Bees and hummingbirds both feed on nectar from flowers, so it’s understandable that some people wonder if bees will eat from hummingbird feeders. The short answer is yes, bees can and do eat from hummingbird feeders. However, there are some important things to consider when it comes to hummingbird feeders and bees.
What attracts bees to hummingbird feeders?
Hummingbird nectar, which is essentially just sugar water, is very appealing to bees. They are attracted to the sweet solution in hummingbird feeders just as hummingbirds are. Bees have a very strong sense of smell and can detect sugary solutions from quite a distance.
Do bees harm hummingbirds?
In most cases, no. Bees are primarily interested in the nectar in the feeders. They do not attack or purposefully harm hummingbirds. However, too many bees at a hummingbird feeder can deter hummingbirds from approaching it. Hummingbirds are territorial and may avoid feeders with lots of bee activity.
Do Bees Actually Eat from Hummingbird Feeders?
Yes, absolutely. Just as bees are attracted to flower nectar in the wild, they will readily feed on the sugar water (sucrose solution) in hummingbird feeders.
Bees have mouthparts adapted specifically for sipping liquid nectar. Their long, tubular tongues, called proboscises, allow them to reach into flowers and feeders.
When bees find a good nectar source, such as a hummingbird feeder, they will return to it repeatedly. Scout bees communicate the location back to the hive, recruiting more worker bees to exploit the resource.
So while the feeder is intended for hummingbirds, bees can detect it and take advantage of an easy meal.
Bee species attracted to hummingbird feeders
The most common species that visit hummingbird feeders are:
– Honey bees – Recognizable by their yellow and black striping. They live in large colonies and are very effective at recruiting fellow bees to food sources.
– Bumble bees – Large and fuzzy, bumble bees are efficient at feeding on nectar. Their colonies are much smaller than honey bees.
– Carpenter bees – These solitary bees have a shiny black abdomen and can be territorial around feeders. However, they do not sting without provocation.
– Mining bees – Smaller solitary bees that nest underground. Their furry bodies transport pollen from flower to flower.
– Mason bees – Tiny black bees that nest in holes andgaps in wood. They carry pollen on their abdomens.
Essentially any local bee species can be attracted to the sweet liquid in hummingbird feeders. The feeders are reliable, abundant sources of nutrition.
Do Bees Keep Hummingbirds Away from Feeders?
Bee activity at a hummingbird feeder can deter hummingbirds, but their effect depends on a few factors:
– Number of bees – A few bees may not be an issue, but clusters of bees can intimated hummingbirds.
– Bee aggressiveness – Species like honey bees and carpenter bees may aggressively defend a food source.
– Time of day – Hummingbirds are more active in daylight hours. Bees tend to feed early and late.
– Feeder placement – Locating the feeder away from beehives or nesting sites reduces traffic.
Here are some tips to minimize bees at your hummingbird feeder:
Tips to reduce bees at hummingbird feeders
| Method | How it deters bees |
|---|---|
| Use a bee guard | Prevents bees from accessing the nectar |
| Relocate the feeder | Puts distance between the feeder and bee nests |
| Change the nectar | Fresher nectar is less attractive to bees |
| Try a saucer feeder | The exposed nectar deters territorial bees |
| Clean the feeder | Removes traces of sugary residue |
Using one or more of these methods can discourage bees from congregating at your hummingbird feeder. But completely eliminating bee interest in nectar is difficult. A certain amount of bee activity may be inevitable.
Do Bees Carry Diseases That Harm Hummingbirds?
There is no evidence that common diseases carried by bees can be transmitted to hummingbirds at feeders.
However, two scenarios related to bee diseases need some caution:
Bee diseases and hummingbird feeders
| Disease | Risk to hummingbirds |
|---|---|
| Foulbrood | Low risk. Causes larval death in bee colonies. |
| Nosema | Minimal risk. A fungal microsporidian gut disease. |
| Neonicotinoid pesticides | Moderate risk. Can transfer residues on bees to nectar. |
While foulbrood, nosema and other common bee diseases do not directly affect hummingbirds, pesticide residues could potentially be dangerous if concentrated in nectar.
The other scenario is disease transmission from hummingbirds to bees. There is some research showing hummingbirds can carry plant diseases on their beaks and feathers which may infect bee-pollinated flowers. But feeders themselves present little disease risk between bees and hummingbirds. Basic cleaning and nectar replacement minimizes hazards.
Should a Hummingbird Feeder Be Moved if Bees Won’t Leave?
If bees remain persistently problematic at a hummingbird feeder location, moving the feeder may be the best option.
Relocating a hummingbird feeder can discourage bee activity in these cases:
When to consider moving a hummingbird feeder
– Bees are too aggressive and territorial at the feeder.
– Bees continue visiting despite deterrents like bee guards.
– The feeder is very close to a beehive or nesting area.
– Hummingbirds avoid the feeder due to excessive bees.
Ideally, a feeder should only be moved a short distance – no more than 5-10 yards away. Hummingbirds often remember and revisit feeding locations, so dramatic moves may discourage them.
Small incremental relocations can work better to find a “sweet spot” that deters bees but keeps hummingbirds returning. Periodically changing the nectar also helps reset activity patterns.
If moving the feeder repeatedly fails to solve a bee problem, switching to a bowl-style feeder or removing it entirely may become necessary. But moderate feeder moves are usually an effective remedy.
Conclusion
Bees have an innate attraction to sugary hummingbird nectar, leading them to feast on feeders. While their presence can sometimes deter territorial hummingbirds, the majority of bee species do not harm or threaten the birds.
careful feeder placement, anti-bee deterrents, and maintenance can minimize bee activity to acceptable levels. But the attraction is so strong that eliminating bees entirely from a hummingbird feeder is unlikely.
With some patience finding the right location balance, hummingbird enthusiasts can enjoy observing both amazing species visiting their feeders peacefully. The key is using smart practices to promote harmony, not competition, in a shared backyard ecosystem.
