Hummingbird feeders are a common sight in many backyards and gardens, especially in the warmer months. These feeders are filled with sugar water or artificial nectar to attract hummingbirds. The bright colors and sweet liquid bring in hummingbirds looking for an easy meal. But hummingbird feeders often attract more than just the intended visitors. Bees, wasps, ants, and other insects are also drawn in by the scent of sugary nectar. This leads many people to wonder – can bees get nectar from hummingbird feeders?
The short answer is yes, bees can and do feed from hummingbird feeders. While these feeders are designed with hummingbirds in mind, they do not have any properties that prevent bees from accessing the nectar. The nectar is not poisonous to bees, and the feeders do not have ultraviolet patterns that deter bees. In fact, bees have excellent color vision and a strong sense of smell, so they can easily detect the flowers and sugar water in hummingbird feeders.
How bees locate and access hummingbird feeders
Bees locate hummingbird feeders in a few different ways:
- Sight – Bees have eyes sensitive to color, shape, and movement. The bright colors and distinct shape of feeders grab their attention.
- Smell – Bees have an excellent sense of smell and can detect the sweet scent of nectar from long distances.
- Memory – Once a bee locates a good nectar source, it remembers the location and communicates it to the hive.
- Vision cues – Bees use information from sight and memory to zero in on flowers.
To access the nectar, bees use their straw-like proboscis to sip the liquid through any openings in the feeder. hummingbird feeders often have multiple small ports for hummingbird beaks or exposed areas. Bees take advantage of these access points to dip their proboscis into the nectar. The only feeders bees may struggle to access are enclosed reservoirs with single feeding ports only large enough for a hummingbird’s beak and tongue.
Why bees are attracted to hummingbird feeders
There are several key reasons why bees are attracted to hummingbird nectar feeders:
- Rich nectar source – The sugar ratios in hummingbird nectar are similar to flower nectar attractive to bees. It provides quick energy.
- Reliable nectar supply – Feeders provide a constant nectar source, unlike seasonal flowers.
- Bright colors – Bees see the colorful feeders from a distance and investigate.
- Lack of other flowers – In areas or times lacking blooms, feeders offer substitute nectar.
- Scent – The sweet sugary scent draws in hungry bees.
In particular, hummingbird feeders are most enticing to bees during times of nectar scarcity. When flowers are not blooming, bees take advantage of the consistent, sweet nectar the feeders provide.
Do bees harm hummingbirds when sharing feeders?
Many people worry about bees preventing hummingbirds from accessing the feeders or even harming them. However, there is little evidence that bees directly interfere with hummingbird feeding or pose a danger to them.
A few reasons bees do not typically cause problems for hummingbirds at feeders:
- Different feeding behaviors – Bees sip nectar while hummingbirds lick with their tongues.
- Different access points – Bees use ports on the base while hummingbirds insert their beaks into the feeding ports.
- Different schedules – Bees feed earlier in the day than hummingbirds.
- Plentiful nectar – Limits competition when nectar is abundant.
- Swift hummingbirds – Hummingbirds are agile and quick, able to access feeders despite bee presence.
There are a few rare reports of hummingbirds getting trapped in swarms of stinging insects. But overall, bees and hummingbirds peacefully co-exist on feeders with minimal conflict.
Risks of bee exposure to hummingbird nectar
While hummingbird nectar does not appear to be harmful to bees directly, there are a few potential risks:
- Nutritional imbalance – Nectar lacks pollen essential for bee nutrition.
- Contamination – Spoiled nectar can sicken bees.
- Pesticides – Any pesticides used on feeders transfer to bees.
- Metabolic disorder – Excess sugar and lack of diversity causes issues.
However, most experts agree these risks are low. The nutritional content of store-bought nectar is not drastically different from natural flower nectar. As long as the feeders are cleaned regularly and no pesticides are applied, the nectar should not negatively impact bees. The key is ensuring bees have access to diverse food sources, not only feeders.
How to deter bees from hummingbird feeders
For those wanting to prevent bees from accessing hummingbird feeders, there are a few options:
- Use bee-proof feeders – Enclosed reservoirs stop bees.
- Employ feeder guards – Plastic guards prevent bees from crawling in.
- Add hot pepper – Spicy mixtures deter bees but not hummingbirds.
- Relocate feeders – Place away from beehives and flower beds.
- Limit openings – Seal ports not needed for hummingbird feeding.
- Remove at night – Take in feeders at dusk when bees are inactive.
A combination of bee-resistant feeders and deterrents is most effective. Proper cleaning and nectar replacement also reduces bee activity. With extra effort, you can enjoy hummingbirds without attracting bees.
Conclusion
In summary, bees are certainly capable of accessing the nectar in hummingbird feeders through the various ports and openings. They are drawn to the colors, scent, and sweet taste. However, bees do not usually cause problems for the hummingbirds also feeding. There are simple steps you can take to limit bee access if desired. In many cases, bees and hummingbirds can peacefully share these backyard nectar sources. Ensuring clean, fresh nectar is available helps reduce competition. Understanding the feeding behaviors of each species takes away much of the concern about interactions at hummingbird feeders. With a little clever feeder design and strategic placement, you can keep both bees and hummingbirds happily buzzing around your garden.