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You fill your hummingbird feeder with fresh sugar water, hang it in the perfect spot, and wait for those iridescent visitors. Instead, a swarm of bees claims your feeder as their own private buffet. Bees zero in on the same sweet nectar that hummingbirds need, and once they discover your feeder, they’ll recruit dozens of their hive mates to join the feast.
The good news is that bees and hummingbirds see the world differently—they’re attracted to different colors, access nectar in different ways, and respond to different feeder designs. Understanding how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders means working with these differences, not against nature. Simple changes to your feeder setup can shift the balance back in favor of your hummingbirds without harming the bees.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Bees Are Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders
- Best Feeder Designs to Deter Bees
- Practical Tips to Keep Bees Away
- Top Hummingbird Feeder Products for Bee Control
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I stop bees around my hummingbird feeder?
- Why put aluminum foil around a hummingbird feeder?
- Does Vicks keep bees away?
- How do I protect my hummingbird feeder?
- Can you keep bees off hummingbird feeders?
- How to keep hummingbirds away from a feeder?
- How do you keep bees away from a bird feeder?
- Do bees eat yellow hummingbird feeders?
- What repels bees but not hummingbirds?
- How do I make my hummingbird feeder bee proof?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Bees can’t detect red wavelengths above 600 nanometers, so switching to all-red feeders without yellow accents attracts hummingbirds while staying off bees’ visual radar.
- Dish-style feeders with nectar positioned below feeding ports make access harder for bees but still allow hummingbirds to reach sugar water with their long tongues.
- Installing nectar guards creates a mechanical barrier that opens under hummingbird beak pressure but blocks bee access, and you can retrofit most feeders with aftermarket kits.
- Placing a dedicated bee feeding station 10 to 20 feet away with slightly sweeter sugar water and bee-friendly flowers like lavender draws bees away from hummingbird feeders naturally.
Why Bees Are Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders
Bees show up at your hummingbird feeder for the same reason the birds do—they’re after an easy meal of sugar water. Understanding what draws them in helps you make smart changes to your setup.
Luckily, there are several proven ways to keep bees away from your feeder without harming them or the birds.
Let’s look at the three main factors that turn your feeder into a bee magnet.
The Role of Sugar Water and Nectar
Sugar water in your feeder mimics the nectar bees and hummingbirds naturally seek from flowers, making it an irresistible target when blooms run scarce. Both species need the same basic nectar composition—dissolved sugars for energy.
If you want to go beyond feeders, creating a bird-friendly garden with native nectar plants gives hummingbirds a more sustainable food source year-round.
A typical sugar water ratio of four parts water to one part sugar closely matches natural nectar attraction factors, satisfying hummingbird nectar needs while inadvertently drawing bees to your feeder’s nectar flow.
You can find more homemade bird feeding recipes that help you balance nutrition and minimize unwanted bee activity at your feeders.
Colors That Attract Bees Vs. Hummingbirds
Color preferences separate these two nectar seekers at your feeder. Bees see blue and yellow brilliantly but can’t detect red wavelengths above 600 nanometers. Hummingbirds, however, spot red easily and use it as a reliable visual cue to locate food.
Placing feeders strategically based on these color cues is just one part of creating an irresistible hummingbird habitat in your yard.
That’s why red hummingbird feeders without yellow accents attract hummingbirds while staying off bees’ radar—they simply don’t register red as a foraging signal. The use of color vision systems helps explain why bees are less attracted to certain flowers.
Bee and Hummingbird Behavior at Feeders
When bees find your hummingbird feeders, their persistent foraging behavior differs sharply from hummingbird aggression patterns. Bees arrive in groups and exploit nectar efficiently by adjusting their drinking mechanisms for various port depths.
Hummingbirds defend high-reward sources through territorial attacks, chasing rivals and insects away. This nectar competition intensifies when natural flowers are scarce, creating feeder dominance battles.
Understanding these pollinator dynamics helps you manage both species effectively with strategic placement and bee guards.
Best Feeder Designs to Deter Bees
The feeder you choose makes a real difference in whether bees take over or stay away. Some designs naturally discourage insects while still giving hummingbirds easy access to nectar.
Here are the most effective feeder types and features to look for.
Dish Feeders Vs. Bottle Feeders
The design of your feeder plays a bigger role in bee control than you might think. Using the right bee deterrent methods can help minimize bee attraction to your hummingbird feeders.
Dish feeders position nectar below feeding ports, which makes access harder for bees but allows hummingbirds to reach sugar water with their long tongues.
Bottle feeders use gravity-fed nectar flow, creating easier access points where bees can land and drink.
