Bees can be a nuisance around hummingbird feeders, competing with hummingbirds for the nectar and sometimes scaring them away. However, there are some simple steps you can take to deter bees and keep your hummingbird feeder bee-free.
Why bees are attracted to hummingbird feeders
Bees, like hummingbirds, are attracted to the sugar-water nectar in hummingbird feeders. They have a strong sense of smell and can detect the scent of nectar from quite a distance. Bees also see in the ultraviolet spectrum, so the red color of many feeders attracts them.
In addition, many hummingbird feeders have yellow flower-shaped ports that resemble the flowers bees naturally feed on. So they associate these feeders with food. During times when natural nectar sources are limited, such as drought conditions, bees may congregate around feeders in search of nourishment.
Types of bees found at feeders
The most common bees found around hummingbird feeders are:
- Honeybees – Recognizable by their fuzzy brown and yellow striped bodies.
- Bumblebees – Larger and fuzzier than honeybees with black and yellow markings.
- Carpenter bees – Shiny black/dark blue bodies that can be solid or striped.
- Squash bees – Small, hairy bees that are ground nesters.
Bumblebees and carpenter bees can be quite aggressive in defending feeders, while honeybees and squash bees are generally more docile. But any bee can potentially disrupt hummingbird feeding and possibly sting hummingbirds or people nearby.
Deterring bees from your hummingbird feeder
Here are some tips to make your feeder less attractive to bees:
Use bee guards
Bee guards are plastic grids that fit over feeder ports, designed to block bees while still allowing hummingbird access. They physically prevent bees from reaching the nectar. Bee guards are inexpensive and widely available from most stores that sell bird supplies.
Move feeders away from vegetation
Bees often rest on nearby plants and fly onto feeders from there. Placing feeders at least 5-10 feet away from trees, shrubs, and flowers reduces bee access. Mount feeders on tall poles in open spaces.
Use red colored feeders
Though hummingbirds are attracted to red, bees cannot see the color as well. Switching from yellow to red feeders cuts down on bee interest.
Clean feeders regularly
Bees can smell even tiny amounts of old nectar in or around feeders. Thoroughly clean feeders with a water-vinegar solution at least once every 2-3 days. Rinse well to eliminate smells.
Use natural bee repellents
Applying natural scents that deter bees around feeder ports can help. Options include mint, citrus, and cloves. Soak cotton balls in extracts and hang around feeders. Essential oils also work.
Try moving feeder locations
Drawing bees away from one area to another sometimes helps. If one spot attracts swarms, move feeders to a new area and clean the old location to remove lingering scents. Rotate between several locales.
Suspend feeders from strings
Hanging feeders from tree branches or ceilings with fishing line creates more bee protection. Bees fly horizontally and have difficulty reaching swaying feeders without landing spots.
Fill feeders with nectar, not sugar water
Thick pre-made nectar more closely mimics natural flower nectar. The thickness and texture means bees have a harder time lapping it up.
Try a saucer feeder
Shallow dish feeders limit bee access since they cannot crawl inside. Wide diameters give hummingbirds space to feed. Hang saucer feeders or mount on porches.
Limit feeder number
Only hang one or two feeders at a time. Lots of feeders in one yard overwhelms bees with choices. Start with one and monitor bee activity, adding more later if needed.
Use feeders with integrated ant/bee moats
Some feeders have built-in chambers of water that surround ports. Bees must cross the water to reach the nectar which deters them. The water also keeps ants away.
When bees may be welcome
While bees often annoy hummingbird enthusiasts, they play an important ecological role as pollinators. During times of extreme drought when flowers are limited, providing nectar aids struggling bee populations.
If you wish to help bees, set up a small separate feeder in a distant corner of your yard. Adding a few bee-friendly flowers nearby gives them additional forage. Maintain your main hummingbird feeders bee-free.
Here are some tips for creating a bee nectar station:
- Choose a basic open feeder design without restrictive bee guards.
- Use a diluted nectar mix of 1-part sugar to 5 parts water.
- Clean monthly or when empty. Bees are less sensitive to dirty nectar.
- Situate feeder near flowering plants bees favor, like lavender, sunflowers, or milkweed.
- Select a sheltered setting protected from wind and rain.
A designated bee feeding area allows you to enjoy both hummingbirds and bees in your yard. Monitor to ensure hummingbirds don’t start using the bee feeder.
Dealing with aggressive bees
Sometimes bees exhibit aggressive behavior like buzzing people, hummingbirds, or pets. They may hover in front of feeder ports or chase hummingbirds away. Stinging incidents occasionally occur.
Aggressiveness is often related to feeder competition during dearths. If bees become overly defensive, removing feeders for 1-2 weeks causes bee numbers to decline as they look for food elsewhere. When reintroducing feeders, the problem usually resolves.
Bumblebees and carpenter bees are most prone to aggressive feeder guarding. In fall when colonies die off, new queens may show extra defensive actions. Cold weather also triggers bees to enter semi-hibernation mode and feed heavily.
Here are some tips for dealing with aggressive bees at feeders:
- Eliminate feeders temporarily until bees disperse.
- Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants when servicing feeders.
- Install feeders at least 15 feet apart to prevent crowding.
- Attach plastic flags or mylar tape near feeders which deters bees.
- Carefully relocate nests found on your property away from feeders.
- Contact a bee removal service if aggressive behavior escalates.
Stay calm and move slowly around actively aggressive bees. Never swat or attempt to kill them. Most problems are temporary if feeders are removed and repositioned.
Alternative food sources to divert bees
Providing alternative nectar sources in your yard reduces bee interest in feeders. Here are some good options to consider:
Flowers | Trees/Shrubs | Fruit Plants |
---|---|---|
Lavender | Redbud | Blackberries |
Bee balm | Willow | Raspberries |
Coneflowers | Maple | Blueberries |
Mint | Apple | Strawberries |
Sunflowers | Pear | Plum |
Aster | Crabapple | Peaches |
Choose bee-friendly blooms that flower at different times to provide season-long forage. Native plants adapted to your climate and region will attract the most bees.
Some other tips include:
- Leave fallen fruits and dandelions for bees to feed on.
- Plant bee attracting herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano.
- Add bee houses for nesting sites.
- Provide a small saltwater mineral lick.
- Avoid pesticide use which reduces bee food sources.
Ensuring bees have access to plentiful natural food prevents them from relying too heavily on hummingbird feeders.
Conclusion
Discouraging bees from your hummingbird feeders takes some trial and error. Combining deterrent strategies makes feeders less enticing to them. With a little effort, you can enjoy bustling hummingbird activity without the frustration of unwanted bees.
Remember that bees play a vital role as pollinators and are equally deserving of our care. By providing them alternative nectar sources, you can meet the feeding needs of both delightful hummingbirds and beneficial bees in your yard.