Here are a few quick answers to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder:
- Use a feeder with bee guards or mesh screens that allow hummingbirds access but keep bees out.
- Add cider vinegar to the nectar – the sour taste deters bees.
- Use a feeder with red flowers rather than yellow, as bees are attracted to yellow.
- Move the feeder away from flowering plants that attract bees.
- Clean the feeder regularly so there is no sugary residue to attract bees.
Why Bees Are Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders
Bees are attracted to the sugary nectar in hummingbird feeders for the same reason hummingbirds are. They have a sweet tooth! Bees need nectar as their main food source, so a hummingbird feeder is an ideal target.
The sugary solution used to fill hummingbird feeders contains 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This replicates the natural nectar found in flowers that both hummingbirds and bees feed on. The sugar provides essential carbohydrates for energy.
Hummingbird feeders are designed to attract hummingbirds. The bright colors, especially red, catch their attention. However, bees see and are drawn to the feeders too. The sweet scent also attracts them.
Problems Caused By Bees at Hummingbird Feeders
Having bees flock to your hummingbird feeder creates a few issues:
- Bees can deter hummingbirds – Hummingbirds are timid, solitary birds. Too many bees buzzing around the feeder may scare them off and prevent them from feeding.
- Bees spread diseases – When bees visit multiple flowers, they can pick up and transmit diseases between plants. At a hummingbird feeder, they can spread diseases between feeders.
- Bees are aggressive – Hummingbirds peacefully take turns at feeders. Bees are more territorial and aggressive. They may even chase hummingbirds away.
- Bees drink lots of nectar – With an army of bees drinking up the nectar, the feeder empties quickly requiring frequent refilling.
For these reasons, it’s best to deter bees from your hummingbird feeders when possible. There are several effective methods to try.
Use Feeders with Built-In Bee Guards
Specialized hummingbird feeders have bee guards built into their design. These create a physical barrier preventing bees from accessing the nectar while allowing hummingbirds to feed.
Here are two popular options:
Feeders with Mesh Screens
Some feeders have a fine mesh screen that covers the nectar ports where hummingbirds insert their long beaks and tongues.
The mesh has holes only large enough for a hummingbird beak to fit through. The smaller sized heads and tongues of bees cannot reach the nectar.
Feeders with Moats and Bee Hoods
Other feeders feature little moats or hoods around the feeding ports. These force bees to first land upside down beneath the port before attempting to reach the nectar.
In this unnatural position, bees have difficulty accessing the nectar. The built-in bee guards block them. However, hummingbirds can easily hover in place and insert their beaks properly into the port.
The Perky Pet and Aspects brands have popular feeder models with these integrated bee guards.
Add Cider Vinegar to the Nectar
Another tip is to add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the sugar-water nectar solution.
Use a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. The acetic acid in the vinegar gives the nectar a sour taste.
While hummingbirds are unfazed by slightly sour nectar, bees dislike it. The vinegar deters them from the feeder.
However, take care not to overdo the vinegar. Too much can harm hummingbirds or turn them off the feeder entirely. Follow the 1:4 ratio.
Use Red Feeders Rather Than Yellow
Hummingbirds rely on vision to find nectar sources. They are specially attracted to the color red. Red flowers and feeders catch their eye.
Bees have different color vision. They are most drawn to yellow and blue.
Switching your yellow hummingbird feeder to one that is red can reduce bee traffic. The red won’t be as visually compelling to them.
Of course, the sugar water itself still smells sweet so red alone won’t fully repel bees. But a less attractive color helps make your feeder slightly less enticing.
Move the Feeder Away From Flowers
Look closely at the area around your hummingbird feeder. Are there flowering plants, bushes, or trees nearby?
The pollen and nectar from these flowers offer an open buffet for bees. As they buzz around the blossoms, your feeder nearby is bound to catch their attention.
Consider relocating the feeder away from flowering plants that attract bees. Choose a new spot surrounded by non-blooming trees, bushes or structures.
This separation reduces the chances bees will spot the feeder while feasting on nearby flowers. Yet hummingbirds can still see the feeder and fly over to it.
Clean the Feeder Regularly
The last tip for deterring bees is to clean your hummingbird feeder on a regular basis.
As the feeder empties between refills, sugary residue is left behind. This sticky residue attracts insects including bees. Diligently cleaning the feeder removes any traces of old sugar water.
Follow these steps to properly clean a hummingbird feeder:
- Disassemble the feeder completely.
- Soak all parts in a mild vinegar-water solution for 5-10 minutes. This dissolves any sticky buildup.
- Scrub inside surfaces with a small brush to remove debris and mold.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with hot water.
- Allow parts to fully air dry before reassembling.
Clean the feeder every few days when bees are active. This eliminates any smell, stickiness or organisms that could draw in bees.
Conclusion
To keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder:
- Use feeders with built-in bee guards like mesh screens or moats.
- Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the nectar.
- Choose red feeders over yellow to attract hummingbirds but not bees.
- Move the feeder away from flowering plants.
- Clean the feeder thoroughly every few days.
Following these tips will help deter pesky bees and keep your feeder a safe haven just for tiny hummingbirds. A bee-free feeder means happy, healthy hummingbirds that will actively return to your yard.
