Keep Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders Naturally Full Guide of 2024

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Struggling to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders? You’re not alone! Bees and wasps are attracted to the sugary concoction in a hummingbird feeder, but there are some simple strategies you can employ that will prevent them from enjoying what’s meant for your feathered friends.

In this article, we’ll be discussing seven natural methods of keeping bees away without hurting or harming them. We’ll also explore why exactly these insects find their way to your yard in the first place and when it becomes necessary to take more extreme measures against bee infestations.

So if you want buzzing birds instead of buzzing bees at your feeders, read on!

How to Keep Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders Naturally

Bee-proof your hummingbird feeders by using a saucer-type feeder instead of an inverted design, providing alternative snacks for bees in your garden, cleaning the feeders regularly, and checking for leaks.

Carefully choose feeders and manage feeders in ways that keep hummingbirds nourished while discouraging bees from feasting on the nectar meant for your beautiful hummingbirds. Mix up the sentence structure by starting with present participles: Using a saucer-type feeder instead of an inverted design and providing alternative snacks for bees in your garden can help bee-proof your hummingbird feeders.

Additionally, regularly cleaning the feeders and checking for leaks will discourage bees while keeping hummingbirds nourished. When selecting and managing feeders, aim to nourish hummingbirds while preventing bees from accessing the nectar.

Saucer Type Feeders Vs. Inverted Design

You’ll find a saucer design deters those buzzing bugs better than inverted types.

1. Saucer Style
   • Red color
   • Wide feeding ports that deter crawling insects
2. Inverted Style
   • Tubes and funnels that are easily accessed by bees
   • Harder to clean than saucer styles
3. Use durable materials like glass or plastic that are easier to maintain
   • Glass and plastic are durable materials
4. Add nectar guards that block small openings and prevent bee access
5. Frequently clean the feeder
   • Change the sugar water regularly
   • Deter bug buildup by cleaning frequently

Alternative Snack Selections for Bees

Flowers are a delight bees can’t resist. Creating a garden with bee-friendly plants provides a natural and effective alternative food source. Scented herbs, flowering vines, and nectar-rich blooms will attract pollinators.

Lavender, mint, and other herbs release aromas that appeal to bees’ senses. A diverse habitat supports bees while directing them away from feeders. Thoughtful landscaping enhances any space and supports local ecosystems. Judicious plant choices create an oasis bees prefer over artificial nectar, naturally keeping them buzzing about the garden.

Cleaning the Hummingbird Feeder

It’s crucial to deeply clean the feeder every few days, so no mold grows inside and makes the hummingbirds sick. Use a small brush and soap to scrub out residue. Do this more often in hot temperatures, as nectar spoils faster.

Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Let the feeder air dry fully before refilling, so no moisture remains inside. Check for ant trails on the poles too. Wipe with citrus oil to repel crawling insects naturally.

Consistent cleaning keeps the feeders fresh, limits bees, and makes the hummingbirds happy and healthy.

Checking for Leaks in the Feeder

Carefully look over your feeder and tighten any loose parts to prevent sugary nectar from dripping and attracting insects. Examine the feeder for any cracks or gaps where nectar could seep out. Check that the feeding ports, ant moats, and nectar reservoirs are sealed properly.

Securely attach any loose hanging wires, caps, or perches. Aim for leak-free integrity to keep your feeder clean and discourage bees wanting sugary drips.

Avoiding Feeders With Yellow Inserts

You’ll want to opt for feeders without yellow inserts since that color attracts more bees.

Yellow resembles flowers, drawing in bees. Using red or transparent feeders prevents this.

What Not to Do to Keep Bees Out of Your Hummingbird Feeders

When it comes to keeping bees away from hummingbird feeders, some actions should be avoided. Using pesticides or other chemicals can harm pollinators, and ineffective methods like garlic and onions don’t deter bees.

Instead, focus on proven tactics: maintaining cleanliness, using red feeders, and strategic placement.

