You may have noticed people wrapping aluminum foil around their hummingbird feeders and wondered why. The reason behind this is to prevent the nectar in the feeder from overheating and degrading, which can harm hummingbirds. In very hot weather, the sugar mixture in hummingbird feeders can grow harmful bacteria or mold. The aluminum foil acts as a barrier to prevent this from happening.
When preparing the nectar for your hummingbird feeder, mix a sugar-water solution at a 4:1 ratio without boiling it. However, boiling the mixture can help fully absorb the sugar and kill potential bacteria. In hot weather, it is recommended to empty and refill your feeder at least twice a week to prevent bacterial growth.
What is the aluminum foil supposed to do?
Wrapping the hummingbird feeder in aluminum foil reflects sunlight and heat to limit solar energy transfer. While this method can help in keeping the nectar cooler, there are other steps you can take, such as moving the feeder to a shaded area or changing the nectar daily. Using glass feeders can also help in keeping the nectar cooler. Taking these precautions during hot weather can ensure the safety of the sugar-water solution for hummingbirds.
