I was recently out at my local park, enjoying a beautiful day and doing some people-watching. I noticed quite a few people had hummingbird feeders in their yards, and I started wondering if those feeders also attracted bees. Furthermore, I did a little research on the subject and this is what I found out.
If you’re a fan of both bees and hummingbirds, you may be wondering if there’s any way to attract both to your yard. The good news is that yes, you can!
By placing a hummingbird feeder near some flowers, you’ll be able to bring in a variety of bees as they come to collect nectar.
The best part is that the hummers will chase the bees away, so you won’t have to worry about them being bothered by the pollen-collecting insects.
How Do I Feed Hummingbirds Without Attracting Bees?
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard without also attracting bees, there are a few things you can do. First, choose a nectar feeder that has small ports or openings. This will help keep bees from being able to access the nectar.
You can also try adding a bee guard to your feeder, which is a physical barrier that will block bees from getting to the nectar.
Finally, make sure to clean your feeder regularly, as sweet nectar can attract bees even if they can’t access it directly. By following these tips, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds without worrying about pesky bees!
Why are Bees Swarming My Hummingbird Feeder?
One of the most common questions we get here at Bee Friendly Austin is “why are bees swarming my hummingbird feeder?” The answer, unfortunately, is not always a simple one.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to bees swarming a hummingbird feeder, and often it can be difficult to determine which factor (or combination of factors) is responsible.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why bees might be attracted to your hummingbird feeder – and what you can do about it.
One of the most common reasons for bees swarming a hummingbird feeder is simply because they’re attracted to the sweet nectar that’s available.
While honeybees don’t normally eat nectar from flowers (they use it mainly for making honey), they will visit a flower or feeder if there is an abundance of nectar available.
If you find that bees are constantly swarming your hummingbird feeder, try moving it to a different location or diluting the nectar with water.
Another possible reason for bees swarming your hummingbird feeder has to do with its design. Some types of hummer feeders have small holes or perches that make it easy for bees to access the nectar inside.
If you suspect this might be attracting bees to your feeder, try covering the holes with tape or switching to a different type of feeder altogether.
Finally, keep in mind that certain types of plants (such as fuchsias) tend to attract more bees than others. If you have any flowering plants near your hummingbird feeder, this could be contributing to the problem.
Try moving the feeder away from these plants or removing them entirely from your yard/garden.
How Do I Deal With Bees at My Hummingbird Feeder?
Do Hummingbird Feeders Attract Rats?
It’s a common misconception that hummingbird feeders attract rats. While it’s true that hummingbirds and rats share a love of sweet things, hummingbird feeders are actually not likely to attract rats.
The nectar in hummingbird feeders is too diluted for rats to be interested in it, and the small size of the holes on hummingbird feeders makes it difficult for them to get to the nectar.
In addition, most hummingbird feeders are designed to hang from a hook or wire, making them inaccessible to rodents.
Conclusion
If you’re a beekeeper, you may have noticed that your bees are attracted to hummingbird feeders. While this might seem like a nuisance, there are actually a few benefits to having bees around your hummingbird feeders.
For one, bees can help pollinate your flowers and other plants. They can also help keep the Hummingbirds themselves healthy by keeping them clean and free of parasites.
