The presence of bees at a hummingbird feeder is a common issue for many bird enthusiasts attempting to provide supplemental food. While the goal is to nourish hummingbirds, the sweet sugar solution often attracts various insects, creating competition for the feeder space. Finding a resolution requires understanding the insects’ motivation and implementing strategies that deter them without causing harm to beneficial pollinators. The focus remains on solutions that ensure the safety and access of hummingbirds while respecting the ecological role of visiting bees.
Identifying the Intruder and the Attraction
The insects attempting to access the nectar are typically honey bees or bumblebees, though the problem can sometimes involve aggressive wasps like yellowjackets or hornets. Bees are generally focused on collecting the sugar solution, while wasps may exhibit more territorial behavior. Understanding which insect is present can slightly alter the approach to deterrence.
The primary attractant for most sugar-seeking insects is the nectar concentration itself, which is often mixed at a ratio of four parts water to one part sugar for hummingbirds. This concentration is appealing to both hummingbirds and bees. Feeder design also plays a significant role, as shallow feeding ports or dripping nectar allow easy access for insects with shorter mouthparts.
Insects, particularly bees, are also strongly drawn to the color yellow, which they associate with pollen and nectar in many flowering plants. If a feeder has yellow plastic components near the feeding ports, it acts as a visual beacon for passing bees. Identifying these specific attractants provides the basis for effective intervention strategies.
Immediate, Non-Harmful Removal Methods
When a swarm of bees temporarily overwhelms a feeder, one of the quickest ways to disrupt their pattern is to slightly relocate the feeding station. Moving the feeder even a few feet away from its original location can confuse the bees, whose navigation relies on memory and fixed landmarks. The hummingbirds, being more adaptable, will typically find the new location quickly.
A temporary alteration of the sugar concentration can also make the solution less appealing to bees without negatively impacting the hummingbirds. Diluting the nectar from the standard 4:1 ratio to a slightly weaker 5:1 ratio of water to sugar can reduce the attractiveness for bees. This change should only be implemented briefly, as hummingbirds benefit most from the higher calorie content.
Another immediate action involves temporarily covering the feeding ports with a small piece of tape or plastic wrap for a few hours. This blockage prevents the insects from accessing the food, which often encourages them to leave the area. Once the bees have dispersed, the covers can be removed, allowing the hummingbirds to resume feeding without competition.
Long-Term Feeder Modification and Placement
Implementing lasting changes to the feeder setup is the most effective strategy for preventing the recurrence of insect interference. One significant change involves selecting a feeder with an insect-proof design, such as a saucer-style feeder. This type holds the nectar in a shallow reservoir, keeping the surface level far below the reach of an insect’s short proboscis while remaining accessible to the hummingbird’s long tongue.
Many modern feeders also incorporate built-in bee guards, which are small plastic grids placed over the feeding ports. These guards are designed to allow the slender bill of a hummingbird to pass through while physically blocking the wider bodies of bees and wasps.
Inspect the current feeder for any yellow plastic components. These visual attractants should be removed or painted over with a less appealing color like red.
Strategic placement of the feeder can further deter insects, as bees prefer to forage in direct sunlight and warmth. Positioning the feeder in a partially shaded area, such as beneath a tree canopy, makes it a less desirable target. Placing a secondary, shallow water source nearby, specifically for bees, can also act as a decoy.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
When addressing bee interference, it is important to remember that bees are pollinators and should not be harmed. The goal of any intervention must be deterrence rather than extermination, meaning that chemical solutions should never be used. Strongly avoid the use of pesticides, oils, or any sticky traps near the feeder, as these pose a direct hazard to hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife.
Maintaining the purity of the nectar is paramount for hummingbird health, meaning only refined white sugar and water should be used, with no artificial coloring or sweeteners. Regular cleaning routines are necessary to prevent the buildup of sticky residue around the feeding ports or reservoir joints. Such residue, even if minor, can easily attract insects and provide an accessible food source outside of the intended feeding ports.
Handling the feeder should always be done with caution, especially if wasps like yellowjackets are present, as they may sting if their food source is disturbed. If a wasp nest is located near the feeder, the nest should be dealt with by a professional pest service before attempting to relocate the feeder. The safest approach is to prioritize non-toxic, physical, and placement-based solutions.