Red Feeders Without Yellow Accents
Hummingbirds see red wavelengths clearly, but bees can’t detect them well—a quirk in bee vision limitations you can use to your advantage. Choosing feeders with red bodies and no yellow parts reduces bee attraction while maintaining strong appeal for hummingbirds.
- Select all-red designs where the base, ports, and trim avoid yellow flowers or accents
- Remove or paint over yellow decorative elements that act as visual beacons for bees
- Pair red feeders with clear sugar water instead of dyed nectar for best results
Using Nectar Guards and Bee Guards
Guards offer a mechanical barrier that stops bees from reaching nectar while hummingbirds feed normally. Nectar guards fit over feeder ports with flexible membranes or mesh that open under beak pressure but block insect access. You can retrofit most feeders with aftermarket bee guard installation kits or choose models with built-in port design features.
| Guard Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh caps | Block bee bodies with crossbars | Bottle feeders with standard ports |
| Flexible tips | Open under hummingbird pressure only | Dish feeders needing retrofit |
| Integrated guards | Built into feeder port design | New purchases and replacements |
Check nectar guards weekly during guard maintenance tips routines—clogged openings reduce flow and discourage hummingbirds. Clean ports with warm water and verify tight fits to prevent leaks that attract bees. Combine guards with proper nectar concentration and red hummingbird feeders for effective insect exclusion methods.
Practical Tips to Keep Bees Away
Keeping bees away from your hummingbird feeders doesn’t require complicated solutions. A few simple maintenance habits and smart placement strategies can make a significant difference in reducing bee activity.
Here are four practical approaches you can use to protect your feeders while still supporting the pollinators in your garden.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Sticky residue from old sugar water turns your hummingbird feeder into a bee magnet. Clean your feeder with hot water and a small brush weekly—or every two to three days in hot weather—to remove nectar buildup. Check seals and ports during each cleaning to prevent leaks that attract swarms.
Monthly, soak disassembled parts in a diluted bleach or vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly to eliminate lingering residues.
Adjusting Nectar Sweetness
A slightly less sweet mix—five parts water to one part sugar instead of the standard four-to-one—makes your feeder less appealing to bees while still giving hummingbirds the energy they need. Bees prefer higher sweetness levels, but hummingbirds adapt easily to diluted nectar.
This simple adjustment to your sugar water ratio discourages bee activity without compromising the nutritional value your hummingbirds depend on.
Strategic Feeder Placement
Where you hang your feeder makes all the difference in bee control methods. Position your hummingbird feeders strategically to reduce insect traffic without compromising hummingbird access.
- Shade placement under trees or porches keeps bees away, since they forage more actively in direct sunlight.
- Distance optimization means hanging feeders several feet from flowering plants where bees concentrate.
- Feeder relocation every few weeks disrupts bee foraging patterns while hummingbirds quickly adapt.
Providing Alternative Food Sources for Bees
Think of it this way: bees follow the richest food. Set up a dedicated bee feeding station 10 to 20 feet from your hummingbird feeders using slightly sweeter sugar water alternatives.
Draw bees away from hummingbird feeders by placing a sweeter sugar water station 10 to 20 feet away
Add shallow water dishes with stones and plant bee-friendly flowers like lavender or bee balm nearby.
These nectar replacements and pollen supplements give pollinators what they need, pulling them away from your hummingbird setup naturally.
Top Hummingbird Feeder Products for Bee Control
You don’t have to settle for feeders that attract every bee in the neighborhood. Several well-designed products combine features that keep bees out while giving hummingbirds easy access to nectar.
Here are five feeders and accessories that can help you reclaim your feeding station.
1. Aspects Hummingbird Feeder
The Aspects HummZinger Ultra demonstrates effective bee resistance through its specialized feeder design. This 12-ounce dish-style feeder uses slit-shaped ports that restrict bee access while allowing hummingbird attraction through its bright red cover.
The built-in ant moat blocks crawling insects, and the drip-proof construction prevents nectar flow that draws bees. You’ll appreciate the wrap-around perch for extended viewing and the easy feeder maintenance—the cover lifts off for quick cleaning.
