Hummingbird feeders provide an easy way to attract these beautiful and fascinating birds to your yard or garden. However, wasps can also be drawn to the sweet nectar in hummingbird feeders, competing with hummingbirds for the food source and even scaring the birds away. While wasps serve an important ecological role as pollinators and predators of pest insects, most people would prefer to deter wasps from their feeders and allow the hummingbirds to feed in peace. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to discourage wasps from hummingbird feeders.
Why Are Wasps Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders?
Wasps are opportunistic feeders that are attracted to sweets and proteins. The sucrose-based nectar solution in hummingbird feeders is appealing to wasps for the following reasons:
- It provides them with an easily accessible source of carbohydrates to fuel their high-energy lifestyle.
- Feeders contain fruit juice or extracts that wasps find irresistible.
- The red dye added to some nectar solutions resembles ripe fruit, which wasps naturally seek out.
- Feeders emit a sweet aroma that attracts wasps from a distance.
During summer when natural nectar sources are scarce, wasps hone in on hummingbird feeders as an optimal spot to find nourishment. Unlike bees, wasps can also feed at night under artificial light conditions. This gives them ample opportunity to discover unprotected feeders.
Common Types of Wasps Found at Hummingbird Feeders
Several different wasp species may come to hummingbird feeders, depending on the region. The most common include:
- Yellowjackets – Black and yellow striped wasps that build nests underground or in hollow trees.
- Paper wasps – Long-legged wasps that construct open comb nests under eaves.
- European hornets – Large wasps introduced from Europe that live in basketball-sized nests.
- Polistes dominula – Invasive species of paper wasp with yellow and black markings.
Identifying the wasps that frequent your yard will help you implement targeted deterrence methods. Keep in mind that some species like yellowjackets can be very aggressive.
How to Keep Wasps Away from Hummingbird Feeders
Here are some of the most effective techniques for preventing wasps from taking over your hummingbird feeder:
Use Feeders with Bee Guards
Specialized hummingbird feeders have built-in bee guards that allow access for hummingbirds but block wasps. The guards are comprised of a plastic or wire mesh dome with openings sized for hummingbird beaks and tongues but too small for wasps to enter. This physical barrier prevents wasps from reaching the nectar.
Employ Moats or Traps
Another option is to fill the moat or reservoir at the base of a feeder with water. The water acts as a deterrent since wasps avoid getting wet. For feeders without built-in moats, separate traps or cups of water can be hung nearby to attract and drown wasps.
Position Feeders Out of Reach
Hanging feeders from tall poles or hooks makes it harder for wasps to access them. Aim for a height of 5 feet or more off the ground and several feet away from vegetation, fences, or other launching points. This forces wasps to expend extra energy flying to the feeders, which will discourage them over time.
Use Natural Repellents
Strong scents from certain natural oils and extracts can repel wasps:
- Citronella oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Peppermint oil
- Clove oil
- Geranium oil
- Lavender oil
Soak cotton balls in these solutions and hang them near feeder openings. Reapply 2-3 times per week for ongoing effectiveness.
Try Visual Deterrents
Since wasps avoid the color black, covering feeders with black socks or bags can help camouflage them. Metallic reflective tape, old CDs, or other shiny objects hung around feeders may also confuse wasps and prevent them from landing.
Use Chemical Repellents
Insecticide sprays or powders containing pyrethrin or permethrin can be applied around (not directly on) feeder entrances. Always follow label directions carefully. Reapply after heavy rain.
Control Food Supply
Do not leave fresh nectar in feeders overnight. Remove feeders at dusk when wasp activity increases. Clean feeders thoroughly every 2-3 days with soap and water to prevent residue from accumulating. Limit feeders to 1-2 per yard and space them far apart to concentrate hummingbird activity.
Supplement with Fruit
Provide sliced fruit such as oranges, grapes, and banana on a raised platform or fruit feeder away from the nectar feeders. The fruit will help satisfy wasps’ food requirements while keeping them away from the hummingbird buffet.
When to Avoid Deterrence Measures
Most deterrence methods are safe if used properly around hummingbird feeders. However, caution should be taken from August through November when hummingbirds are unlikely to be present but wasps remain active. Overly aggressive deterrents could harm late season pollinators like bumblebees. Remove feeders entirely if wasps still pose a problem during colder months when no hummingbirds are dependent on the nectar source.
Conclusion
Preventing wasps from taking over hummingbird feeders requires making the feeders as inaccessible and unappealing to wasps as possible. Physical barriers, spatial arrangements, scent repellents, and control of food availability can all help deter wasps and allow hummingbirds to feed undisturbed. Tailoring solutions to target the common wasp species in your yard will provide the best results. With a combination of thoughtful deterrent measures, you can happily enjoy the sight of hummingbirds feeding while keeping pesky wasps away.
