Why Are There Black Streaks on My Bricks Under My Hummingbird Feeder?

Warning

• Never use honey as the sweetener in a hummingbird feeder. Honey use can lead to the growth of mold and fungus.

Considerations

• Use a solution of five parts water to one part sugar. This solution should attract fewer bees and less sugar is present to encourage fungal growth. Boiling the solution for 30 seconds will help retard mold growth.

Prevention

• Blown glass and globe feeders have drip issues, while bottle and saucer-style feeders experience fewer leaks. To avoid leaking problems, you should fully fill the feeder and hang it out of direct sunlight.

Solution

• Use bleach to kill bacteria and mold. A 10 percent solution can be used to clean sugar solution spills. Use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach for a more environmentally friendly option.