Quick Answer
It is generally OK for bees to drink from hummingbird feeders in small numbers. However, large numbers of bees can deter hummingbirds from using the feeders. There are some steps that can be taken to discourage bees, such as using feeders with bee guards, using less sweet nectar mixtures, placing feeders in shaded areas, and cleaning the feeders regularly. Ultimately, sharing the feeders with some bees should not significantly impact the hummingbirds as long as the bees do not take over the feeders completely.
Do Bees Like Hummingbird Feeders?
Yes, bees are attracted to the sugar water (nectar) in hummingbird feeders. Bees have a strong sense of smell and can detect the sweet scent of the nectar from quite a distance away. They are also visually drawn to the red coloring of many feeders. The nectar provides bees with an excellent source of carbohydrates and energy.
Why Bees Are Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders
- Sugar water nectar – high in carbohydrates which bees need for energy
- Bright red coloring of feeders – attracts bees visually
- Sweet smell of nectar – bees can detect from far away
- Easy access to nectar – does not require pollinating flowers
Bees find hummingbird feeders to be an excellent and efficient source of nutrition. The nectar is easy for them to access without having to gather pollen and nectar from flowers.
Is it OK for Bees to Use Hummingbird Feeders?
In moderation, it is generally OK for some bees to drink from hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds have a faster metabolism than bees and need to consume more nectar. A couple of bees here and there will not significantly diminish the nectar levels. However, attracting large swarms of bees could be problematic and may deter hummingbirds from using the feeders.
Pros of Sharing with Bees
- Small numbers of bees are not harmful
- Bees can act as “watchdogs” against other pests
- Bees help pollinate nearby flowers and gardens
Having a few bees around the feeders can actually help deter other sugar-loving pests like wasps, ants, and flies. The bees essentially help guard the feeder and scare away other insects. Since bees travel from flower to flower, they will end up cross-pollinating plants near the feeder area.
Cons of Bees Taking Over
- Large numbers of bees prevent hummingbird feeding
- Aggressive bees may attack hummingbirds
- Bees swarming the feeder spreads disease
- Increased risk of attracting bears in some regions
Excessive numbers of bees at a hummingbird feeder can be detrimental. The constant activity and noise can deter hummingbirds from approaching and feeding. Aggressive bee behavior and stinging are also risks. Having many bees on a feeder increases the chances of transmitting diseases between them. In some areas like the Western U.S., a feeder dominated by bees could also attract bears seeking easy food.
Tips to Limit Bee Visitors
Here are some tips that may help reduce bee activity at hummingbird feeders:
- Use feeders with built-in bee guards or add a bee guard accessory
- Select less sweet nectar mixes using 1 part sugar to 5 or 6 parts water
- Locate feeders in shaded areas away from direct sunlight
- Clean feeders every 2-3 days to remove bee odors and residue
- Consider using a feeder with yellow coloring rather than red
- Suspend feeders using a pulley system to easily raise them for cleaning
Specialized feeders with integrated bee guards or mesh barriers can limit bee access while still allowing hummingbirds to reach the nectar. Reducing the sugar concentration also makes the nectar less enticing to bees. Keeping feeders shaded alters the bees’ flight patterns and placement out of direct sun helps slow nectar spoilage. Regular cleaning eliminates scents that attract bees. Changing red feeders to yellow is less visually attractive to bees. Using a pulley system allows conveniently raising and lowering the feeders for maintenance.
Most Effective Deterrents
Based on research, the following two tactics are most effective at deterring bees from hummingbird feeders:
- Using less concentrated sugar nectar mixtures – 10% sugar content compared to 25-50%
- Employing specially designed bee guard accessories
Diluting the nectar markedly decreases the sweetness and appeal to bees. Physical bee guards provide a mechanical barrier limiting bee access to the nectar while allowing hummingbird beaks to reach through slits.
Impacts of Bees on Hummingbirds
The presence of bees at hummingbird feeders can impact hummingbirds in the following ways, depending on the quantity of bees:
Minimal Impact
A small number of bees (2-4 at a time) will have minimal effect on hummingbirds. The bees and hummingbirds essentially ignore each other. Neither gets priority at the feeder, and both can access nectar without being deterred by the other. The greatest impact may be slightly faster nectar consumption.
Competition for Nectar
If greater than 10 bees consistently congregate at the feeders, competition starts. The bees’ faster feeding rate means they can consume nectar quicker, depleting the feeders. Hummingbirds may need to wait for the bees to disperse before getting a turn at unoccupied feeder ports.
Altered Feeding Behavior
Excess bees (20+) force hummingbirds to alter their feeding behavior. The hummingbird waits on a nearby perch rather than approaching the feeder. It sneaks occasional quick darts in to feed when the bees disperse briefly. The constant presence of bees essentially intimidates the hummingbirds.
Prevention of Access
Very high bee traffic (40+ bees) often deters hummingbirds completely. The hummingbirds will avoid the bee-swarmed feeder and not approach at all. If no other feeders are available, this can deprive hummingbirds of an important nectar source.
