Hummingbirds are a joy to watch, flitting around with their dazzling colors and rapid wingbeats. Many of us love to attract these tiny birds to our gardens with hummingbird feeders filled with sweet nectar. But there’s a common challenge: honey bees are also attracted to that sugary treat, and their presence can discourage hummingbirds from visiting. So, how do you keep honey bees away from hummingbird feeders? Let’s explore some effective and friendly ways to make your feeder a hummingbird haven without upsetting the bees.
Why Are Bees Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders?
Bees are naturally drawn to sugary substances because nectar is a vital energy source for them. The sweet solution in hummingbird feeders, combined with bright colors, especially yellow, can easily attract bees. While bees are important pollinators and deserve our protection, their presence at feeders can overcrowd the space and make it less inviting for hummingbirds.
Smart Ways to Keep Bees Away from Your Hummingbird Feeder
1. Choose the Right Feeder Design
The design of your feeder plays a big role in whether bees can access the nectar.
– Bee Guards: Some feeders come with bee guards—small plastic screens that cover the feeding ports. These allow hummingbirds to reach the nectar with their long tongues but block bees from getting in.
– Bee Moats: These are small water-filled reservoirs that create a barrier around the feeder, preventing bees from walking to the feeding ports.
– Avoid Yellow: Bees are attracted to yellow, so choose feeders that are predominantly red or another color that hummingbirds prefer but bees don’t find as appealing.
– Feeder Shape: Saucer-style feeders with small feeding holes are ideal because hummingbirds can access the nectar easily, but bees find it difficult to land and feed.
2. Hang Your Feeder in the Right Spot
Placement matters a lot.
– Shade Over Sun: Bees prefer feeders in direct sunlight, so hanging your feeder in a shaded area can reduce bee visits.
– Away from Flowers: Position your feeder away from blooming plants that attract bees to reduce their interest in the feeder’s nectar.
3. Keep Your Feeder Spotlessly Clean
A dirty feeder with old nectar residue is a magnet for bees.
– Clean your feeder every few days or at least once a week, especially in warm weather, to prevent sugar buildup and mold, which attract bees and can harm hummingbirds.
– Check for leaks and fix them promptly, as leaking nectar draws bees.
4. Use Natural Bee Deterrents
Some natural scents and methods can discourage bees without harming them.
– Peppermint Oil: Adding a few drops to the nectar can repel bees, as they dislike the smell. Be careful not to add too much, as it might deter hummingbirds too.
– Reflective Objects: Hanging strips of aluminum foil or shiny objects near the feeder can scare bees away by reflecting light.
5. Create an Attractive Alternative for Bees
Divert bees’ attention by planting a nectar-rich flower garden in another part of your yard.
– Flowers like bee balm, lantana, and salvias attract bees and can keep them busy away from your feeder.
– This way, bees have their own feeding spot, and hummingbirds can enjoy the feeder peacefully.
6. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Never use pesticides, insecticides, petroleum jelly, or sticky substances on or near your feeder. These are dangerous to both bees and hummingbirds and are not a humane solution.
7. Consider Bee Traps if Necessary
If bees are overwhelming your feeder, you can use bee traps placed far away from the feeder to lure and relocate them safely. This should be a last resort and done with care to avoid harming the bees.
Quick Tips Summary
– Use feeders with bee guards or bee moats.
– Avoid yellow feeders; choose red or other colors preferred by hummingbirds.
– Hang feeders in shaded areas, away from flowers.
– Clean feeders regularly and fix leaks.
– Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or reflective strips.
– Plant nectar-rich flowers away from feeders to divert bees.
– Never use harmful chemicals near feeders.
By combining these strategies, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds without the interference of buzzing bees, creating a peaceful backyard oasis for all your favorite pollinators.
Enjoy your hummingbird watching!