Introduction
Bees are essential pollinators, but having them swarm around your hummingbird feeder can be troublesome. Bees can outcompete hummingbirds as they are attracted to the sugar water in the feeders. If you want to enjoy watching hummingbirds without the presence of bees, there are several methods you can try to keep bees away from your feeder.
1. Choose the Right Feeder
Opt for feeders with bee guards: Select a hummingbird feeder that comes with bee guards or built-in barriers to prevent bees from accessing the nectar.
Consider purchasing a saucer-style feeder: These feeders have a smaller surface area, making it difficult for bees to access the nectar.
Use feeders with yellow or orange flowers: Bees are more attracted to red colors, so opting for feeders with different colored flowers can deter bees.
2. Hang Your Feeder Properly
Place your feeder in a shaded area: Bees are attracted to the warmth of the sun, so hanging your feeder in a shaded location can discourage bees from visiting.
Hang your feeder away from bee-attracting plants: Avoid hanging your feeder near plants that attract bees, such as flowers with bright colors and strong scents.
3. Modify the Nectar Solution
Use a higher concentration of water: Bees are more attracted to higher concentrations of sugar, so reducing the sugar water ratio in your feeder can help deter bees.
Add a deterrent: Adding a small amount of vinegar to the nectar solution can deter bees while still being safe for hummingbirds.
Consider using essential oils: Some essential oils, such as peppermint or cinnamon, can repel bees. Add a few drops to the nectar solution to keep bees away.
4. Create a Distraction
Set up a separate bee feeder: Place a bee feeder filled with a sugar water solution away from your hummingbird feeder to distract bees.
Plant bee-friendly flowers: By providing bees with an alternative food source, they may be less likely to visit your hummingbird feeder.
5. Maintain Cleanliness
Regularly clean your feeder: Clean your hummingbird feeder regularly to prevent the build-up of mold and bacteria, which can attract bees.
Replace the nectar solution frequently: Bees are drawn to old, fermenting nectar, so make sure to change the solution every few days to keep bees away.
6. Install Bee Traps
Set up bee traps near your feeder: Consider installing bee traps around your hummingbird feeder to catch and trap bees away from the area.
Use homemade traps: You can create DIY bee traps using a container filled with sugar water and vinegar to attract and trap bees.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder and create a peaceful environment for hummingbirds to enjoy. Remember that bees are important pollinators, so it’s essential to find humane ways to deter them without harming them. Experiment with different methods to find the most effective solution for your specific situation.
