The presence of bees at a hummingbird feeder is a common frustration for backyard bird enthusiasts. While bees are beneficial pollinators, their congregation at the sugar water dispenser can prevent hummingbirds from accessing their necessary food source. When bees monopolize the ports, they consume the nectar quickly, forcing the birds to look elsewhere. The goal is to deter these insects, ensuring hummingbirds can feed safely without causing harm to the bees.
Selecting Feeders with Physical Deterrents
The physical design of your feeder is the first defense against insect visitors. Hummingbirds have long tongues, extending up to 1.5 inches, while the average honey bee’s tongue is often less than 0.5 inches long. Selecting a feeder that capitalizes on this anatomical difference is effective. Saucer-style feeders, which hold the nectar in a shallow dish below the feeding ports, are generally effective because they keep the liquid level farther away from the port opening.
The depth of the feeding port limits bee access. Look for models where the nectar reservoir is at least half an inch below the surface of the port. The port size should be small, ideally no more than 0.25 inches across, to physically block larger insects. Many commercial feeders include specialized “bee guards,” which are small, plastic mesh barriers that cover the opening, allowing the hummingbird’s bill access while keeping the bee out.
Color also plays a role in attraction. Bees are highly attracted to colors such as yellow, blue, and purple, which signal nectar-rich flowers. Hummingbirds are strongly drawn to red. Avoid any feeder with yellow accents, ports, or decorations, choosing models that feature only red components to attract the birds and deter the insects.
Strategic Placement and Environmental Management
The location of the feeder significantly influences insect visits. Bees are more active in warm, sunny spots, so moving the feeder into a shaded area can immediately reduce their attendance. Placing the feeder under a tree or awning keeps the housing cooler and slightly dulls the vibrant colors that attract insects. This also slows down the fermentation of the sugar water, keeping the nectar fresh longer.
Place the feeder away from flowering plants or shrubs already frequented by foraging insects. Bees follow established foraging paths, so separating the feeder from their natural food source lessens the chances of them discovering the sugar water. If a feeder is heavily swarmed, moving it a few feet away can disrupt the insects’ memory of the location. Hummingbirds, which have better spatial memory, will quickly re-locate it.
Regularly check the feeder for small leaks or drips. Even a small crack or loose seal can cause nectar to seep onto the exterior surface, creating a sticky residue accessible to insects. Bees do not need to access the interior port if they can find sugar water on the outside. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth every time you change the nectar eliminates this surface beacon for insects.
Adjusting Nectar Concentration and Cleanliness
The concentration of the sugar solution influences its appeal to different species. The standard ratio for hummingbird nectar is one part refined white sugar to four parts water (1:4), which mimics the natural sugar content of flowers. Bees and wasps often prefer a higher sugar concentration, finding the 1:4 mixture less appealing than a thicker solution.
If a bee problem persists despite using a deterrent feeder, slightly dilute the mixture to one part sugar to five parts water. This small change makes the solution less attractive to insects without significantly reducing the caloric value for the hummingbirds. Avoid diluting the mixture further, as this reduces the energy intake the birds need for their high metabolism.
Maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule is important. Nectar that becomes cloudy, moldy, or fermented is unhealthy for the birds and attracts insects. In warm weather, the solution should be replaced and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every two to three days. Any sticky residue left on the base or ports after filling must be wiped away completely, as exposed sugar water draws insects directly to the feeding zone.
Distinguishing Pests and Using Diversionary Tactics
The insects swarming the feeder are not always bees; they are often wasps, such as yellow jackets or hornets, which can be more aggressive. Bees are generally beneficial pollinators, but wasps can be territorial and may pose a greater threat to hummingbirds. Identifying the species is the first step in choosing the correct deterrence strategy. Wasps are sleek and less hairy than bees, with a distinct narrow “waist.”
A practical method for reducing insect activity is to employ a diversionary tactic. Set up a separate, alternative feeder containing a slightly sweeter sugar-water solution, perhaps a 1:3 ratio, specifically to attract the insects. This decoy feeder should be placed 20 to 30 feet away from the hummingbird feeder, ideally in a sunny location that insects prefer. Providing them with a more accessible and sweeter source trains the foraging insects to visit the alternate location.
The sugar water for the diversion should be placed in a very shallow dish or sponge to allow the insects to drink without drowning. This strategy safely draws the insects away from the hummingbird’s food supply while still providing them with an energy source. If the insect problem becomes overwhelming, removing the hummingbird feeder entirely for a short period, such as two or three days, can force the insects to seek new sources elsewhere.