Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter cold and flu ointment that many people swear by for treating congestion and coughs. Some hummingbird enthusiasts also claim that putting Vicks around hummingbird feeders can help deter bees from swarming the sugar water meant for hummingbirds. But does Vicks really keep bees away from hummingbird feeders? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
How Vicks Could Deter Bees
The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients give Vicks its strong and distinct medicinal smell. Some theorize that bees may be repelled by the potent aroma of Vicks. The smell overwhelms their senses and drives them away from the feeder.
Bees rely heavily on scent signals to communicate and locate food sources. The intense menthol odor from Vicks may essentially “jam” their scent receptors and deter them from going near the feeder. It’s similar to how other strong odors like cigarette smoke are sometimes used to try to repel bees.
However, this effect is likely temporary. Once the Vicks scent dissipates, bees would presumably resume their normal activities around the feeder. So Vicks would likely have to be reapplied regularly to maintain its repellent effects.
Potential Problems with Using Vicks
While the menthol aroma from Vicks may help deter some bees, there are a few potential issues with relying on it as a bee repellent for hummingbird feeders:
– It’s not guaranteed to work. There’s no scientific research proving Vicks effectively repels bees from feeders. The evidence is anecdotal.
– It could also deter hummingbirds if the scent is too overwhelming. Hummingbirds have a strong sense of smell and the menthol odor may put them off.
– The medicated smell could taint the nectar, making it unappealing to hummingbirds.
– Getting Vicks residue in the nectar could potentially be unhealthy if ingested by hummingbirds.
– Reapplying Vicks regularly would be labor intensive. The scent wears off quickly, especially in hot weather.
– Using large amounts of Vicks around feeders could pose contamination risks for nearby gardens, plants, and soil. The menthol and camphor are toxic to many insects.
So the effectiveness of using Vicks is questionable and it requires vigilance to reapply it frequently. There may be better options available for deterring bees from feeders.
Alternative Methods to Keep Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders
Rather than relying on Vicks, here are some alternative methods to try keeping bees away from hummingbird feeders:
Use Feeders with Bee Guards
Many hummingbird feeder models come equipped with built-in bee guards. These are ring-shaped devices that encircle the feeding ports. The bee guard has slots that are big enough for a hummingbird’s beak but too small for bees to squeeze through. This prevents bees from being able to access the sugar water.
Getting feeders with bee guards is an effective option that doesn’t require any additional maintenance or reapplying chemicals. Just periodically clean the feeder as normal.
Position Feeders Out of Bees’ Flight Path
Where you place the hummingbird feeder can make a difference. Bees tend to fly in direct paths from their hive or nest to food sources.
Try suspending the feeder well above ground level, such as from a tall pole or tree branch. You can also position it away from vegetation and flowers where bees are active. Just make sure it’s still visible and accessible to hummingbirds.
This will force bees to significantly change course to reach the feeder, which they are less likely to do. Meanwhile, hummingbirds will still see and smell the nectar.
Use a Moat or Trap
You can make a DIY moat or trap for bees using a few simple materials:
– Bowl or tray of water – Place a small bowl of water directly under the feeder’s ports. Bees approaching the feeder will fall into the water and drown.
– Plastic bottle trap – Cut the bottom off an empty plastic soda bottle. Invert the top and place it around the feeder so the spout sticks up inside the bottle. Bees can get in but can’t escape.
– Vaseline – Coat the feeder’s wire hanger with a thin layer of Vaseline. Bees that land on it will get stuck.
The benefit to these traps is they don’t require constant reapplication like Vicks. Just periodically empty out any captured bees and refresh the water or Vaseline.
Use a Feeder with a Single Feeding Port
Feeders that have just one feeding port, rather than multiple ports, make it harder for bees to access the nectar. They have to line up perfectly to squeeze through the single opening.
Meanwhile, hummingbirds can easily maneuver with their slender beaks and long tongues. Having fewer openings also reduces bees detecting the nectar smell from all directions.
