Hummingbird feeders are a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your yard, but sometimes bees can also become a nuisance. Bees are naturally attracted to the sweet nectar in hummingbird feeders, which can distract them from their primary food sources, causing frustration for both you and the birds. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders without harming them or disrupting the natural balance of your garden.

1. Use Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeders

One of the easiest ways to deter bees from hummingbird feeders is to use specially designed bee-proof feeders. These feeders are built with mechanisms that prevent bees from accessing the nectar, but still allow hummingbirds to feed freely. Here are a few features to look for:

• Bee Guards: Many modern hummingbird feeders come with bee guards, which are small mesh or plastic barriers that block bees from reaching the nectar while allowing the smaller hummingbirds to feed.
• Red Flowered Feeders: Bees are not particularly attracted to red, so using a hummingbird feeder with red flowers or a red-colored base may help keep bees away. Additionally, hummingbirds are naturally drawn to red, so the color will still attract them.
• Feeder Designs with Narrow Feeding Ports: Some feeders are designed with narrow feeding ports that only allow the tiny beaks of hummingbirds to access the nectar. These designs can effectively keep bees from feeding.

2. Hang Feeders in the Right Locations

The placement of your hummingbird feeder can make a significant difference in reducing bee activity. Bees are typically more attracted to open, sunny areas with access to flowers, so consider these strategies:

• Place Feeders in Shaded Areas: Bees are more likely to be drawn to feeders in sunny, flower-filled areas. Placing your hummingbird feeder in a shady location, away from flower beds or flowering plants, can make it less appealing to bees.
• Separate Feeders for Bees: If you have both bees and hummingbirds in your yard, consider setting up a separate feeder just for the bees. You can fill it with a similar nectar solution and place it far away from your hummingbird feeder. This strategy helps divert bees to a different food source, reducing their interest in the hummingbird feeder.
• Hanging Multiple Feeders: If you have multiple feeders around your garden, consider spacing them out. Bees may be attracted to just one feeder if it’s the only food source, but offering multiple options can help minimize bee competition.

3. Reduce the Sugar Concentration in the Nectar

The sweetness of nectar is what attracts bees. Hummingbirds typically prefer nectar with a sugar concentration of about 25%, but bees may be more attracted to higher sugar concentrations. By adjusting the sugar-water ratio, you can make the nectar less appealing to bees.

• Use a Lower Sugar-to-Water Ratio: Try mixing a weaker solution of nectar for your hummingbird feeder. Instead of using the typical 1:4 ratio of sugar to water, you could use a 1:5 or 1:6 ratio. This reduces the sweetness of the nectar, making it less attractive to bees while still satisfying the needs of hummingbirds.

4. Use Bee-Repellent Solutions

If you’re still having trouble with bees, there are some natural and safe bee-repelling solutions you can use to deter them from coming too close to your feeder.

• Cinnamon: Bees dislike the scent of cinnamon. You can sprinkle cinnamon around the base of the hummingbird feeder or on the surrounding area. The smell will help repel bees without harming them.
• Mint or Eucalyptus: Planting mint or eucalyptus around the area can also keep bees away. Both plants are known to have scents that bees find unappealing. You could also try using essential oils or placing a few mint leaves near the base of the feeder.
• Garlic: While not scientifically proven to be effective, some gardeners claim that garlic has a repellent effect on bees. Placing garlic cloves or garlic oil near your hummingbird feeder may help reduce bee activity.

5. Clean Feeders Regularly

Bees are attracted to sweet, sticky substances, and a dirty hummingbird feeder can encourage bees to visit. Cleaning your feeder regularly not only keeps it hygienic for the birds but also removes any leftover nectar that might attract bees.

• Rinse Feeders Frequently: Clean the feeder every 3-4 days during the summer months when bee activity is higher. Rinse the feeder with warm water and soap to remove any residue. Make sure to clean the feeding ports thoroughly as well to avoid any build-up of sticky sugar.
• Disassemble and Wash: Periodically disassemble the feeder, removing the nectar and washing it with warm soapy water. This helps prevent mold or fermentation, which could attract bees.

6. Offer Alternative Bee-Friendly Food

If you want to keep the bees around but away from the hummingbird feeder, consider offering a separate food source just for them. Bees are beneficial pollinators, and by providing an alternative nectar source, you can keep them happy and busy without interfering with your hummingbird feeder.

• Bee Feeder: Create a bee-friendly feeder by filling a shallow dish with sugar water. You can also add fruit, such as sliced oranges or watermelons, to attract bees. Place this feeder at a distance from the hummingbird feeder to encourage the bees to go there instead.
• Flowering Plants: Consider planting bee-friendly flowers, such as lavender, bee balm, or sunflowers. This will provide a natural food source for bees, drawing their attention away from the hummingbird feeder.

7. Keep the Hummingbird Feeder Full

A well-stocked hummingbird feeder can discourage bees from taking over. If the feeder is constantly being visited by hummingbirds, bees may be less likely to land and feed, as they are more focused on competition with other bees.

• Maintain the Feeder: Ensure the nectar in your hummingbird feeder is always fresh and readily available. If bees see that the nectar is always full and accessible, they may be less inclined to fight for access, and the hummingbirds will continue to dominate the feeder.

Conclusion

While bees are an essential part of the ecosystem, it’s understandable that you may not want them interfering with your hummingbird feeders. By using bee-proof feeders, placing the feeder in strategic locations, adjusting nectar sweetness, and offering alternative food sources for bees, you can help create a more harmonious environment for both the bees and the hummingbirds. Remember, bees are important pollinators, so try to use methods that discourage them without harming them. With these strategies, you can enjoy watching your hummingbirds without the nuisance of unwanted bee visitors.