Avoiding Insecticides and Pesticides

Stay vigilant and avoid unfairly harming beneficial pollinators. Let’s work together to balance nature responsibly. When deterring bees from your hummingbird feeders, avoid using insecticides or pesticides.

These chemicals can harm bees and the environment. Instead, try natural solutions like essential oils, vinegar, citrus peels, decoy nests, ant moats, and red saucer feeders designed to attract hummingbirds not bees.

Nectar guard tips slip over feeder holes for added protection. With some creativity, we can find bee-friendly ways to share our gardens.

Not Using Petroleum Jelly

Rubbing petroleum jelly on hummingbird feeders repels helpful pollinators like bees. Instead, opt for natural solutions that deter insects yet nourish our precious pollinators. To block crawling pests, install ant moats or hang feeders from fishing line. Slip flexible nectar guard tips over feeding ports.

Grow native plants that provide pollen and nectar. With thoughtful feeder placement and maintenance, you can enjoy both hummingbirds and bees.

Why Bees Are Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders

Those sweet-toothed bees swarm your feeder because the sugar water mimics their precious nectar.

• Use red feeders, since bees prefer yellow and blue flowers. The shape should limit perching.
• Offer separate insect-friendly sources of food like nectar plants, allowing pollinators to coexist with hummingbirds.
• Consider feeder design. Add moats or other features making it difficult for bees to reach the nectar.
• Rinse off any dripped sugar water, change nectar regularly, and keep the feeder clean, limiting temptation for bees.

When Attracting Bees and Wasps Becomes a Problem

You’d feel upset reading that up to 2 million Americans have severe allergic reactions from insect stings each year. When bees and wasps swarm hummingbird feeders, it’s a serious problem. Prevent swarming with natural deterrents like essential oils.

Create pollinator-friendly gardens to divert bees. Understand bee behavior to find effective bee guards for feeders. Consider bees part of nature and use natural solutions for deterring insects. Promote bee-friendly hummingbird feeding with clean nectar and ant prevention.

Don’t use harmful chemicals. Maintain feeders properly and add deterrents like nectar guards to keep birds, bees, and yourself safe. With thoughtful steps, you can still enjoy watching hummingbirds while keeping risks low for you and local pollinator populations.

Tips for Keeping Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders

If you want to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeders this season, there are a few effective strategies. Using bee guards or moats around the feeders can deter bees from accessing the openings. These physical barriers limit where bees can land near the nectar source. Regularly changing the sugar water also helps maintain a fresh, inviting drink exclusively for hummingbirds.

Clean feeders are less likely to attract bees looking for leftover drips or residue. By implementing bee deterrents and keeping things clean, you can create an ideal, bee-free space for hummingbirds to feed.

Using Bee Guards or Bee Moats

Donning some bee guards and installing moats will help deter the buzzing visitors. Plastic guards in sunny colors like yellow are effective at deterring bees. Integrated moats filled with water also prevent crawling insects from accessing hives.

Now let’s explore some scents and oils that act as natural bee repellents. Certain strong aromas will discourage bees from congregating.

Frequently Cleaning the Feeder

You’re 40% less likely to attract bees by frequently cleaning your hummingbird feeder. Replace the nectar and thoroughly clean the feeder every two to three days. This deters bees seeking sugary nectar.

Use natural vinegar or lemon juice when scrubbing. Maintain the feeder properly to avoid leaks that attract insects. Change the nectar regularly to keep your feeder fresh and clean. Natural repellents let you deter bees without chemicals.

With frequent maintenance, your feeder stays bee-free for hummingbirds to enjoy.

Reducing Sugary Solution on the Outside of the Feeder

Wipe down feeders after fill-ups to prevent drips that can lure bees in.

1. Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside after nectar refills.
2. Allow the feeder to fully drain before hanging it up.
3. Select a feeder with a built-in ant moat to contain drips.
4. Choose a feeder with a specialized valve to reduce spills.
5. Position the feeder in a shady spot so nectar won’t heat up and drip as quickly.

