Keeping Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders

A homeowner with 7 hummingbird feeders described bees draining sugar water from spigot-type feeders every 3-4 days. Almond extract worked previously but failed now. They needed bee deterrents safe for hummingbirds.

Why Bees Invade Feeders

• Sugar concentration: 4:1 water:sugar = 20% — bees prefer 30-50% but will take 20%
• Accessibility: Spigot feeders allow bee access to reservoir
• Scout recruitment: One bee finds it → recruits hundreds
• Seasonal pressure: Late summer = peak bee populations, scarce natural nectar

Feeder Modifications (Most Effective)

• Saucer-style feeders: Bees can't reach nectar; hummingbirds can (long tongues)
• Bee guards: Yellow plastic mesh over ports (Aspects, First Nature brands)
• Reduce sugar: 5:1 ratio (less attractive to bees; still adequate for hummers)
• Red ports only: Bees less attracted to red vs. yellow
• Move feeders: 10-15' apart; bees less likely to dominate all

Diversionary Feeding (Original Answer's Approach)

• Bee feeder: Separate location with 1:1 sugar water or fruit juice
• Placement: 20+ feet from hummingbird feeders; sunny, open area
• Timing: Put out early morning before bees find hummer feeders
• Maintenance: Clean daily; prevent fermentation
• Risk: May increase total bee population in yard

What Doesn't Work Well

• Almond/peppermint extracts: Temporary; wash off; bees adapt
• Vaseline/cooking oil on ports: Harms hummingbird feathers
• Yellow jackets traps: Don't catch honey bees; different species
• Moving feeders daily: Confuses hummingbirds too

Integrated Seasonal Strategy

1. Spring: Saucer feeders with bee guards; 5:1 ratio
2. Summer: Add diversionary bee feeder if pressure high
3. Fall: Reduce feeder number; clean rigorously
4. Year-round: Rotate feeder locations weekly

Bee Biology Context

• Honey bees: Usually the invaders; colony 20-60k workers
• Native bees: Also visit; important pollinators
• Don't kill bees — essential for garden pollination
• Africanized bees: In some regions; more aggressive; professional removal if suspected

The original answer's bee trap diversion strategy can work but requires diligent management. Feeder modification (saucer style + bee guards) is the most reliable, low-maintenance solution.