How to Keep Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders?

Watching hummingbirds zoom around your garden is a real treat. Their bright colors and quick moves make any backyard feel magical. But sometimes, this peaceful scene is interrupted by uninvited guests—bees.

Bees (and sometimes wasps or yellow jackets) are helpful in nature, but they can be a nuisance at hummingbird feeders. They crowd the ports, scare off the birds, and leave behind a sticky mess. If you’re tired of seeing bees at your feeder, don’t worry—you don’t need to take it down. There are simple, safe ways to keep bees away without harming the birds.

Here we’ll look at why bees are drawn to your feeder and the best ways to keep them out.

Why Are Bees Swarming Your Hummingbird Feeder?

It’s all about the sugar!

Both bees and hummingbirds love sweet things. To bees, your feeder looks like a huge flower full of easy-to-get nectar.

Here are a few reasons your feeder might be extra attractive to bees:

• Leaks: Even a small drip gives bees easy access to sugar water.
• Yellow accents: Bees are drawn to yellow, a color they associate with flowers and pollen.
• Wide openings: Shallow or large feeding ports make it easy for bees to reach the nectar.
• Sticky residue: Spilled nectar or sticky spots on the feeder call out to nearby insects.

Let’s explore how to fix these problems and make your feeder a hummingbird-only zone.

Simple and Safe Ways to Keep Bees Away

1. Fix Any Leaks

Check your feeder often. Make sure it isn’t tilted and that all parts are tightly sealed. If it keeps leaking, it may be time to replace it. Clean up any drips as soon as you spot them.

2. Remove Yellow Parts

Bees love yellow. If your feeder has yellow flowers or other parts, replace them or remove them. Hummingbirds prefer red, so switching to a red-only feeder won’t bother them.

3. Use a Bee-Proof Feeder

Some feeders are made to keep bees out. Look for ones with:

• Tiny feeding holes – Small enough that only hummingbird beaks can reach the nectar.
• Bee guards – Special covers or ports that block bees while letting birds feed.

Looking for a new feeder? Bee-proof feeders and accessories.

4. Move the Feeder

Sometimes a small change in location can help a lot.

• Move it away from flowers that bees are already visiting.
• Try a shady spot. Bees like the sun more than shade. Plus, shade keeps nectar from getting too warm and leaking out.

5. Clean the Feeder Often

Sticky spots attract bees. Wash your feeder every few days using warm water and a bottle brush. In hot weather, clean it more often. You can use a mix of water and vinegar or a tiny bit of unscented soap—just rinse thoroughly so there’s no residue.

6. Don’t Overfill

Only add as much nectar as the birds will drink in a couple of days. This helps avoid overflow and waste. Less sugar water means less for bees to steal!

7. Offer a Distraction (Use Carefully)

Some people use a second feeder or shallow dish with sugar water placed far from the main feeder to draw bees away. This may help, but it can also bring more insects to your yard. Try it carefully and watch the results.

8. Give Bees a Water Source

Bees need water too. A shallow dish with fresh water nearby might meet their needs and help keep them away from the feeder.

What Not to Do

• Don’t use pesticides – These are dangerous to hummingbirds and other helpful bugs.
• Don’t use oils or grease – They can stick to birds’ feathers and hurt them.
• Don’t add soap to nectar – Only use soap to clean the feeder, and rinse it very well.

Be Patient and Keep Trying

Bees are persistent, but with the right steps, you can make your feeder less tempting to them. Try a few methods and see what works best for your yard. By doing this, you’ll keep the nectar for the birds and enjoy a bee-free feeding zone.

Enjoy watching your hummingbirds – without the buzz! 🐦🌸