How to Deter Bees from Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbirds enjoy the sweet sugar syrup in hummingbird feeders, but this mixture often attracts bees or wasps. Too many wasps around the feeder will prevent the hummingbirds from enjoying the nectar. Once you notice the bees or wasps invading the hummingbird feeder, you need to deter them as soon as possible before they attract more insects to the feeder and prevent the hummingbirds from returning. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Clean the hummingbird feeder weekly. Once sugar water ferments it becomes thick and sticky, which will attract the bees. The mixture needs to be changed weekly during hot weather and the feeder needs to be sterilized (putting it through a dishwasher works). In between the major cleanings, wipe the feeder with damp cloth or paper towels to remove any sugar residue. In addition to attracting bees and wasps, dirty feeders can spread disease to the hummingbirds.
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Hang the hummingbird feeder in the shade. The bees and wasps prefer the sunlight, so they will be less likely to invade the feeder.
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Select a drip proof humming bird feeder so that the bees are less likely to find the syrup mixture. If the syrup drips or spills ithe bees will be able to find it quicker.
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Use clean water and don't ever use nectar that has additives or food color, or is diluted beyond the instructions on the package. If you make your own nectar bring 4 parts water to a boil, and add one part table sugar. Cool the mixture before adding to the feeder. Extra can be refrigerated for a few days. Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to fuel their super-fast metabolism and diluted food can do more harm than good.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid spraying insecticides around or on hummingbird feeders because they can kill the hummingbirds.
Avoid cleaning hummingbird feeders with dish soap or detergent.
References
- Photo Credit Dynamic Graphics Group/Dynamic Graphics Group/Getty Images
