Secrets to Safeguard Your Hummingbird Feders from Uninvited Hive Invaders
Get Ready for Hummingbird Season, But Keep the Bees Away!
Summer is here, and that means it's hummingbird feeder hanging time! But as delightful as these little birds are, they share their taste for nectar with bees. Thankfully, by following some expert-recommended tips, you can have a hummingbird feeder devoid of bees.
- Trenton Frazer, the lead entomologist at Aptive Environmental, a renowned pest control and exterminator company.
- Mateo Kaiser, a certified master beekeeper and the founder of Swarmed, the largest community of beekeepers in North America.
Say Goodbye to Sweet Bee Residues
Trenton Frazer suggests giving your yard a thorough cleaning to keep bees at bay. Start by wiping down your patio tables, grills, and other outdoor surfaces to eliminate any sugary residues that attract bees. Make sure to rinse out cans, bottles, and containers before disposing of them, and keep your recycling and trash bins neat, clean, and tightly closed.
Mind Your Location
To minimize the appearance of bees, Frazer recommends placing bird feeders in shaded areas since bees are attracted to sunny, warm spots[1]. Avoid placing feeders near flowering plants or garden beds, which naturally draw pollinators. Additionally, keep feeders away from high-traffic areas like patios or decks.
Select Your Bird Feeders Wisely
Mateo Kaiser advises that the color of your bird feeder is crucial, as bees are drawn to yellow. To keep bees away, try opting for red feeders, as hummingbirds seem to love them while bees find it harder to see the color[1][2]. Kaiser also suggests considering feeders with small feeding ports or tube-style feeders, which make it harder for bees to reach the nectar[1][3].
Use Bee Guards and Adjust Your Nectar Mixture
Does your feeder have a built-in bee guard? If not, be sure to invest in one. This small mesh or plastic barrier keeps bees from reaching the nectar because their tongues are shorter than a hummingbird's beak[2]. To deter bees, Kaiser suggests using a food mixture of one part sugar to four parts water[1][3].
Keep Things Clean and Inspection Ready
Regularly cleaning your hummingbird feeder is essential to keep bees at bay, says Kaiser. Even minor spills on the feeder can lure bees from a distance[1]. To maintain cleanliness, he recommends using hot water or vinegar water to clean your feeder and quickly inspecting for leaks, as even a small drip can invite bees[1][4].
Invite some Bee-Friendly Plants
While you want to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeders, remember that bees are beneficial for pollination[1][3]. To promote a bee-friendly environment in your garden, consider including more bee-friendly plants. Selecting native plants to your region ensures they offer nectar and pollen while being less susceptible to pests[4]. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends choosing a variety of plants[4].
10 Flowers That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
[1] https://www.integratedpestmanagement.org/guides/bee-friendly-gardening/[2] https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/bee-graden/[3] https://www.appliedbeekéeping.com/how-to-make-hummingbird-nectar-to-attract-hummingbirds/[4] https://www.beespa.com/blog/how-to-keep-bees-away-from-hummingbird-feeders/[5] https://www.birdopedia.com/how-to-keep-bees-out-of-my-hummingbird-feeder/
- To prevent bees from congregating around your hummingbird feeder, consider planting some bee-friendly flowers like petunias, lavender, or daylilies in your home-and-garden.
- If you're a fashion-and-beauty enthusiast, opt for pollinator-friendly makeup brands that use sustainable ingredients to minimize harm to bees.
- While preparing for your next travel adventure, research destination gardens that promote bee conservation to contribute to their efforts.
- When shopping for cars, remember to support vehicles that have good fuel efficiency to minimize carbon emissions and help protect our environment, including the habitats of pollinators like bees.
- Whether you're a seasoned cook or an amateur chefs, consider incorporating bee-friendly food ingredients like honey, sunflower oil, or lemon balm into your food-and-drink recipes.
- To enrich your lifestyle, consider adopting a pet that supports bee conservation, such as a dog or cat inspired by bees or honey. For instance, a 'Bumblebee' goldfish or a 'Honeybee' turtle would make great additions to your household.