The polycarbonate construction ensures durability, and when paired with bee guards, this model delivers reliable nectar protection against persistent insects.
| Best For | Backyard birders who want a durable, easy-to-maintain feeder that keeps bees and ants away while offering clear views of visiting hummingbirds. |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Red |
| Brand | Aspects |
| Weight | Not specified |
| Target Use | Hummingbird feeding |
| Special Feature | Built-in ant moat |
| Additional Features |
|
- Slit-shaped ports with optional Nectar Guard tips effectively keep bees and wasps out while hummingbirds feed
- Built-in ant moat creates a water barrier that stops crawling insects from reaching the nectar
- Drip-proof polycarbonate construction prevents messy leaks and comes with a lifetime guarantee on the feeder body
- Higher price point compared to basic hummingbird feeders on the market
- Lid can crack if pressed down too hard during assembly or cleaning
- Requires cleaning every 3-4 days to prevent mold and bacteria buildup in the nectar
2. Aspects Nectar Guard Tips
These flexible plastic guards slip onto your feeder’s ports to create a barrier that blocks bees while letting hummingbirds reach the nectar with their long tongues. The Aspects Nectar Guard Tips come 12 per pack and fit compatible Aspects’ hummingbird feeders. You’ll find these clear guards simple to install—they slide directly onto the feeding port on your feeder’s underside.
Regular guard cleaning tips include rinsing with hot water during your hummingbird feeder maintenance routine. When combined with proper sugar water recipes and strategic bee control methods, these nectar guards greatly reduce insect contamination while keeping your feeding stations accessible for hummingbirds.
| Best For | Hummingbird enthusiasts who want to keep bees and wasps away from their nectar feeders without deterring the birds. |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Clear |
| Brand | Aspects |
| Weight | 0.176 ounces |
| Target Use | Insect prevention |
| Special Feature | Flexible membranes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Easy installation—guards slide right onto feeding ports without tools or complicated setup
- Effective barrier against bees, wasps, and ants while still allowing hummingbirds to feed normally
- Comes in a 12-pack so you have plenty of replacements or can outfit multiple feeders
- Only compatible with select Aspects feeders, so they won’t work with all brands or models
- Hummingbirds might need time to adjust to the guards, especially if they’re not used to them
- Some users report the guards can be too thick and may cause damage to certain feeder models
3. Perky Pet Glass Hummingbird Feeder
The Perky-Pet glass feeder model 203CP offers 8 ounces of nectar capacity with four feeding ports equipped with built-in bee guards. Its bright red base attracts hummingbirds while the integrated guards prevent bees from draining your nectar supply.
You’ll appreciate the removable glass reservoir for easy cleaning and refilling—maintenance you should perform weekly to keep bees from congregating. The four-way perch lets multiple hummingbirds feed simultaneously, though you’ll need to monitor the yellow flower accents since bees show attraction to that color.
| Best For | Backyard birders who want a classic glass feeder that’s easy to maintain and offers good bee protection for watching multiple hummingbirds at once. |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass, Plastic |
| Color | Beige/Red |
| Brand | Perky-Pet |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Target Use | Hummingbird feeding |
| Special Feature | Built-in bee guards |
| Additional Features |
|
- Clear glass reservoir lets you see nectar levels at a glance and makes it simple to spot when it’s time for a cleaning
- Built-in bee guards at all four ports help keep bees from stealing nectar while hummingbirds feed without issue
- Wide-mouth design and removable parts make weekly cleaning quick and straightforward with a regular bottle brush
- The 8-ounce capacity means you’ll need to refill more often if you have active hummingbird traffic in your yard
- Yellow flower accents can attract bees even with guards in place, which might require more frequent monitoring
- Perches may feel flimsy during handling and filling, so you’ll want to be careful when taking the feeder down for maintenance
4. Heath Butterfly Bliss Bird Feeder
The Heath Butterfly Bliss feeder won’t serve you well for hummingbird feeding with bee control. This open-bowl design—an 8-inch glass dish on a decorative metal frame—lacks the enclosed ports and nectar guards that exclude bees from sugar water. Bees access the entire surface directly, unlike saucer feeders with recessed wells.
You’re better off using this 1.4-pound feeder for seed, fruit, or as a birdbath rather than for hummingbirds. Without built-in barriers, any nectar you place here becomes an open buffet for every bee in your garden.
| Best For | Gardeners who want a decorative seed or fruit feeder for songbirds like finches and chickadees, or who need a simple birdbath, but not for anyone trying to feed hummingbirds while keeping bees away. |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel, Glass |
| Color | Yellow |
| Brand | Heath Outdoor Products |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
| Target Use | Bird/butterfly feeding |
| Special Feature | Multi-purpose design |
| Additional Features |
|
- Durable glass and steel construction holds up outdoors and cleans easily in the dishwasher
- Flexible design works as a seed feeder, fruit station, or birdbath depending on what you fill it with
- Attractive butterfly-themed frame adds a decorative touch to your garden while feeding wild birds
- Open bowl design makes it a magnet for bees if you put any sugar water or sweet foods in it
- Some buyers report broken hooks or damage during shipping, requiring repairs or returns
- Not designed for hummingbirds—lacks the enclosed ports and nectar guards needed to control bee access
5. Regal Art Glass Birdbath Feeder Stake
The Regal Art Glass Birdbath Feeder Stake doesn’t function as a bee-control solution for hummingbird feeders. This 12-inch glass bowl on a 25-inch metal stake lacks bee guards and enclosed ports that prevent insects from reaching nectar. The open dish design—marketed for birdbath water depth of a few centimeters or seed feeding—exposes any sugar solution directly to bees.