Possible Bee Aggression
On rare occasions, very aggressive bees may physically attack approaching hummingbirds and even sting them. This behavior is not common for honeybees though can occur with some native bee species that naturally exhibit territorial behavior.
Are Hummingbirds Harmed by Bees?
In most cases, a small number of bees (5 or less) at a feeder will not harm hummingbirds. The two species tend to ignore each other. However, the impact on hummingbirds grows as bee numbers increase and they take over a feeder. Potential issues include:
- Starvation – bees depleting nectar supplies
- Malnutrition – lack of access prevents adequate nectar intake
- Dehydration – without adequate nectar, hummingbirds can become dehydrated
- Behavioral changes – altered feeding behaviors due to bees
- Distress – anxiety, stress caused by presence of bees
- Injury – potential stings from aggressive bees
The main risks are starvation, dehydration, and stress effects if bees monopolize the feeder. Stinging injuries are unlikely with most bee species but could still occur in rare cases.
Disease Transmission from Bees
Bees swarming a feeder greatly increase the chances of transmitting diseases between individual bees. Diseases potentially spread this way include:
- Fungal infections – Nosema species fungi
- Parasites – Crithidia bombi, Apicystis bombi
- Bacteria – Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens
- Viruses – Deformed wing virus (DWV), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV)
While these diseases do not appear to directly infect hummingbirds, contaminated bee residue on feeders could potentially expose hummingbirds to infectious organisms.
Steps to Discourage Bees
Here are some recommended steps to help minimize bee presence at your hummingbird feeders:
- Mix nectar using 1 part sugar to 5 parts water. The less sweet 20% solution is less attractive to bees.
- Add a commercial bee guard to your existing feeder or purchase a new guarded model.
- Select yellow over red feeders. Red attracts bees, yellow is less enticing.
- Clean the feeder every 2-3 days. Change nectar at least weekly.
- Reposition feeders to shaded locations protected from direct sunlight.
- Consider suspending feeders from high points which deters bees somewhat.
Following these steps will help create an environment that meets a hummingbird’s needs, while discouraging bees. With some adjusting, you can achieve a happy balance. Always monitor bee activity and remain willing to try new approaches if bees become problematic.
Should You Remove Bees from Feeders?
Gently discouraging bees away from the feeder is better than removing them by force. With one or two bees, there is no need for action. If you have an influx of bees:
- Avoid swatting or harming the bees as this may provoke aggressive reactions.
- Gently wave hands or a towel a few feet from the feeder to disrupt them.
- Wait 5-10 minutes for the bees to disperse then refill the feeder.
- Increase deterrent measures like diluted nectar, bee guards, and shady locations.
You want to humanely persuade the bees to look for nectar elsewhere without inciting defensive behavior. Refilling when bees disperse helps break the attractant odor. Non-harmful deterrents make your yard less inviting so fewer return. With patience, you can achieve a harmonious balance meeting all species’ needs.
FAQs
Why are there suddenly so many bees at my hummingbird feeder?
Reasons for sudden increased bee activity include:
- Natural fluctuations in local bee populations and foraging ranges
- A nearby hive or colony has become very populous
- Nearby flowers have bloomed providing more bees access
- You are using a highly sweet nectar concentration
- The feeder has not been cleaned allowing bee scents to accumulate
Monitor bee numbers over time and employ deterrents if they remain excessive.
Should I use more than one hummingbird feeder?
Using 2-3 spread out feeders helps minimize crowding and sharing issues. The bees likely will not be able to dominate multiple feeders. Provide plenty of clean nectar across feeders to satisfy both hummingbird and bee appetites. Position extra feeders at least 10 feet apart to offer separate dining areas.
Can bees actually keep hummingbirds away from a feeder?
Yes, a feeder completely swarming with bees can deter hummingbirds, essentially “claiming” that feeder entirely. The hummingbird will look for other less populated feeding options in the area. Maintaining multiple spread out feeders helps prevent bees from taking over any particular one.
Do hummingbirds ever fight with bees at feeders?
Direct confrontation is very rare. Hummingbirds may show territorial aggression towards each other at feeders, but generally co-exist peacefully with bees. Their feeding behaviors typically do not bring them into contact. Hummingbirds have been observed gently nudging bees aside to access nectar but outright attacks or fights do not occur.
Should I stop feeding hummingbirds if bees take over my feeder?
Discontinuing feeding is not recommended if you have observed local hummingbirds relying on your feeder. Instead, try deterrent methods like diluted nectar, bee guards, and shady locations to make the feeder less bee-friendly. Or provide additional isolated feeders that allow hummingbirds access away from the bees.
Key Takeaways
- Some bee presence is normal. Only large numbers become problematic.
- Deterrents like guards and diluted nectar can minimize bee traffic.
- Feeders should be cleaned every few days to limit odors that attract bees.
- Having multiple spread out feeders helps reduce competition.
- Peaceful coexistence is possible once balance is achieved.
In moderation, sharing a feeder with bees is perfectly natural. With smart deterrents and routine cleaning, hummingbirds and bees can thrive together. Observe activity levels and fine-tune your setup to prevent bees from taking over while still supporting your local bee populations.