Hummingbird feeders are a popular way for people to attract hummingbirds to their yards and gardens. The feeders provide a concentrated source of nectar that hummingbirds rely on for food. Most commercial hummingbird feeders use bright colors, especially red or yellow, which are thought to be attractive to hummingbirds. However, some people have concerns that the bright colors may also attract unwanted guests like bees or wasps.
Quick Answers
– Bees are attracted to flowers with bright colors, especially yellow, blue, and purple.
– Research shows bumblebees are more attracted to red colors while honeybees prefer blue and yellow colors.
– Using yellow on a hummingbird feeder can attract bees looking for nectar sources.
– Adding red to a hummingbird feeder helps attract hummingbirds while avoiding bees that prefer other colors.
– Keeping hummingbird feeders clean and well-maintained can discourage bees and wasps.
– Placing feeders farther away from flowering plants reduces competition with bees for the nectar source.
– There are a few simple steps to prevent and deter bees from a hummingbird feeder.
Do Bees Like the Color Yellow?
In short, yes bees are attracted to the color yellow. Bees have color vision that is sensitive to blue, green, and ultraviolet light. Their vision is best suited to detect flowers which advertise their nectar using colorful patterns of blues, purples, whites, and yellows. Bees are able to quickly spot flower colors that signal nutritious nectar.
Research on bee color vision has revealed some key facts:
- Honeybees are particularly attracted to blue and yellow colors.
- Bumblebees are most attracted to red and purple flowers.
- Orchid bees prefer bright pink and purple flowers.
- Yellow flowers get high attention from all species of bees.
The preference for yellow is because it stands out against the green background of leaves and grass. Yellow color markings guide bees towards flower centers where the nectar and pollen rewards are located.
Do Hummingbirds Prefer Yellow Feeders?
Hummingbirds are also attracted to red and yellow colored feeders. Their excellent color vision allows them to quickly zip towards blossoms that provide nectar meals. However, research indicates hummingbirds can distinguish more reddish colors compared to yellow.
A few key insights on hummingbird vision and feeder color preference:
- Hummingbirds see well into the ultraviolet spectrum which highlights nectar guides on flowers.
- They have the best color vision of all bird species to detect food sources.
- Hummingbirds are particularly sensitive to shades of red such as orange-red.
- One study found hummers visited red feeders 90% more often than yellow feeders.
- Adding red dye or decoration boosts the attraction of feeders for hummers.
The preference for red appears to be related to the red tubular flowers that wild hummingbirds evolved to pollinate. Using red feeders seems to tap into their instinctual feeding behaviors.
Bee Attraction to Yellow Hummingbird Feeders
Since bees are drawn to yellow and hummingbirds prefer red, purchasing or decorating a feeder with more red than yellow can help attract more hummers. However, even red feeders get visits from bees and wasps attracted by the concentrated sugar nectar.
A few factors that can lead bees to visit yellow hummingbird feeders:
- Yellow color resembles flower nectar sources bees forage on.
- Artificial nectar provides needed carbohydrates and energy.
- Abundant, easy to access food source in yard.
- Sweet liquid oozing from holes mimics floral nectaries.
- Lack of competing flower patches near feeder location.
Bees detect sugar solutions with their antennae which leads them to congregate at feeders once some nectar drips or spills out. The sweet aroma draws in more hungry bees looking for quick energy.
Bee Visits Increase at End of Summer
Beekeepers report seeing more bees attempting to access hummingbird feeders later in the summer, typically August and September. This correlates with the decline of natural blooms from spring and summer flowers. With fewer flower nectar resources available, the feeders become more attractive to desperate honeybees and native bees.
At the same time, hummingbird numbers also increase at feeders as migratory birds return from farther north. More competition between hummingbirds and bees results from the scarcity of food. This combination leads to a surge of bee interest in yellow hummingbird feeders in late summer.
Preventing Bees at the Hummingbird Feeder
Here are some tips to deter bees from a yellow hummingbird feeder:
- Add more red coloration which is less attractive to bees.
- Use a feeder with short perches made for hummingbirds.
- Coat perches with vegetable oil to make slipping harder for bees.
- Use feeders with built-in bee guards over nectar ports.
- Mount feeders on a pole with a water moat or slick collar barrier.
- Keep feeders clean and nectar fresh to reduce dripping.
- Move feeders farther away from flowering plants.
- Take down feeders for 1-2 weeks if bees become problematic.
Avoid using pesticides which may poison hummingbirds. Deterrents like electric grids, ultrasonic devices, or fake predators have limited effect on bees. The most effective solutions involve feeder design and strategic placement away from prime bee habitat.
Outcompeting Bees at Feeders
Hummingbirds can be encouraged to aggressively defend feeders from bees. Avoiding bee entry prevents syrup contamination and fights spread of diseases between bees and hummers.
Steps to promote hummingbird dominance:
- Offer several feeders to reduce competition.
- Hang feeders in shaded areas as hummers prefer.
- Select red colored feeders which hummers prefer.
- Fill feeders early in the day before bee activity peaks.
- Use feeders with more feeding ports.
- Place feeders near flowers or sheltered perches.
Providing ample feeding space allows hummingbirds to feed undisturbed. They become more territorial and spend time chasing away intruders when feeders are scarce. Their hovering skills also give them an advantage over bees at accessing upright or inverted feeders.
Summary
Yellow hummingbird feeders do attract bees interested in the artificial nectar source. However, certain steps can be taken to minimize bee presence and reduce competition with hummingbirds at feeders. Strategic use of red coloration, feeder styles that favor hummingbird access, keeping surfaces clean, and proper placement away from hives and blooms can all help deter bees. With a few tweaks, yellow feeders can continue attracting hordes of hungry hummers.
