Hummingbirds, with their vibrant colors and rapid wingbeats, and wasps, with their distinctive buzzing and occasional aggression, are both frequent visitors to many backyards. Given their shared attraction to sweet substances, people often wonder about their interactions and the safety of hummingbirds. This article explores the relationship between these two species, addressing concerns about predation and competition.
Wasp Predation on Hummingbirds
Direct predation of healthy, adult hummingbirds by wasps is a rare occurrence. Wasps are generally interested in obtaining protein, primarily for feeding their larvae, or sugary substances for their own energy needs. Hummingbirds, while small, are remarkably agile and fast, possessing the ability to fly backward and rapidly change direction, which typically allows them to evade potential threats.
However, specific circumstances can lead to a wasp posing a threat. A weakened or injured hummingbird, for instance, might be more vulnerable to an opportunistic attack. Very large wasp species have been observed to outmaneuver and sting hummingbirds. A single sting can be fatal due to a hummingbird’s small body mass and limited ability to absorb venom. Additionally, a hummingbird could become entangled in a wasp nest by accident, leading to a defensive attack from the wasps.
Wasp Interference at Feeders
While direct predation is uncommon, wasps frequently interfere with hummingbirds at sugar water feeders. Both wasps and hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet nectar as a source of energy. Wasps, particularly social wasps like yellow jackets and paper wasps, will seek out sugary foods, especially in late summer and early autumn when their need for external sugar sources increases.
This attraction can lead to wasps swarming feeders, making it difficult for hummingbirds to access the nectar. Wasps can become a nuisance, deterring hummingbirds from feeding and potentially contaminating the feeder. The persistent presence of wasps can stress hummingbirds and reduce their access to calories, even without direct physical harm. Hummingbirds may avoid feeders where wasps are abundant, seeking alternative food sources.
Minimizing Wasp Presence
There are several practical strategies to reduce wasp presence around hummingbird feeders, ensuring the birds have undisturbed access to nectar. One effective method is to use feeders specifically designed to be wasp-resistant, featuring bee guards or feeding ports that are too small for wasps to access but allow hummingbirds’ long tongues to reach the nectar. Saucer-style feeders, which require hummingbirds to dip their bills into the sugar water from above, can also limit wasp access.
- Place feeders in shaded areas, as wasps prefer sunny locations.
- Regularly clean feeders to remove sticky residue or spilled nectar.
- Avoid yellow on feeders, opting for red, which attracts hummingbirds but not wasps.
- Relocate feeders a few feet away if a wasp nest is nearby; this confuses wasps but hummingbirds will find the feeder.
- Set up wasp traps away from hummingbird feeders to divert wasps to an alternative sugar source.