How to Deter Yellow Jackets From Humming Bird Feeders
Yellow jackets are attracted to the same sugar solution in hummingbird feeders that hummingbirds enjoy. Once yellow jackets have found a feeder, they can quickly outnumber our feathered friends. Here are some helpful tips on how to deter yellow jackets from swarming around hummingbird feeders. Any combination or order of the following steps may be used. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Keep the area clean. Make sure the area around the feeder is free of trash, used soda cans, standing water, pet foods or foods high in protein. These can be added attractions to yellow jackets and may keep them coming back to the area of the feeder.
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2
Move the feeder. If you move the feeder from its original location, yellow jackets can be tricked into thinking it has disappeared. However, if your yellow jackets are really tenacious and find the feeder again, take it down for a few days. The hummingbirds will be there when you put it back up and the yellow jackets will have moved on.
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3
Give them a hint of mint. Mint is a natural toxin to yellow jackets. Clean your hummingbird feeder and swab mint extract on the feeder. The mint will not harm or repel hummingbirds and it will act as both a deterrent and a poison to yellow jackets.
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4
Have the yellow jackets "seeing red." Yellow jackets are attracted to the color yellow. If your feeder is yellow or is adorned with yellow plastic flowers or decorations, take the time to paint those over. Red is a popular color to use for feeders and will not attract yellow jackets as the color yellow does.
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Choose a feeder with protective guards. Some feeders come equipped with guards that prevent yellow jackets, wasps and bees from having access, yet still allow for the hummingbirds to feed.
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Tips & Warnings
Directly attacking yellow jackets with a newspaper, swatter or vacuum may not just be harmful to the yellow jacket, but could potentially damage the feeder and draw unwanted attention to yourself.
