How to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder

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By texaspeach63
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Although there is no foolproof way to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder, there are several things you can do to discourage their presence.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

First consider purchasing a new feeder equipped with the guards, or choose a shallow or basin-type feeder in which the syrup level is too low for bees and wasps to reach. With their long bills, hummingbirds will still be able to drink the nectar from both these types of feeders.
Step 2

If you prefer to continue using your present feeder, you can try a few different techniques. Before putting the feeder out for the season, paint any visible yellow parts red; studies show that bees and wasps are attracted to the color yellow, while hummingbirds are drawn to shades of red. If your feeder is already outdoors and the bees have found it, move it several feet away from its original spot. Most bees and wasps will have trouble finding the feeder' s new place, but the hummingbirds will still be able to locate it. Or you can bring the feeder indoors for a few days, until the insects believe that the food source is permanently gone. The hummingbirds should return once you put it back outside.
Step 3

Another thing you can try is diluting the hummingbird nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts boiled or distilled water) to 1 part sugar to 5 parts boiled or distilled water
Step 4

Also, always clean your feeder regularly to protect the health of visiting birds