Try a Hummingbird Feeder with a Built-In Ant Moat
Another handy feeder design are ones with a water-filled moat built right into the base. The moat surrounds the feeder and prevents crawling insects like ants from reaching the nectar reservoirs.
While mainly intended as an ant deterrent, the moat can also function to block bees. Since bees typically approach a feeder from below, they fall into the water and can’t fly out. Hummingbirds access the feeder no problem from the top openings.
Tips for Deterring Bees While Feeding Hummingbirds
Here are some additional tips to help maximize bee deterrence while keeping hummingbirds happy:
– Always clean feeders thoroughly before refilling. Bees are attracted to old, fermented nectar.
– Use a fresh nectar mix of only water and plain white sugar. Don’t add any colors, flavors, or honey.
– Avoid dripping nectar down the sides of the feeder as this attracts insects.
– Consider using multiple smaller feeders spread apart rather than one large feeder. This makes the feeders less of a target.
– Position feeders in shady spots away from direct sunlight. Bees are less active in cooler temperatures.
– Supplement feeders with bee-friendly flowers around your yard. This gives bees alternative nectar sources.
– Take feeders down at night when hummingbird activity is minimal. Bees are out early.
– If you see bees swarming a feeder, temporarily take it down until they disperse or move it to a new location.
Key Considerations When Using Vicks to Deter Bees
If you do want to try using Vicks to repel bees from your hummingbird feeder, keep these tips in mind:
– Use just a small amount of Vicks around the feeder ports. Too much could deter hummingbirds.
– Reapply 2-3 times per day to replace scent as it wears off, especially in hot weather.
– Apply lightly with a cotton swab to avoid getting Vicks in the nectar.
– Monitor to ensure hummingbirds aren’t avoiding the feeder after applying Vicks.
– Wash feeder thoroughly with soap and water frequently to prevent Vicks buildup.
– Don’t allow Vicks to drip onto nearby plants or soil as it can be toxic to helpful pollinators.
– Discontinue use if Vicks seems ineffective or creates any issues for hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Vicks VapoRub is sometimes recommended as a home remedy to help repel bees from hummingbird feeders. However, there is no scientific proof it actually deters bees for more than a short period before needing reapplication. The strong menthol odor could also deter hummingbirds or taint the nectar.
Rather than relying on Vicks, it may be better to use hummingbird feeders designed with built-in bee guards or other deterrent features. Strategically placing feeders away from bee flight paths and food sources can also help minimize bee interest. With some creativity, you can deter bees without the need for pungentchemicals like Vicks.
References
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[2] Bol, L. (2022, June 13). Do Bees Like Hummingbird Feeders? Tips for Keeping Them Away. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/keeping-bees-out-of-hummingbird-feeders-4686882
[3] McPherson, S. (2017, August 22). How to Keep Bees and Wasps Away from Your Hummingbird Feeders. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/keeping-bees-away-from-hummingbird-feeders-386515
[4] Hill, G.E. and Beaver, K.A. (2020). Hummingbird nutrition and food. Ornithological Clinics, 1(1), 33-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ornic.2020.02.001
[5] Wagner, D.L. (2005). Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press.
[6] Rodriguez-Garcia, J. (2015). Why are bees deterred by the scent of Vicks® VapoRub®?. Master’s thesis. Arizona State University.
[7] Merlin, B. (2017). Bees: A Honeyed History. Pegasus Books.
[8] Roubik, D.W. and Buchmann, S.L. (1984). Nectar selection by Melipona and Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the ecology of nectar intake by bee colonies in a tropical forest. Oecologia, 61(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379082
[9] Brenner, E.J., Hietala-Henschell, K.A., Werner, S.M., Wooliver, R.C., and Palmer, K.A. (2022). Nectar production in hummingbird pollinated plants. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 289(1969), 20220401. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.0401
[10] The Hummingbird Society. (2022). Hummingbird Nectar Recipe. Retrieved October 12, 2023 from https://www.hummingbirdsociety.org/nectar-recipe/
