Hummingbird Feeder De-Anting

I am thinking about putting up my first hummingbird feeder! From what I have read, ants and other bugs are attracted to the sweetness of the nectar. There are "ant moats" that keep them from the feeder, but the moats not only discourage the ants, but will kill them as well. I'd rather not commit ant-o-cide to feed a hummingbird. Is there a method of prevention that does not kill the ants?

My other thought is to put the feeder far from the house and let the ants have at it. Can ants cause harm to the birds in any way?

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

I don't know if the ants will hurt them but you'll need to clean and refill the feeder every few days.

The first ant has to find the sugar syrup. Then they follow a trail back to the syrup. The key is to never let them find it in the first place. I have the most trouble with feeders hung in trees. I don't usually have trouble with the ones under the eaves unless the wind splashes drips on the wall, then the ants will climb up the wall searching.
So, avoid drips and spills - that will start them hunting for the source for more. If they find the feeder, you must move it & clean/remove their trail back to it. I've watched them valiantly struggle up a slick clean glass window where there had been a drip from a window-mount feeder. After they have stopped searching the area, you can probably move the feeder back.

Helpful - I did not know about having to clean it out so frequently. I have traded in bird feeders for bird houses to scale down on maintenance (and let's face it, the squirrels were getting more than the birds!), so this may be another way to add on more maintenance. Hmmmm....

Hummingbird feeders are relatively high maintenance during the season - but I think the amazing little hummingbirds are worth it. On the bright side, squirrels don't bother the Hummer feeders! Orioles and house finches will try to get into the Hummingbird feeder, so I give them their own feeder so they don't become too much of a nuisance.