How to Keep Honey Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders?
Keeping honey bees away from hummingbird feeders requires a multifaceted approach focusing on minimizing their attraction through feeder design, strategic placement, and alternative food sources, while ensuring hummingbird access remains unimpeded. Ultimately, preventative measures are the most effective.
Why are Bees Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders?
Hummingbird feeders, designed to provide nectar to hummingbirds, often inadvertently become attractive to honey bees. This is due to the sugary solution used, which bees find a readily available and concentrated energy source. Bees are highly efficient foragers, capable of traveling significant distances to exploit valuable resources. The nectar spillage around the feeder ports, along with poorly designed feeders that allow easy access, exacerbate the problem. The presence of bees at hummingbird feeders can lead to competition for resources, potentially stressing the hummingbirds and driving them away.
Benefits of Diverting Bees
Successfully diverting bees from hummingbird feeders offers several benefits:
- Reduced Competition: Hummingbirds face less competition for their primary food source.
- Healthier Hummingbirds: Reduced stress allows hummingbirds to thrive.
- Reduced Risk of Stings: Less bee activity near feeders minimizes the risk of accidental stings for humans and pets.
- Healthier Bee Colonies: Bees may benefit more by focusing on natural food sources better suited to their nutritional needs.
- Harmony in the Garden: A more balanced ecosystem is fostered when different species can access appropriate resources without conflict.
Proven Methods for Bee Deterrence
Several methods can be employed to deter honey bees from accessing hummingbird feeders:
Feeder Selection: Choose feeders with bee-resistant designs, such as:
- Saucer-style feeders: These have recessed nectar wells that are difficult for bees to reach with their shorter tongues.
- Tip-resistant feeders: These prevent nectar from spilling, reducing bee attraction.
- Feeders with small feeding ports: Some feeders feature ports designed specifically to accommodate hummingbird bills, making it challenging for bees to access the nectar.
Feeder Placement: Strategic placement can make a significant difference:
- Shady areas: Bees prefer sunny locations; placing the feeder in shade may deter them.
- Away from bee colonies: If you know of nearby bee hives, position the feeder further away.
- High up: Hummingbirds are comfortable feeding at elevated locations, which bees often find less accessible.
Nectar Concentration: Adjust the sugar-to-water ratio.
- Use the correct ratio: The standard recipe is 4 parts water to 1 part white granulated sugar. Too much sugar can attract bees.
Cleanliness: Regular cleaning is crucial:
- Clean feeders frequently: Nectar spills and leaks attract bees. Rinse the feeder thoroughly every few days, especially during hot weather.
- Avoid sugary residue: Use hot water (no soap) for cleaning, as soap residue can deter hummingbirds.
Distraction Techniques: Provide alternative water and food sources for bees.
- Bee Watering Station: Set up a shallow dish of water with pebbles for bees to land on. Place it away from the hummingbird feeder.
- Bee-Friendly Plants: Plant flowers that attract bees, such as lavender, clover, and borage, to provide them with alternative nectar sources.
Physical Barriers:
- Bee guards: These are small mesh or plastic guards that fit over the feeding ports, allowing hummingbirds to access the nectar while preventing bees from reaching it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Honey in the Nectar: Honey is harmful to hummingbirds and attracts bees. Never use honey as a sweetener.
- Using Red Dye: Red dye is unnecessary and potentially harmful to hummingbirds. It does not attract them more than clear nectar.
- Neglecting Cleaning: Infrequent cleaning leads to mold and bacteria growth, harming hummingbirds and attracting unwanted insects.
- Giving Up Too Quickly: It may take time for bees to find alternative food sources. Be persistent with your bee deterrence efforts.
- Using Pesticides: Never use pesticides near hummingbird feeders. They are harmful to both hummingbirds and bees.
- Assuming All Bees are Honey Bees: Identify the bees present. Some native bee species are important pollinators.
Comparing Bee Deterrent Methods
The effectiveness of each bee deterrent method can vary depending on factors such as bee species, local environment, and feeder design.
| Method | Effectiveness | Ease of Implementation | Cost | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feeder Selection | High | Medium | Medium to High | Requires purchasing new feeders |
| Feeder Placement | Medium | Easy | Low | May not be suitable for all gardens |
| Nectar Concentration | Medium | Easy | Low | Incorrect ratios can harm hummingbirds |
| Cleanliness | High | Easy | Low | Requires regular maintenance |
| Distraction Techniques | Medium | Medium | Low to Medium | Requires creating and maintaining separate watering/feeding stations |
| Physical Barriers (Guards) | High | Easy | Low to Medium | Some hummingbirds may initially be hesitant to use feeders with guards |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are bees suddenly interested in my hummingbird feeder?
Changes in the environment, such as drought conditions or depletion of their natural food sources, can cause bees to seek out alternative nectar sources like hummingbird feeders. Also, an established bee population may have simply “discovered” the feeder recently.
Will moving the feeder just relocate the problem to a different area?
Moving the feeder a short distance may temporarily deter bees, but they are likely to find it again. Relocating it a significant distance and placing it in a more shaded location is more likely to be effective.
Are there specific plants that attract bees away from hummingbird feeders?
Yes, planting bee-friendly flowers like lavender, borage, salvia, and bee balm can provide bees with an alternative food source and reduce their interest in hummingbird feeders.
How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder to keep bees away?
Cleaning your feeder every 2-3 days is recommended, especially during hot weather. This removes spilled nectar that attracts bees and prevents mold growth.
Can I use soap to clean my hummingbird feeder?
Avoid using soap to clean your hummingbird feeder. Soap residue can deter hummingbirds. Use hot water and a bottle brush to scrub the feeder clean.
Will using a commercial bee repellent work to keep bees away?
The effectiveness of commercial bee repellents varies, and many can be harmful to hummingbirds. It’s generally best to avoid using them and focus on natural deterrent methods.
Do hummingbird feeders only attract honey bees?
While honey bees are a common nuisance at hummingbird feeders, other insects, such as wasps and ants, may also be attracted to the sugary nectar. The same deterrence strategies can often work for these insects as well.
What if I accidentally used too much sugar in the nectar?
Discard the over-concentrated nectar immediately. Excessive sugar levels can harm hummingbirds. Thoroughly clean the feeder and refill it with the correct sugar-to-water ratio (4:1).
Are all saucer-style feeders equally effective at preventing bee access?
No, the effectiveness of saucer-style feeders depends on the depth of the nectar wells and the design of the feeding ports. Look for feeders with recessed wells and ports that are small and difficult for bees to reach.
How do I introduce a new feeder with bee guards to hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds may initially be hesitant to use feeders with bee guards. Try partially covering the guards initially and gradually removing the covers as the hummingbirds become accustomed to them.
Should I remove my hummingbird feeder completely if bees are a persistent problem?
Removing the feeder should be a last resort. First, try all other bee deterrent methods. If the problem persists despite your best efforts, temporarily removing the feeder for a few days may encourage the bees to seek alternative food sources.
My neighbor has beehives. Is it even possible to keep bees away from my feeder?
Keeping bees completely away from your feeder when there are nearby hives is challenging but not impossible. Focus on using multiple deterrent methods, especially feeder selection, placement, and frequent cleaning. It may require persistence and experimentation to find the most effective combination of strategies for your specific situation.