I found a solution that has kept my feeders from dripping and attracting yellow jackets and other unwanted pests. This only works for Humzinger-style feeders (not the standard large flower, smaller feeders.) I bought pipe sealant in the hardware section of my grocery store; pipe sealant is non-toxic. I also bought a roll of plumber's tape--the really thin tape used to help pipes seal up. First I cleaned everything really well. Then popped out all of the flowers and slathered a bunch of I then slathered the pipe sealant around where the flowers go in--you want to use a really good amount--and pushed them back in. I then did the same where the top met the bottom "bowl". Next, I wrapped a generous amount of the plumber's tape around that same place to really seal it up. The pipe sealant comes in little tubes and is kind of like working with toothpaste and putty mixed together. (Note: It doesn't fully dry up. It's not supposed to.) The end result is somewhat ugly with the white tape and the white goop around the flowers, but it sufficiently not only stopped the yellow jackets from coming (they tried and tried, but finally stopped.) You will have to replace the tape and pipe sealant now and then around the base, as it expands and contracts with the day heating up and cooling off--and especially so if it's in direct sunlight like mine are. I have a lot of hummingbirds who come my way all summer and all winter (we have Anna's Hummingbirds here in Oregon, and they don't migrate), and they've been very happy about not having the yellow jackets scare them off in the warmer months.

voodoobrew, I've tried liquidy bad fruit a few more times for my butterfly population on perfect weather days, and still just ants for me, too, while the butterflies went about their time at the flowers oblivious to my offering. I should keep trying, though, especially now that the hummingbirds are here too and might be interested.

Patrick, I also live in East Wenatchee and I have several Hummingbirds. I did put out feeders because they need the nectar to keep up their energy to make it through the winter. I wrapped the feeders in Christmas lights to keep them from freezing or you can bring them in at night but you'll need to be an early riser because they start eating at dawn. I've seen them as early as 6:30am. Also you can read online about wintering hummingbirds and how to take care of them. Happy Humminbirding, Barbara

I will take in the eggs before its too late. But that's my question...should I? Probably not. The chances of you being able to raise healthy chicks of this species from eggs are slim to none. Something else to consider - It's not legal for you to do that without a permit or unless a licensed rehabber. Sometimes nature is tough. If eggs are disturbed or broken, there is a good chance she will nest again and raise a successful brood in weather slightly better. If the nest should fall intact and eggs not broken, it might be acceptable to try to wire or somehow fasten it back up, but you should limit your intervention to that. Please don't 'rescue' a nest with eggs as a preventative and take it indoors.