How to Keep Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders: Reclaim Your Garden for the Birds
Watching a hummingbird dart through your garden is a joy, but that joy quickly fades when a swarm of yellow jackets or honey bees takes over. If you’re wondering how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders, you’re not alone. The high sugar content in nectar is irresistible to pollinators, but with a few strategic changes, you can ensure your hummingbird feeders remain a bird-only zone.
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Gear: Saucer Feeders vs. Vacuum Feeders
The design of your feeder is the single most important factor in how to keep bees and wasps away from hummingbird feeders.
- Avoid Vacuum Feeders: Traditional bottle-style feeders rely on a vacuum that often leaks or drips, leaving sweet residue on the exterior that attracts honey bees.
- Switch to Saucer Feeders: Saucer-style feeders keep the nectar level below the feeding ports. Hummingbirds have long tongues that can reach down, but bees cannot reach the liquid.
Aspects HummZinger HighView Feeder
- Built-in Protection: The saucer design is the gold standard for how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders naturally.
- Anti-Ant Moat: Features a central water well to block crawling insects like ants.
- Easy to Clean: Removable lid allows you to scrub away the sticky drips that attract bumble bees.
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Using Bee Guards and Tips
If you aren’t ready to buy a new feeder, bee guards are small plastic mesh covers that snap onto the feeding ports. They allow the bird’s bill through but act as a physical barrier for hornets and bees.
Natural Deterrents: What Scent Keeps Bees Away?
Bees are very sensitive to smell. What scent keeps bees away? Peppermint and almond oil are known to be unpleasant to bees but don’t bother birds. You can rub a tiny amount of peppermint oil around the feeding ports (avoiding the nectar itself) as a diy way to keep bees away.
Birdfy Hummee Smart Camera Feeder
- Identify Pests: Use the AI camera to see exactly what small bees or wasps are visiting your yard.
- Motion Alerts: Get notified if a swarm begins to gather so you can clean the feeder promptly.
- Stunning Detail: Watch hummingbirds navigate around insects in high-definition video.
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Cleaning and Leak Prevention
Bees have a great memory for sugar. If your feeder drips, they will keep coming back.
- Move the Feeder: If bees find your feeder, try moving it just 3-4 feet. Hummingbirds will find it immediately, but bees may lose the trail.
- Clean Daily: Wipe down the outside of the feeder with a damp cloth to remove any sugar residue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there anything you can put on hummingbird feeders to keep bees away?
Avoid using oils or Vaseline directly on the perches as it can get on the birds’ feathers and prevent them from flying. Stick to bee guards or saucer-style designs.
Why put aluminum foil around a hummingbird feeder?
The metallic flash of aluminum foil is thought to confuse or scare away bees and wasps. While some birders swear by this, its effectiveness is mixed compared to using a bee-proof feeder design.
Can I spray vinegar on a hummingbird feeder?
While vinegar is a good cleaning agent, its strong scent can also deter hummingbirds. It is best used for scrubbing the feeder and then rinsed off completely rather than sprayed as a repellent.
How to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders home remedy?
A simple “distraction feeder” with a higher sugar concentration (1:1 ratio) placed 20 feet away from your hummingbird feeder can lure honey bees to a different location.
Summary
The best way how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders is to keep things clean and use a saucer-style feeder. By removing the leaks and drips that attract insects, you can ensure your hummingbird feeders are reserved exclusively for your feathered friends.
