So, if you move the feeder around regularly to different trees or other locations, the bees will get confused, while the birds have no trouble finding the new location. No offense to bees, but they just aren’t quite as smart as hummingbirds. Bees, on the other hand, haven’t figured out how to use straws yet, so they’re unable to steal any nectar from this style of feeder. Saucer-shaped feeders have spouts on the very top, so hummingbirds need to insert their beaks downward into a spout to access the nectar. It’s also important to deep-clean and sanitize the inside of your feeder regularly, too-you don’t want the hummingbirds to get sick from mold. Those graceful hummingbirds can be surprisingly messy eaters, so it’s wise to give the feeder a good wipedown every week or two. If there are traces of sweet nectar splattered around the outside of your hummingbird feeder, you can bet the bees will swarm in and sample the goods. Remember to avoid using pesticides in your pollinator garden-not only can they harm the bees, but they can also pose a threat to hummingbirds! Here are a few sunny yellow flowers that are native to Pennsylvania : If there’s a blooming garden full of all the bees’ favorite fragrant flowers, that should certainly dissuade them from hanging around your feeders all day! Pollinators tend to prefer native plants that they recognize from home, and bees are especially fond of yellow flowers. If there’s a tiny leak in the feeder, nectar will slowly trickle out, and the bees will smell it! Inspect it closely, and if you see any leaks, seal them with a waterproof sealant, or pick up a new feeder from our garden center in Glenside. The crisscrossing bars of the guard caps block insects from getting to the nectar but have enough space to allow hummingbirds to insert their slender beaks. They almost look like miniature sewer grates-but much more pretty and colorful. Here’s how to keep bees away from your feeder, so it remains a hummingbird-only zone.īee guards, also known as nectar guards, are caps that attach to the spouts where hummingbirds access nectar from the feeder. They don’t mind feeding next to a couple of buzzing insects, but if there are a lot of bugs crowding around, the birds won’t be eager to join that dinner party. If bees and aggressive wasps swarm your hummingbird feeders, the hummingbirds will be hesitant to approach. However, there are a few ways to keep the bees away from your feeder, so the hummingbirds won’t have any problems accessing the food source you’ve so generously provided them.īees at the Hummingbird Feeder: How to Fix the Problem The sweet nectar inside hummingbird feeders is just as delicious for the bees, and it’s common for them to steal the nectar. We love bees and hummingbirds alike-they’re both extremely beneficial garden pollinators and beautiful to look at! However, when we put up hummingbird feeders, sometimes bees aren’t keen to stay in their lane, and it becomes a bit of a problem. However, the sweet nectar is just as appetizing for the local bees! Hummingbird feeders are amazing for attracting those elusive, beautiful birds to the garden.
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