If you love watching hummingbirds visit your feeder, you know how frustrating it can be when honey bees take over. These busy insects can quickly drain your feeder and keep the hummingbirds away.
But don’t worry—you don’t have to give up your feeder or harm the bees. You’ll discover simple and effective ways to keep honey bees away from your hummingbird feeder. Keep reading to learn how to create a peaceful feeding spot where only hummingbirds get the treats they deserve.
Credit: www.facebook.com
Why Bees Are Attracted To Feeders
Honey beesare drawn to hummingbird feeders because of the sugar water. The sweet liquid mimics natural nectar, which bees love. These insects have a strong sense of smell and can easily find the feeders.
Bees want to collect nectar for making honey. Feeders with red parts also attract bees since red signals flowers. Warm weather and blooming flowers increase bee activity near feeders.
- Bees search for sweet liquids like nectar.
- Bright colors on feeders catch their attention.
- Warm days and springtime bring more bees.
- Feeders near flowers invite bees to visit.
Credit: www.housedigest.com
Choosing Bee-resistant Feeders
Choosing a bee-resistant feederhelps keep honey bees away. These feeders have special designs that make it hard for bees to reach the nectar.
Look for feeders with:
- Bee guardsor small holes that only hummingbirds can use.
- Red colorsbecause bees are less attracted to them.
- Separate feeding portsthat limit access.
Some feeders have a bee-proof ringaround the base. This stops bees from landing. Also, feeders with a built-in ant moatcan help, as bees avoid water barriers.
Cleaning feeders often prevents bees from returning. Sticky feeders attract bees quickly.
Placement Tips To Deter Bees
Place the hummingbird feeder in a shaded area. Bees prefer warm, sunny spots. Keeping the feeder in shade helps keep bees away.
Hang the feeder away from flowers. Flowers attract bees. The farther from flowers, the less chance bees visit the feeder.
Position the feeder where you can see it easily. This helps you check for bees and clean the feeder quickly.
- Keep the feeder at least 10 feet away from flowering plants.
- Use a feeder with bee guards or small feeding ports.
- Place the feeder near a window for easy monitoring.
Credit: www.megabeepestcontrol.com
Diy Bee Barriers And Traps
Honey bees love sugar water. A simple solutioncan stop them. Use a bee guardon the feeder. It blocks bees but lets birds drink. Another idea is a water moat. Bees can’t swim across water.
Try using bee traps. Make one with a jar and sugar water. Bees get inside but can’t escape. This keeps them away from the feeder. Vinegar watercan also work. Bees hate vinegar and fly away.
Place the feeder in the shade. Bees prefer sunny spots. Move it often. Bees remember locations. This confuses them. Choose red feeders. Bees love yellow but dislike red. This attracts hummingbirds but not bees.
Maintaining And Cleaning Feeders
Clean the feeder often to stop honey bees from visiting. Use hot water and a mild soap to remove sticky nectar. Rinse well to avoid leaving soap behind. Dry the feeder completely before refilling it.
Keep the feeder away from places where bees are common. Move it to a shaded spot if possible. This helps slow down fermentation and keeps bees less interested.
- Check for leaks that can attract bees.
- Refill the feeder with fresh nectar every 2-3 days.
- Use feeders with bee guards or small feeding ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Honey Bees Visit Hummingbird Feeders?
Honey bees seek sugary nectar, which attracts them to hummingbird feeders.
How Can I Stop Bees Without Harming Hummingbirds?
Use bee guards and place feeders away from flowers to reduce bee visits.
What Type Of Feeder Keeps Bees Away Best?
Feeders with bee-proof ports or weight-activated mechanisms work best to deter bees.
Conclusion
Keeping honey bees away from your hummingbird feeder takes simple steps. Use bee guards or choose feeders with bee-proof designs. Clean the feeder often to avoid attracting bees. Place feeders away from flowers and other bee sources. Offer fresh nectar and change it regularly.
These tips help hummingbirds feed safely and keep bees at bay. Enjoy watching hummingbirds without worrying about bees. Small changes make a big difference in your garden’s harmony.