How the heck do I keep the bees away from my hummingbird feeder?

Question

They just started showing up, I've never had this problem before.

I don't want to take them down, because I have about 7 h'birds that are here everyday.

Answer 1

you can't,,i have that same problem plus the ants..we can't spray anything because it will effect the birds and butterflies,,,you get them.? i just let it take its course and clean it regular so no build-up occurs that would attract the bees more,,,,,,,,

Answer 2

Do you have bees and wasps swarming around your hummingbird feeders instead of hummers? Find out some ideas to allow these tiny birds to enjoy the nectar without the pesky bees.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30 minutes
Here's How:
Make sure your hummingbird feeder is perfectly clean, with no dried nectar on the outside.
Make sure the feeder is not leaking. Some feeders tend to leak more in hot weather. If this is the case, consider purchasing a different style.
Check to see if there are any YELLOW parts on the feeder. Many popular hummingbird feeders have yellow feeder ports or decorations. Bees and wasps are attracted to the color yellow. Use bright red fingernail polish and paint over any yellow parts of the feeder. Apply several coats of nail polish, letting each dry before applying the next coat.
Place the feeder away from anything that is yellow in your yard. This includes yellow flowers, lawn ornaments or decorations. Again, the yellow color will attract the unwanted insects.

Move your feeder, at least for awhile, to a different location. Bees and wasps have regular routines and routes that they follow on a daily basis. By removing the hummingbird feeder for a week or so, the insects will establish a new or modified route that does not include the feeder.
Tips:
Make sure the nectar is as fresh as possible. Any cloudy nectar should be discarded, the feeder thoroughly cleaned inside, and fresh nectar added.
Place hummingbird feeders in the shade if possible. This keeps the bacteria from growing as fast, contaminating the nectar.
What You Need:
Red nail polish
Soap and water
Brush for cleaning the inside of the feeder

Answer 3

There really isn't anything you can do about the bees, other than follow them to their nests and remove those. I know they are a pain to have around your house, but they have a job to do, as well. They are probably starting to get ready to hibernate, hence the increase in activity.

Don't move your feeders, though! First off, the bees will just find them again. Secondly, if you put feeders up, and the hummingbirds feed at them daily, they are relying on that as a food source. Hummingbirds require a huge number of calories daily, and could actually starve looking for where you moved the feeders to!

If you feel like you do not want to continue with the feeders, take them down after the season is over.

Answer 4

I must disagree with almost everyone who has answered your question so far. I had the same problem and yes the wasp that are around my feeder did bother the hummingbird's. I put Vaseline around the yellow part of the feeder, also if you are having problems with ants if the feeder is on the window you can put it around the window where the feeder is hanging. If hanging in a tree put the Vaseline on the cord, wire or what ever you are using to hang the feeder. This will keep the ants away. You may have to do this once a week or after a big rain. The bee's do not like the oil. I hope this helps, it has at my house. Good luck hummingbird lover.

Answer 5

the best thank you to stay away from bees is to disclaim them get right of entry to to the syrup. The HummZinger and Hummerfest feeders are inherently bee and wasp-data as a results of fact the syrup point is purely too low for bugs to realize, yet actual in selection of the shortest hummingbird tongue. in case you opt for to no longer attempt a sparkling feeder and bees or wasps persist, first attempt moving the feeder, even purely some ft; bugs at the instant are not relatively intelligent, and could assume the nutrients source is long previous continuously. they might on no account discover it in its new region, jointly as the hummingbirds will slightly notice that it became into moved. If that doesn't artwork, take the feeder down for an afternoon, or till you stop seeing wasps searching for it. you will see hummingbirds searching for it, too, yet they gained't supply up almost as quickly as a results of fact the wasps.

Answer 6

I wrapped paper towel soaked in ant killer around the post my feeder is on. I taped it with duct tape exposing some of the paper towel. That keeps the ants away. I have hung wasp and hornet traps on the same pole and has trapped some. I know my hummers hate those bees and I find they will feed when the bees will not come out, like when it's raining and early am and at dusk. My hummers are lazy...they like the oriole feeder the best because it has perches to rest on. It is cool to watch how protective(territorial) they are with other hummers.Also I have sprayed wasp killer on the ground for the over spill the feeder creates in the wind. Hope this helps...!

Answer 7

i have 24 hummingbirds that come to my feeder. i have 7 feeders since i got so many birds now. and i have yet to figure out a way to keep all of the bees away. the Vaseline keeps the aunts and some of the smaller bees away. Unless the bees are stinging your family i would not worry about them to much. I am allergic to bees and they been around my feeders for years now and they have not stung me. i think they all know i feed ya leave me alone..lol yeah right.. anyway try the Vaseline

Answer 8

I have an idea you may try. There is an electronic device which repels insects and small mammals. Maybe the hummingbird will be unaffected by the frequency. The device transmits a high pitch sound wave that confuses insects. When they get close to the device they get disoriented flying around in circles until they are outside the signal.

It's worth a try. They come in packs of 3 or 4 at Home Depot, Orchard supply, Target , Walmart. etc. Look for the pest control section. If they bother the hummers you can still use the device indoors for mosquitos and mice, etc. OK?

Answer 9

We had that problem for a short while. My wife and I figured that it was just a passing hive or somesuch, but the problem went away as suddenly as it appeared. In the meantime, I went out and swatted a few bees. Be careful not to break your hummingbird feeder because the can break with one swift swat, at least the little plastic flower petals can. I hope your problem is a short lived one. God Bless you.

Answer 10

I can relate to that ,I have a dozen humming birds I have a window feeder that I put Vaseline on the window where the feeder is attached that keeps the ants off, as far as bees and wasps they seem to come around less if I put Vaseline on the yellow flowers ,same with my hanging feeder .
I love those little birds also.

Answer 11

They sell these little bee hives that you put sweet stuff in and allow the bees to fly in and they can't fly out I think they are called bee catchers. Hope this helps. It really looks like a little beehive too. Plus you need to hang these bee trappers in between the hummingbird feeders!!!