Hummingbird feeders attract sugar-seeking insects, with wasps being a common nuisance. Wasps compete for nectar and aggressively chase away hummingbirds. They can also contaminate the sugar water, making it unsafe for the birds. Understanding this attraction and implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce the problem.
Why Wasps are Drawn to Nectar
The primary reason wasps flock to a hummingbird feeder is the high sucrose content of the sugar water, which mimics the natural nectar they seek for energy. The standard four-to-one sugar-to-water ratio provides a concentrated carbohydrate meal. This sweet liquid is particularly attractive during late summer and fall when other food sources become scarce, drawing species like yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets.
Wasps also rely heavily on visual cues, and certain colors on the feeder can serve as a homing beacon. Yellow is highly attractive to wasps and bees, as it resembles the coloration of many flowers they feed on. Even small yellow accents, such as decorative flowers or “bee guards,” can advertise the food source. Scent is also a factor, as minor leaks or residual sugar buildup create a strong scent trail leading wasps directly to the feeder.
Feeder Design Choices That Deter Pests
Port Size and Style
The physical design of the feeder is a primary defense against insect intrusion. Wasps and hummingbirds have vastly different feeding anatomies, which can be exploited through smart design. A hummingbird’s long, narrow tongue allows it to reach nectar deep within a narrow space, while a wasp’s mouthparts are much shorter. Choosing feeders with small feeding ports, often 1/10 of an inch or smaller, makes it difficult for a wasp to access the liquid. Some feeders include specialized nectar guard tips that extend the distance between the port opening and the nectar surface, creating an effective physical barrier.
An inverted or vacuum-style feeder can also make the liquid inaccessible to insects with shorter reach. These styles often maintain a low nectar level, keeping the liquid farther from the port opening.
Color and Feeder Type
The color of the feeder is another important consideration. Since wasps are highly drawn to yellow, any feeder parts in this color should be avoided or removed. Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red, so selecting a feeder that is predominantly red or clear makes the station less visually appealing to pest insects. Saucer-style feeders, which hold the nectar in a shallow base below the feeding ports, are generally more effective at deterring wasps than bottle-style gravity feeders.
Management and Location Tactics
Maintenance
Preventing leaks and maintaining cleanliness are the most practical management tactics to deter wasps. A feeder that is hung crooked or has worn seals can cause sugar water to drip out of the ports, creating an easily accessible pool of liquid. This exposed nectar leaves a sticky residue that attracts more insects.
Regular cleaning is necessary to remove sticky sugar residue and any mold that may develop. Scrubbing the feeder every few days with hot water prevents the buildup of crystallized sugar and fermented nectar. The nectar itself should also be changed frequently, especially in warm weather, as fermentation speeds up and makes the solution more appealing to insects.
Strategic Placement
Strategic placement can also discourage wasp activity. Wasps tend to prefer feeding in full sunlight, so hanging the feeder in a partially shaded location makes it less attractive. Placing the feeder in the shade also helps keep the nectar cooler, slowing the rate of fermentation. If wasps have already discovered a feeder, moving it a few feet away can disrupt their foraging path. A final measure involves setting up a separate “distraction feeder” with a sweeter sugar solution, placed 15 to 20 feet away, to lure the wasps elsewhere.