MARS Wildlife Rescue offers some tips to keep the feeders clean.

Many of us have feeders for hummingbirds at this time of the year.

Mountainaire Bird Rescue Society staff remind people that it's important to protect the birdseed feeders from mildew in the bird feeders.

If a hummingbird takes on this form, it will damage its internal organs and lead to death.

Therefore, it is up to those who have food to make sure that when the nectar for the birds is cleared, the food is free from anything that could cause harm.

The lifeguards at MARS Wildlife recommend cleaning the feeders at least once a week or at any time when the feeder needs to be filled.

There are several ways to clean the feeder; Soap and hot water work well, as do baking soda and hot water. To ensure adequate deep cleansing and to remove unpleasant molds, a good solution in a dilute bleach solution is effective.

Less toxic alternatives are white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Follow this treatment with a good scrub of all parts of the feeders including the openings to make sure that there are no traces of mold. Old toothbrushes, bottle brushes and even a well-washed mascara brush can help, or there are special brushes to clean the available hummingbird feeders.

Follow these steps with a good rinse and make sure that no residue or cleaning residue remains. Allow the charger to dry before refilling.

An alternative to feeders is planting flowers that attract birds. The colorful tube flowers are especially attractive for hummingbirds. These include columbines, lilies, fuchsias and lupines and many common yearbooks such as Impaciences and Petunias.

One last piece of advice to keep the hummingbirds safe: Do not place the food basket too close to a window as birds can fly into the glass and injure themselves.

- Posted by MARS Wildlife Rescue

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