Picture this: you set up a hummingbird feeder in your garden, hoping to watch these colorful birds flutter and feed. But instead, you find a swarm of bees taking over. Not quite what you hoped for, right?
If you love hummingbirds but are tired of bees crashing the party, you’re in luck. There are some pretty clever ways to keep bees at bay, and they’re all bee-friendly too!
1. Saucer-Style vs. Bottle-Style Feeders
Choosing the right feeder can make all the difference. Saucer-style feeders have narrow openings, making it tough for bees to reach the nectar. This design is essentially a bee deterrent, ensuring only your feathered friends enjoy the feast.
Researchers have observed that bees are less attracted to saucer-style feeders due to the difficulty in accessing the nectar. This allows hummingbirds to feed without competition and reduces the risk of bee stings for humans nearby.
2. Bees Love Their Own Buffet
Want to keep bees occupied? Offer them their own buffet! Planting nectar-rich flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and marigolds draws bees away from hummingbird feeders. This strategy not only keeps bees busy but also beautifies your garden.
Studies show that bees are naturally drawn to areas with abundant food sources (ref). By providing alternative feeding options, you can reduce the likelihood of bees swarming your hummingbird feeders.
3. A Clean Feeder Is a Bee-Free Feeder
Regularly cleaning your hummingbird feeder prevents sugar buildup on the outside, which is a major bee attractant. By keeping the feeder clean, you minimize the scents and residues that draw bees.
This cleaning practice is backed by observations that indicate feeders with minimal or no sugar residue on the outside are less likely to attract bees. A clean feeder means hummingbirds get to enjoy their meals in peace.
4. Bee Guards: The Tiny Protectors
Some hummingbird feeders come equipped with bee guards or ports that close underweight. Since bees are lighter than hummingbirds, they can’t access the nectar, but hummingbirds can feed freely.
Feeder designs with ports that close with weight are effective in preventing bees from accessing the nectar. While allowing hummingbirds to feed as normal, demonstrating a simple yet effective way to deter bees.
5. The Citrus Solution
Rubbing citrus peels around your hummingbird feeder makes use of bees’ sensitivity to citrus scents. This natural deterrent can help keep bees away without harming them.
The effect of citrus on repelling bees is noted in gardening practices, where the scent of citrus is used as a natural repellant to manage the presence of bees around areas where they are not desired.
6. Shade: Not Just for Relaxing
Bees are sun-seekers, so placing your feeder in a shaded area can deter them. Hummingbirds don’t mind feeding in less sunny spots, making this an effective strategy.
Observations in garden settings show that feeders located in shaded areas are less frequented by bees, which prefer sunlit spots for their activities, offering a simple adjustment to reduce bee visits.
7. A Distracting Dish of Sweetness
Placing a shallow dish of sugar water or syrup away from the feeder can distract bees. They get their sweet fix without interfering with the hummingbirds’ mealtime.
This method is supported by the behavior of bees being drawn to the closest sugar source. Providing a decoy can effectively pull them away from the feeders designated for hummingbirds.
Using these solutions, you can create a serene feeding spot for hummingbirds without the unwanted attention of bees. Remember, the goal is to deter, not harm, so these methods ensure a safe environment for both bees and birds.
By understanding and working with nature, you can enjoy the beauty of hummingbirds in your garden without the buzz of uninvited guests.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.