How to Keep Bees Off Hummingbird Feeders

Overview

Hummingbirds love the sweet syrup in the hummingbird feeder, but often, the sugary treat attracts uninvited guests, especially bees. Once one bee finds the feeder, the hive members will soon follow, and before you know it, they can become so numerous at the feeder that the hummingbirds will give up and go elsewhere. Although most bees are harmless and should be welcomed to the garden, there are ways to convince bees to leave the hummingbird feeder to the hummingbirds.

Step 1

Remove any yellow from the hummingbird feeder, or purchase a feeder with no yellow. Bees love the color yellow.

Step 2

Dilute the syrup you put in the hummingbird feeder. A mixture of five parts water to one part sugar is still sweet enough for hummingbirds, but may not be as tasty to bees.

Step 3

Clean the hummingbird feeder regularly. Sugar water that has fermented or that has become thick and sticky in the sun will be especially attractive to bees. Change the mixture at least once each week during warm weather.

Step 4

Place the hummingbird feeder in the shade -- bees prefer sunlight.

Step 5

Call a beekeeper if the bees become a serious problem.