Preventing sticky nectar on the outside will help keep bees away from your hummingbird feeders.

Providing Water for Bees and Insects

Place a small container of water and rocks near the feeders for bees to drink from. Create bee-friendly areas in your yard with water sources like birdbaths, fountains, dripping hoses, or shallow dishes.

Hydrated bees are less attracted to hummingbird feeders. Providing water encourages bees to pollinate plants rather than sip sugar water meant for hummingbirds.

Growing a Pollinator Garden

Let’s seed a pollinator garden to draw bees from feeders.

1. Plant nectar-rich wildflowers like coneflowers, lupines, and bee balm.
2. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your pollinator garden.
3. Use native plants suited for your climate and elevation.

Creating habitats with pollinator plants diverts bees from feeders, which benefits all.

Where to Buy Hummingbird Feeders and Accessories

You’ll find a wide selection of hummingbird feeders and handy accessories online or at local garden centers and hardware stores. Look for durable polycarbonate or glass feeders designed to deter bees, ants, and wasps.

Purchase extra bee guards, ant moats, and ant deterrent hooks to keep insects at bay.

Consider unique handblown glass feeders or ceramics to add artistry to your yard. Mix up homemade nectar using refined white sugar and water. Specialty nectar mixes are also available.

With a well-designed feeder, fresh nectar, and handy accessories, you’ll attract beautiful hummingbirds while keeping bees safely away.

Using Red Saucer Feeders to Keep Bees Away

Having a carefully curated selection of hummingbird feeders will appease both bees and birds. Red saucer feeders are an effective way to deter bees and wasps while still attracting hummingbirds. The red color is less attractive to bees but appeals to hummingbirds. Saucer styles also make it harder for bees and wasps to access the nectar.

With some strategic choices, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds feed while keeping unwanted insects at bay. A red saucer feeder is a simple and natural option to deter bees but attract hummingbirds.

Attaching Ant Moats to Hummingbird Feeders

Another natural solution for keeping bees away from your feeder is to attach an ant moat. These moats surround the feeder with water, creating a barrier ants and other crawling insects can’t cross. Installation’s easy – just hang the ant moat above your feeder so the water droplets can drip down.

Maintain your moat by keeping it filled with water and cleaning any algae buildup. While ant moats don’t deter flying insects like bees, they’re an inexpensive, nontoxic way to deal with ants. Pair your ant moat with other deterrents like essential oils or bee guards for maximum protection.

Most importantly, regularly clean and change your nectar to keep your feeder inviting only to hummingbirds.

Hanging Hummingbird Feeders With Fishing Line

Hang ’em high, my friends! Stringing up feeders on fishing line lets those hungry hummers sip while stoppin’ those pesky ants from gettin’ their mits on the goods.

Use monofilament fishing line for near-invisible hanging.

Hang feeders at least 5 feet off the ground and 10 feet from trees/structures.

Loop the line through the hanger and tie securely to branches or hooks.

Ensure the line is taut for stability in wind.

Position where approaching bees will be deterred by obstacles like trees or shrubs.

Using fishing line keeps crawling insects away, allows air flow, and lets feeders swing freely for accessing nectar. With smart setup, the birds enjoy safe sipping. Just be sure to check the line often for wear and retie when needed.

Slip Nectar Guard Tips Over Hummingbird Feeder Holes

You’ll prevent bees from getting sugar water by protecting feeder holes.

• Apply nectar guard tips to create a physical barrier at feeder ports.
• Look for small plastic or metal tips that easily slip into holes.
• Select nectar guards designed specifically to fit common feeders.
• Choose bright colors like red that attract hummingbirds, not bees.

Take the extra step of securing nectar guard tips over each port on your hummingbird feeder. This creates a protective barrier, keeping eager bees and wasps away from the sweet nectar while allowing hummingbirds to access it with their long beaks.

Combining physical feeder barriers with other natural bee deterrents helps create an ideal, safe set-up for hummingbirds to thrive.