Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that are a joy to watch as they hover and dart around flowers and feeders. Many people put up hummingbird feeders in their yards to attract these delightful creatures. However, hummingbird feeders also attract unwanted guests – bees. Bees can swarm hummingbird feeders and scare away the hummingbirds. This leads many hummingbird lovers to search for bee proof hummingbird feeders. But do they really work?
Bee proof hummingbird feeders aim to allow hummingbirds access to the nectar while keeping bees out. They use various strategies to try to accomplish this:
Small feeding ports
Many bee proof feeders feature small, narrow feeding ports that allow a hummingbird’s slender bill and tongue to reach the nectar but prevent bees from accessing it. The ports are designed to be too small for a bee to squeeze through.
Moats
Some feeders have moats, which are water-filled reservoirs around the feeding ports. The hummingbirds can easily fly over and access the ports, while the bees are kept away by the water barrier.
Raised/exposed nectar
In other feeder designs, the nectar reservoir is positioned above or fully exposed instead of being enclosed. This allows the hummingbirds to access it while making it difficult for bees to reach.
Bright colors
Hummingbird feeders often use bright red colors to target the color vision of hummingbirds. Bees do not see red as well, so the red coloration is meant to attract more hummingbirds than bees.
Do bee proof feeders work?
The effectiveness of bee proof hummingbird feeders varies widely. Here are some key factors:
Feeder design
Some designs are more successful at excluding bees than others. Moats tend to be one of the more effective features, as the water barrier deters most bees. Very narrow feeding ports can also limit bee access.
Bee behavior
Bees are resourceful and persistent when they find a food source they like. Even if a feeder initially deter bees, they may still figure out ways to access the nectar over time. Bees can sometimes find creative workarounds.
Bee species
Different bee species have different levels of motivation and ability to get into hummingbird feeders. Smaller native bees may be easier to deter than larger, non-native honeybees which tend to be more aggressive.
Nectar sweetness
Very sweet nectar attracts more bees. Using less sugar in the nectar mixture can make the feeder less appealing to bees. But too little sugar will also deter hummingbirds. Finding the right balance is key.
Nearby flowers
The presence of other flowering plants plays a role. If fewer flowers are in bloom near the feeder, it may attract more bees focused on finding any food source.
Time of season
Bees tend to be most prevalent in mid to late summer when their colonies are largest. Feeders that deter bees well in spring may still get overwhelmed by bees later in summer.
So in general, bee proof feeders can work partially but not fully. They can cut down on bee traffic compared to regular feeders, but some bees will likely still make their way in, especially once they discover the nectar source. The feeders require monitoring and maintenance to remain as bee-free as possible.
Tips for discouraging bees at hummingbird feeders
Here are some additional tips that can enhance the bee-deterrent effects of hummingbird feeders:
Use multiple raised/exposed feeders
Having several small raised feeders spread over a larger area makes it harder for bees to find and target just one.
Clean regularly
Change nectar and clean feeders frequently so there is no residue to attract bees.
Try different nectar mixes
Alter the sugar ratio or try different recipe additions like hot peppers or pulverized garlic. Keep testing to find what deters bees in your yard.
Limit feeders
Only have 1-2 feeders up at a time. Remove feeders at night when hummingbirds do not feed. Too many feeders in one area is a bigger draw for bees.
Supplement feeders with flowers
Plant native flowers that provide nectar sources apart from the feeders. This can spread the pollinators out more.
Use trap feeders
A designated bee trap feeder with a weaker nectar solution may divert and contain some bee activity away from main hummingbird feeders.
Try a feeder moat
For feeders without built-in moats, external moats can be DIY-ed. Creating a water barrier around or under the feeder may help exclude more bees.
Know when to give up
If bees remain persistent, it may be best to remove or relocate the feeders for a period until bee activity diminishes again.
Examples of popular “bee proof” hummingbird feeders
Here are 5 top-rated hummingbird feeders touted for their bee-deterring abilities:
Perky-Pet Fly-Thru Hummingbird Feeder
| Features | Raised nectar reservoir, small feeding ports, red glass bottle, twist-cap for filling |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 oz |
| Material | Glass, plastic |
This is one of the original exposed-reservoir style feeders. The nectar is fully visible and accessible from the top, so bees have a harder time reaching it. The ports are fairly small as well. It’s easy to fill and clean. A popular inexpensive option.
Aspects HummZinger Ultra Hummingbird Feeder
| Features | Raised nectar reservoir, indented ports, copper roof, glass bottle |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 oz |
| Material | Glass, copper, plastic |
This feeder has an elegant copper-topped design. The deep, narrow feeding ports are harder for bees to access. The copper may also help deter bees. The glass bottle is convenient for monitoring nectar levels. Overall a high-quality bee resistant feeder.
Woodlink Going Green Hummingbird Feeder
| Features | Integrated moat, 8 feeding ports, glass bottle |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 oz |
| Material | Glass, plastic |
The built-in moat on this feeder surrounds the ports to obstruct bees. The wide dish also keeps nectar from dripping. The bottle is glass so you can easily track the fill level. A good moat feature feeder option.
Brome Squirrel Buster Hummingbird Feeder
| Features | Weighted lever, 6 feeding ports, plastic bottle |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 oz |
| Material | Plastic |
This feeder is specially designed to close off when anything heavier than a hummingbird lands on it. The weighted levers help deter both squirrels and bees. The wide mouths on the ports allow for easy hummingbird feeding while restricting bees.
First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder
| Features | 10 feeding ports, integrated ant moat, red flower design |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 oz |
| Material | Plastic |
This feeder has one of the highest port counts which enables multiple hummingbirds to feed at once. The red flower design is visually appealing while targeting hummingbird vision over bees. The ant moat helps deter crawling insects. A budget-friendly option.
Pros/cons of bee proof hummingbird feeders
Pros:
- Allow hummingbirds to feed with less competition from bees
- Help prevent bees from taking over and swarming the feeders
- Reduce bee stings and harassment around feeders
- May require less nectar refilling since bees drink less
- Let you observe hummingbirds up close as they feed
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than basic feeders
- Features are not always 100% effective at deterring bees
- Require more frequent cleaning to prevent bee attraction
- Smaller capacity means more frequent nectar refilling
- Some aspects make monitoring nectar level and cleaning harder
Conclusion
Bee proof hummingbird feeders can be an excellent option for attracting hungry hummingbirds while discouraging bees and wasps. The best designs incorporate features like moats, raised reservoirs, small ports, and bright colors to reduce bees without impeding hummingbird feeding. No feeder will block bees completely, but strategic use of bee deterring feeders can cut down on bee traffic considerably. Pairing selective feeders with regular cleaning, ideal nectar mixes, and smart placement allows you to maximize the joy of hummingbird watching!