You’ll find its garden aesthetic impact impressive with iridescent pearl colors and stake stability features including a three-pronged base, but it won’t reduce bee access to hummingbird nectar.
| Best For | Gardeners who want a decorative birdbath or seed feeder with hand-painted glass art, not those seeking bee control for hummingbird nectar stations. |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Color | Yellow |
| Brand | Regal Art & Gift |
| Weight | 2.53 pounds |
| Target Use | Bird feeding/bathing |
| Special Feature | Hand-painted artisan glass |
| Additional Features |
|
- Hand-painted iridescent glass bowl adds visual appeal to garden spaces with vibrant color options like rainbow, poppy, and solid tones
- Dual-purpose design works as either a shallow birdbath for small songbirds or a platform feeder for solid seeds
- Three-pronged metal stake base provides stability in soil and weather-resistant materials support outdoor use
- Metal support frame can become loose or bend, causing the glass bowl to flop around in holders
- Open dish design exposes water and food directly to insects, making it ineffective for controlling bee access to nectar
- Colors may fade over time from sun exposure and the shallow bowl holds limited amounts of water or seed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I stop bees around my hummingbird feeder?
You can stop bees by switching to red saucer-style feeders and installing bee guards on ports.
Additionally, eliminating leaks through regular cleaning and diluting nectar slightly to reduce sweetness that draws them in can help deter bees.
Why put aluminum foil around a hummingbird feeder?
Aluminum foil reflects sunlight to keep nectar cooler and slow spoilage in hot weather.
The shiny surface may also discourage bees through glare, though this effect varies and shouldn’t replace proper feeder maintenance tips.
Does Vicks keep bees away?
You’ve probably heard someone swear by this trick, but does Vicks VapoRub actually work?
The strong menthol scent may temporarily deter bees from hummingbird feeders, though evidence remains mostly anecdotal and unproven.
How do I protect my hummingbird feeder?
You protect your hummingbird feeder through regular maintenance, strategic feeder placement in shade, bee guards on ports, proper nectar formulas, and leak prevention—creating multiple barriers that discourage bee control methods while ensuring hummingbird safety.
Can you keep bees off hummingbird feeders?
You can absolutely stack the deck against bees at hummingbird feeders using bee guards, strategic feeder placement, and proper sugar water mix—giving hummingbirds safe access while limiting bee behavior and improving overall bee control methods.
How to keep hummingbirds away from a feeder?
Remove feeders entirely when hummingbirds migrate away, or place them in less visible locations.
Natural barriers like dense plantings redirect birds to native flowers, reducing their dependence on artificial nectar sources.
How do you keep bees away from a bird feeder?
While most bird feeders don’t attract bees, hummingbird feeders do because of their nectar. Install bee guards, choose red feeders, place them in shade, and provide alternative bee-friendly plants nearby.
Do bees eat yellow hummingbird feeders?
No, bees don’t consume yellow feeder plastic. They’re drawn to yellow accents because bee vision associates that color with flowers, but they only feed on the nectar inside, not the feeder materials themselves.
What repels bees but not hummingbirds?
Shade placement strategies and red color preference work well—bees avoid shaded feeders and can’t see red.
Nectar guard designs block insects, while bee repellent oils like peppermint deter bees without affecting hummingbirds.
How do I make my hummingbird feeder bee proof?
Install nectar guards on every feeding port to create a physical barrier bees can’t penetrate.
Choose saucer-style feeders with recessed nectar wells, and keep all ports and seams tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
Conclusion
Picture your porch next spring: hummingbirds hovering at their feeder while bees work your nearby garden flowers. Both thrive when you give them what they need.
Switching to a red dish feeder with nectar guards, maintaining a clean setup, and planting bee-friendly flowers nearby creates this balance.
You’ve learned how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders by working with nature’s design. Your adjustments don’t eliminate bees—they redirect them where they belong.
- https://createwithjennifer.com/keep-bees-wasps-from-hummingbird-feeders/
- https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-keep-bees-away-from-hummingbird-feeders-11727134
- https://www.birdfy.com/blogs/blogs/keep-yellow-jackets-away-from-bird-feeders
- https://journeynorth.org/hummingbirds/resources/article/feeders-fall-helpful-tips
- https://www.hummingbirdsociety.org/post/how-to-keep-bees-wasps-and-ants-out-of-your-hummingbird-feeders
