To hang an ant moat, you will need a few simple materials: a plastic bottle with a cap, a coat hanger, a drill, and some hot glue. Follow these steps to securely hang your ant moat and keep those pesky ants away from your bird feeders or hanging plants.
1. Prepare the plastic bottle: Start by selecting a plastic bottle that has a cap. The size of the bottle will depend on the size of your hanging object. A 16-ounce or 20-ounce bottle usually works well. Make sure the bottle is clean and dry.
2. Drill a hole in the bottle cap: Use a drill with a bit smaller than the diameter of the coat hanger to drill a hole through the center of the bottle cap. Be careful while drilling to avoid any injuries. If you don’t have a drill, you can also use a heated nail or a sharp knife to make a small hole.
3. Insert the coat hanger through the hole: Take the coat hanger and push it through the hole in the bottle cap. Ensure that the hanger fits snugly into the hole. If the hole is too large, the moat may not be effective in preventing ants from reaching your desired area.
4. Twist the cap onto the bottle: Once the coat hanger is securely inserted into the hole, twist the bottle cap tightly onto the top of the bottle. Ensure it is fastened securely to prevent any leaks.
5. Test for leaks: Before proceeding, it’s important to check for any potential leaks. Fill the bottle with water and turn it upside down. If any water drips out from the cap, re-tighten it or apply some hot glue around the edges to seal it completely. You want to ensure there are no leaks in your moat as ants can easily cross if there are small openings.
6. Apply hot glue to the cap: With the bottle still upside down, fill the cap with hot glue. This will create a barrier that prevents ants from crossing. Be careful not to overfill the cap, as excessive glue may spill out and make a mess. Allow the hot glue to dry completely before proceeding.
7. Hang the moat: Once the hot glue has dried, you are ready to hang the ant moat. Choose a suitable location near your bird feeder or hanging plant where the moat will be effective. You can use a rope, string, or hook to suspend the moat from a tree branch, pole, or any other suitable structure. Ensure it is positioned above the feeder or plant to create a barrier for the ants.
Remember to regularly check and refill the ant moat with water as needed, as evaporation or rain can reduce the effectiveness of the moat over time. Additionally, if you notice any signs of ants still accessing your desired area, you may need to adjust the placement or add additional moats to create a more effective barrier.
By following these steps and taking proper precautions, you can successfully hang an ant moat to protect your bird feeders or hanging plants from pesky ants.
