Will mosquito spray in yards affect hummingbirds coming to my feeders? - Ask Extension
Our exterminator want to spray our yard for mosquitos-should I let them?
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Will mosquito spray in yards affect hummingbirds coming to my feeders? #829392
Asked May 10, 2023, 4:56 PM EDT
Our exterminator want to spray our yard for mosquitos-should I let them?
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Carolyn,
There is no evidence that the relatively small insecticide doses (usually pyrethrins or pyrethroids) used for mosquito sprays have a significant impact on birds. Hummingbirds are partially insectivorous, so perhaps they could experience sub-lethal impacts from ingesting treated insects, but there is no evidence for this yet. I say you’re good to go. At the very least, I’m confident that you wouldn’t have fewer hummingbirds visiting your feeders.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Thanks so much!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On May 10, 2023, at 3:59 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hello!
One other consideration: While the mosquito spray may not directly harm hummingbirds, studies by Dr. Tallamy show that 80% of the a hummingbird's diet is small insects such as mosquitos. Hummingbirds only feed insects to their babies. You'll likely still have hummingbirds visit your bird feeder, but they potentially might have to look elsewhere for food, and may need to nest where food is more abundant. I suspect you'll still see them at your feeder.
Here is more info on species you may see: https://rockies.audubon.org/blog/habitat-hero/backyard-hummingbirds
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa Mason
Colorado State University Extension
One other consideration: While the mosquito spray may not directly harm hummingbirds, studies by Dr. Tallamy show that 80% of the a hummingbird's diet is small insects such as mosquitos. Hummingbirds only feed insects to their babies. You'll likely still have hummingbirds visit your bird feeder, but they potentially might have to look elsewhere for food, and may need to nest where food is more abundant. I suspect you'll still see them at your feeder.
Here is more info on species you may see: https://rockies.audubon.org/blog/habitat-hero/backyard-hummingbirds
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa Mason
Colorado State University Extension
