Hummingbird feeders are a great way to attract these tiny, colorful birds to your yard. However, wasps and other insects are also drawn to the sugary nectar in hummingbird feeders. This can be annoying for hummingbird enthusiasts who want to limit wasp activity around their feeders. But what exactly is it that attracts wasps to hummingbird feeders in the first place?
The sugary nectar
The main thing that attracts wasps to hummingbird feeders is the sugary artificial nectar inside. Typical homemade nectar contains white granulated sugar mixed with water at a 1:4 ratio. This creates a sweet, syrupy liquid that appeals to hummingbirds’ taste preferences. But wasps also love sugary substances, so the nectar is an irresistible lure for them as well.
Here are some key reasons the nectar attracts wasps:
- It contains sucrose – Wasps are strongly attracted to sucrose, which is the type of sugar found in the nectar.
- It has a high sugar concentration – The 1:4 ratio creates a solution that is roughly 20% sugar, which wasps find desirable.
- It has an appealing scent – The sugary scent stimulates wasps’ sense of smell and draws them in.
In addition, adult wasps feed on nectar as their main source of carbohydrates, so the artificial nectar in hummingbird feeders is perfect for their nutritional needs.
The color red
Another factor that attracts wasps to hummingbird feeders is the color red. Many commercial hummingbird feeders are colored red to attract hummingbirds. However, this color also appeals to wasps.
Some key reasons wasps are drawn to red feeders:
- They associate red with ripe, sugary fruit.
- Their eyes possess receptors that are sensitive to wavelengths in the red spectrum.
- Red stands out visually against green foliage, making the feeder easy to spot.
So when wasps see a vivid red hummingbird feeder, they instinctively fly toward it expecting to find a tasty reward.
The sweet odor
Wasps also use their sense of smell to locate sugary food sources. The artificial nectar in hummingbird feeders gives off a sweet, fruity aroma that wasps can detect from a distance. They will pick up on scents from yards away and follow them to the feeder.
A few reasons the sweet smell attracts wasps:
- They can detect the scent of sucrose and sugars.
- Fruit-based concentrates added to some nectar create fruity aromas.
- Fermentation causes nectar smells to be stronger and more pungent.
Even when feeders are freshly filled, the sugary aroma is powerful enough to lure wasps in.
The location
Wasps are also more likely to find hummingbird feeders that are placed in certain locations. Here are a few examples:
- Near insect attracting flowers – The nectar and pollen from nearby flowers draw in more wasps to the yard, putting them in proximity of the feeders.
- Under eaves or covers -Protected spots provide wasps with a shady place to rest while feeding.
- Near trees/shrubs – Wasps’ nests are often built in trees, so feeders close to vegetation get more traffic.
Also, feeders placed near compost piles or trash cans can experience more wasp issues since they frequent such areas. Considering feeder placement carefully can help reduce, but not always eliminate, unwanted wasps.
Residual sugar deposits
Once wasps discover a hummingbird feeder, they are likely to return repeatedly due to residual sugar deposits. The artificial nectar leaves behind sugary residue on the feeding ports and base of the feeder. And since wasps have a strong sense of smell, they can detect these traces of sugar each time they return.
Here’s why leftover sugar keeps attracting wasps back:
- The sugar residues have concentrated sucrose and fructose.
- Fermentation causes yeasty smells that appeal to wasps.
- Even small amounts of sugar are detectable to wasps.
Vigilantly cleaning feeders is key to removing sugar buildup. But even fresh nectar will continue attracting wasps once they know a feeder is there.
Lack of deterrents
Most basic hummingbird feeders do nothing to actively deter wasps. The feeders are accessible, containing an appetizing food source, and provide a place for wasps to perch while feeding. And if there are no deterrent measures in place, wasps have no reason not to feast.
Some examples of lacking deterrents include:
- No pesticide sprays or granules
- No traps nearby to capture wasps
- No distraction feeding of wasps elsewhere
- No protective screens on feeder ports
Without proactive steps to discourage wasps, they will freely visit feeders and monopolize the nectar.
Abundant wasp populations
In areas with high wasp populations, hummingbird feeders are more likely to attract attention. Certain types of wasps that frequent feeders include:
- Paper wasps
- Yellowjackets
- European hornets
- Polistes dominula
When these species are present in large numbers, they will readily tap into feeders as an easy food source. Higher wasp populations create more competition for the available nectar.
Why populations may be high:
- Favorable weather conditions
- Plentiful food supply in the area
- Limited predation and competition from other insects
- Habitat loss has pushed wasps toward human dwellings
Managing wasp populations through nest removal and exclusion techniques can help reduce feeder activity.
Warm weather
Wasps are most active in warm weather when their metabolism is high and energy needs are greatest. Some key reasons why warm weather draws wasps to feeders include:
- Warmer temperatures increase their flight activity.
- They have higher nutritional needs in warm conditions.
- Sugary carbohydrates provide quick energy.
- Hummingbird feeders are supplementary food sources.
Late summer and early fall are peak times for wasp feeder invasions since colonies are large and temperatures are still high. This coincides with prime hummingbird migration and feeding times.
Ideal feeding temperatures for wasps:
- Above 60°F (15°C)
- Optimal between 70-90°F (21-32°C)
- Will feed at lower temperatures on warmer winter days
Colder weather causes wasp activity to decline. But warmer conditions quickly draw them back to feeders.
Lack of natural food sources
When natural nectar sources are scarce, wasps will target feeders more aggressively. Late summer into fall is a time when flowers begin to fade and food can be harder for wasps to find. Reasons why limited natural food draws wasps to feeders include:
- Fewer flowers mean less available nectar.
- Fruits and berries have not yet ripened.
- Lack of insect prey due to declining populations.
- Feeders become substitute food sources.
Supplementing with fruit slices, jam, or other wasp attractants can help divert them away from hummingbird feeders when natural food is limited.
Overcrowding at the feeder
High traffic at hummingbird feeders can also attract more wasps. Here’s why abundance draws in even more insects:
- More birds means more activity and food competition.
- Greater nectar consumption requires frequent refilling.
- Busy feeders are easier for wasps to spot.
- Crowding indicates a productive food source.
Spreading out multiple feeders helps reduce crowding. But very popular feeders will continue attracting both hummingbirds and wasps.
Lack of feeding by hummingbirds
On the other hand, a lack of hummingbird activity at feeders can contribute to wasp problems. Here are some reasons why:
- Stagnant nectar ferments faster, appealing to wasps.
- The feeder contents are not being depleted.
- There is reduced competition for the nectar.
- Wasps take over as the primary feeder visitors.
Maintaining active hummingbird populations helps reduce wasp issues through competition. But during migration times or winter, feeders may sit unused for longer periods.
Sick, old or dying hummingbirds
On very rare occasions, wasps may target hummingbirds that are weak, ill or dying. Here’s why they become vulnerable to wasps:
- They are unable to effectively defend feeding areas.
- Their reactions are slower when wasps approach.
- Injured or ill hummingbirds give off chemical signals wasps can detect.
- Dead hummingbirds attract wasps scavenging for protein.
But such incidents are extremely uncommon. Healthy adult hummingbirds will aggressively defend feeders and drive off wasps.
Conclusion
The primary attractions drawing wasps to hummingbird feeders include the sugary artificial nectar, the bright colors mimicking flowers, the sweet scent, and the lack of deterrents. Warm weather, overcrowding, limited natural food sources, stagnant nectar, and proximity to wasp nesting sites can also play a role in wasp feeder invasions. Understanding what attracts wasps to your feeder is key to preventing and managing unwanted pests.
