughly rinse all parts of the feeder before reassembling to remove lingering residue.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart