Owning hummingbird feeders means that you are going to have to do a little routine maintenance to ensure that the food stays free of invaders. Bees are among the biggest offenders of invading the space of the hummingbirds. After all, they are both in the same business of pollination, so they are bound to be attracted to the same sweet nectar. Here are 4 of the best bee proof hummingbird feeders to help keep the bees away and your hummingbird community happy.
#1: Aspects HummZinger Excel 16oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder
This basin style feeder is fantastic at keeping the bees out, as well as ants. The 6 feeding portals are lifted above the base, so you don’t have to worry about the nectar being watered down by rain. It’s easy to clean and the red top will draw the attention of all the hummingbirds passing by.
Check it out: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/AspectsHummZingerExcel16OZ
#2: First Nature Double Stack Hummingbird Feeder
You can’t go wrong with two feeders in one! Holding 32oz and boasting 32 feeding portals, your hummingbird community has a lot of options. Plus, you won’t have to worry about bees, wasps, or ants invading the nectar when hummingbirds are enjoying the round perch design. The bright red colors will attract even the shyest hummers in your region.
Check it out: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/FirstNatureDoubleStackFeeder
#3: Birdscapes 8111-2 Violet Meadows 8-Ounce Glass Hummingbird Feeder
When you want to attract all of the hummingbirds in your area, then this beautifully hand-painted feeder is for you. The bee resistant feeding flowers will allow your hummingbird community an easier dining experience.
Check it out: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/BirdscapesGlassFeeder
#4: Perky-Pet Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder
This 8oz feeder is perfect for keeping just the right amount of nectar for your regular hummingbird visitors. The glass is hardened, so you don’t have to worry about it shattering, and bee guards are on all 4 for feeding flowers. The entire feeder is covered in red, so it will draw in hummingbirds from long distances.
Check it out: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/PerkyPetPinchWaistGlassFeeder
Best Bee Proof Hummingbird Feeder Comparison Chart
| Aspects HummZinger Hanging Feeder | Perky Pet Hummingbird Pinchwaist Feeder | First Nature Double Stack Feeder | Birdscapes Violet Meadows Feeder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | | | | |
| Rating | 4.75/5 | 4 | 4.5/5 | 4 |
| Price | $23.27 | $16.35 | $35 | $20 |
| Reviews | 990 | 1,853 | 178 | 135 |
| Holds | 13 OZ | 8 OZ | 32 OZ | 8 OZ |
| Brand | Aspects | Perky Pet | First Nature | Birdscapes |
| Listed | Highest Rated | Most Popular | Largest Design | Most Colorful Design |
Are bees harmful to hummingbirds?
You might wonder why you need to protect your hummingbird’s food from bees. After all, both bees and hummers work hard to pollinate and are important to our eco-system. However, when they are competing for food, you won’t be able to see your hummingbird community thrive. Either there will be enough bees to chase off the little birds, or the hummingbirds will find a new place to dine because the energy wasted to fight for a food source won’t be worth it.
When bees get into the hummingbird feeder and drown, then the hummingbirds are at risk when they eat because they could get particles of the bees in their system. Just like ants and other invaders, you don’t want to compromise the food with anything that can rot or mold.
Tips for keeping bees away from your hummingbird feeder
When you care about your hummingbird community, you want to be sure that you protect them from all of the elements. However, you also want to do that by protecting the environment that your birds thrive in. That’s why it not recommended too use chemicals that can kill bees. Here are a few tips to naturally ward off the bees, while also protecting them.
• Utilize the shade. Bees like to find food in the sunny areas, so if you are having a problem with them, try moving your hummingbird feeder to the shade.
• Feed the bees. If you just can’t seem to get these invaders away, try putting a dish of nectar below your hummingbird feeder. The bees will love the nectar, and actually prefer it to be a little older so you won’t have to change it as much as you do the feeders.
• Move the hummingbird feeder. Once you place the dish for the bees, move the feeder to a new location. It doesn’t have to be far away. If you eventually want to put the feeder in its original spot, then gradually move the bee dish away a little at a time. Once you relocate the bees, you can move the feeder back to it’s original home.
Tips for selecting a “bee proof” hummingbird feeder
When you’re looking for a bee resistant hummingbird feeder, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, bees are drawn to the color yellow, so if your feeder has a lot of yellow on it, the bees and wasps will be more likely to target it. So keep yellow to a minimum and red and other colors to a maximum.
Also, pay attention to the size of the hummingbird feeding portals. While the flowers can be large because they give the hummingbirds a bit of privacy from neighbors when eating, the hole they use will need to be small. Many feeders have bee guards, but if they don’t, make sure the hole isn’t big enough for bees to fit through.
Look for hummingbird feeders that are easy to clean. You’re more likely to keep your feeder clean if it’s a simple process since you’ll have to do it once or twice a week. Also, finding a leak proof model will be helpful. When the sweet nectar leaks out of the feeder, bees are more likely to come around. Follow these tips and you’ll keep the bees and hummingbirds happy.
