Nothing ruins a relaxing afternoon spent watching the birds in your garden like a swarm of bees buzzing around your hummingbird feeder! Keeping bees off your hummingbird feeder can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.
In this article, we’ll discuss 15 tips to help you keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder and let you enjoy the peaceful setting that comes with it.
- How can I keep bees away from my hummingbird feeder?
- What techniques can I use to get rid of bees on my hummingbird feeder?
- Are there any prevention methods I should be aware of?
- 15 Tips To Help You Keep Bees Away From Your Hummingbird Feeders
- 1. Keep Hummingbird Feeders Away From Bushes and Flowers:
- 2. Keep Nectar Levels Low in Your Feeder:
- 3. Place Hummingbird Feeders in the Shade:
- 4. Change Nectar Frequently:
- 5. Relocate the Hummingbird Feeder Frequently:
- 6. Use Bee Deterrents:
- 7. Install a Bee Trap:
- 8. Hang the Hummingbird Feeder from a Tree:
- 9. Plug All the Holes on the Hummingbird Feeder:
- 10. Use a Hummingbird Feeder with Bee Guards:
- 11. Don’t Hang Multiple Hummingbird Feeders:
- 12. Plant Bee-Friendly Plants:
- 13. Buy a Red Hummingbird Feeder:
- Conclusion
- Image Gallery – How To Keep Bees Off Hummingbird Feeder
Related Posts:
Best Hummingbird Feeders.
Hummingbird Feeders Comprehensive Guide.
How can I keep bees away from my hummingbird feeder?
The best way to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder is to make sure it is positioned in an area that bees can’t reach. Try to place it away from shrubs, trees, and other plants where bees congregate.
If there are trees or bushes near the hummingbird feeder, you should trim them back to reduce the risk of bees being attracted to the feeder.
When selecting a location for your hummingbird feeder, avoid any spots that get direct sunlight during the day, as this will attract more bees. You should also try to hang the feeder in a spot that is sheltered from the wind, as this can also attract bees.
What techniques can I use to get rid of bees on my hummingbird feeder?
If you find that there are already some bees on your hummingbird feeder, there are some techniques you can use to get rid of them. The most effective way to do this is by spraying them with a mixture of water and dish soap. The soapy water will act as an irritant and cause the bees to leave.
You can also try using a bee repellent such as cedar oil or garlic oil. These repellents are natural and won’t harm the bees, but they will make it difficult for them to stay in the area. You can purchase these repellents at most garden centres or online stores.
Are there any prevention methods I should be aware of?
One of the best ways to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder is by preventing them from coming into contact with it in the first place. You should clean your hummingbird feeder regularly to remove any traces of sugar or pollen that could attract bees.
You should also fill your hummingbird feeders with sugar water and not nectar, as nectar is more likely to attract bees than sugar water is.
Also, try not to overfill your hummingbird feeder, as this could also attract more unwanted visitors!
15 Tips To Help You Keep Bees Away From Your Hummingbird Feeders
Here are 15 tips to help you keep bees away from your hummingbird feeders:
1. Keep Hummingbird Feeders Away From Bushes and Flowers:
Bees are naturally attracted to flowers, so it’s important to keep your hummingbird feeder away from any areas with a lot of flowers or bushes. This will make it less likely for bees to be attracted to your feeder.
2. Keep Nectar Levels Low in Your Feeder:
Bees are more likely to be attracted to your hummingbird feeder if there is a lot of nectar in the feeder. Keeping the levels of nectar low in the feeder will make it less attractive to bees.
3. Place Hummingbird Feeders in the Shade:
Bees are drawn to areas that are bright and sunny, so try to place your hummingbird feeder in a spot that is shaded and away from direct sunlight.
4. Change Nectar Frequently:
Bees can detect sweet-smelling nectar from a long distance, so it’s important to change the nectar in your hummingbird feeder frequently—at least once a week. This will help keep bees away from your feeder.
5. Relocate the Hummingbird Feeder Frequently:
Bees can become accustomed to a certain spot and will return there repeatedly if they find food there. To prevent this, relocate your hummingbird feeder every few days to prevent bees from becoming too familiar with its location.
6. Use Bee Deterrents:
There are several products available on the market that you can use as bee deterrents, such as water sprays, citronella candles, or peppermint oil. Spraying these on your hummingbird feeder can help repel bees away from it and keep them away for good.
7. Install a Bee Trap:
If you’re having trouble getting rid of bees on your hummingbird feeder, installing a bee trap near the feeder may help draw them away from it and prevent them from returning—just make sure you check the trap regularly and get rid of any dead bees in it!
8. Hang the Hummingbird Feeder from a Tree:
Hanging the hummingbird feeder from a tree branch rather than mounting it on a post or wall can make it harder for bees to access the nectar inside and make it less attractive for them as well.
9. Plug All the Holes on the Hummingbird Feeder:
Bees can access nectar through any small openings on your hummingbird feeder, so plugging up all holes with plastic or rubber plugs can help keep them out and prevent them from being attracted to your hummingbird feeders in the first place.
10. Use a Hummingbird Feeder with Bee Guards:
Some hummingbird feeders come with bee guards—small cages around each port where nectar is dispensed—that prevent bees from accessing any sweet liquid inside while still allowing enough room for hummingbirds to reach their food source without any obstruction.
11. Don’t Hang Multiple Hummingbird Feeders:
Hanging multiple hummingbird feeders can attract more bees than just one, as they will be drawn to all of the nectar sources available at once, so avoid doing this if possible!
12. Plant Bee-Friendly Plants:
Planting bee-friendly plants around your garden can help attract bees away from your hummingbird feeders as they will be drawn to those plants instead—try planting lavender, sunflowers, daisies, or other brightly coloured flowers that are known to attract bees instead of keeping them away!
13. Buy a Red Hummingbird Feeder:
Finally, buying a red-coloured hummingbird feeder may help keep bees away as they aren’t usually attracted to this colour like they are to other colours like yellow and orange. So if you want an extra layer of protection against those pesky buzzing critters, buying a red hummingbird feeder may be worth considering!
Conclusion
Keeping bees off your hummingbird feeders doesn’t have to be impossible; with some simple prevention methods discussed in this article, you can keep your hummingbird feeders free of bees and enjoy the peaceful setting that comes with it.
From keeping your hummingbird feeder away from bushes and flowers to using bee deterrents, there are plenty of things you can do to keep those pesky bees away from your hummingbird feeder.
Now over to you; have you ever had to deal with bees on your hummingbird feeders? What methods did you use to keep them away? Let us know in the comments below!
Image Gallery – How To Keep Bees Off Hummingbird Feeder
References: Hummingbird, Bird Feeder.
