Why your birdfeeder becomes a ‘disease spot’ in a heatwave — and how to fix it

Hummingbird feeder.

With temperatures soaring, homeowners are being urged to keep bird feeders free from bacteria to protect wildlife from disease. The warning comes as the risk of disease increases with rising temperatures.

The parasitic disease trichomonosis, which spreads through saliva and contaminated food and water, can be lethal to many bird populations.