In hot weather and when feeders are situated in direct sunlight, feeders need cleaning at least every few days. This solution should be boiled for a couple of minutes to dissolve the sugar completely and to retard growth of microorganisms. Excess solution can be stored in the refrigerator safely for about a week. Honey should not be used in any nectar solution, nor should brown sugar or artificial sweeteners, as all of these items can be harmful to hummingbirds. Nectar solution need not be artificially colored red.
Most feeders have bright colors that attract hummingbirds.
Once they discover where a hummingbird feeder is, the birds don't need to be reminded of its whereabouts. They will return year after year to the same feeders. Finally, you may keep your feeder up year round, or remove it in late fall. The choice is up to you. Migrating hummingbirds will still head south in the fall, even if there are feeders or flowering plants available to them.