Dang bees......they're making my hummers life horrible....

[a kennedy]

Never really noticed bees around our hummingbird feeders before, now this year there are bees bothering the hummers constantly. What’s up with that?? Read that any yellow on the feeders will attract bees. I’m thinking about painting the yellow inner circle of the feeder with non toxic paint. Anyone else have this problem, and what did you do to correct it?? Thanks.

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. I put up a red HB feeder this year.

The "flowers" are white. I've never seen a bee at the station, but I am surprised at how many of the little hummers come in to the feeder. There seems to be a lot of fighting between the little guys. For such a small bird, they sure make a lot of noise...

[Wingus Dingus]

2. I have hummingbird feeders that have narrow slots that bees can't get into--

First Nature (bought them at Walmart). But bees will still be attracted to it if the mixture drips, spills, or smells ferment-y, which is why it's important in hot weather to dump, wash, and change out the nectar every day or every other day. Make sure your mix is accurate too--exactly 1/4 cup sugar per cup of water, any stronger will not only be incorrect but will attract the bees with over-sweetness. On edit--looking around internet it appears that First Nature is selling a different design now, not the narrow slots anymore. That's a shame, but they're still saying the newer rounded ports are bee-proof.

[StClone]

3. Earlier and drier saw Yellow Jacks, but we have had heavy rain...

...and the bees seem to be affected and lessened.

And, I finally got the feeders out yesterday and viola two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds! They do remember from year to year where the feeders are and keep checking to see if the "flower (feeder)" is blossoming.

[luv2fly]

4. I recently saw something about taking all feeders down

I don't know if it was bird specific or not, but there is some disease running around and they were encouraging people to take down all their feeders so as to promote social distancing among birds.

[Ponietz]

5. I googled that as easy as anyone else might have

and learned that advisory wasn’t about hummingbirds. But thanks for reinforcing the message.

https://www.southernliving.com/news/wildlife-researchers-urge-bird-lovers-to-temporarily-stop-feeding-birds|https://www.wesa.fm/environment-energy/2021-07-04/public-asked-to-remove-bird-feeders-to-slow-spread-of-mysterious-bird-disease-in-pennsylvania|

[Niagara]

9. I wanted to add to your post.

It's important that all bird feeders should be cleaned, especially hummer feeders. Hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned thoroughly. Sugar water and hot weather can create mold inside the feeder, it could be visible or hiding inside the feeder. Mold is lethal to hummingbirds. Having a straw cleaner brush is a big help.

[Niagara]

6. Yes.

This was my August 7th OP https://democraticunderground.com/10181541786



I had to purchase a real hummingbird feeder like DUer Donkees shared a photo of (First Nature brand). I took my makeshift hummingbird feeder down for 2 or 3 days while I was waiting for my real hummingbird feeder to arrive. I hung up my new feeder only yesterday. I do have a few bees hanging around, but not like it was before. The hummers can now get in there and get some food without being threatened.




If you still continue to have a swarm of bees threatening your hummer, a pest control can relocate a nest if that's an issue. I didn't have a nest close by or at least not on my property. These bees have been a real pain this year.



I also like the hummingbird feeder that DUer Phoenix61 directed me to, but at the moment it's out of my price range. It's on my wish list.


Good luck!

[MissB]

7. I put out a saucer of water for bees

They need water too.

[LonePirate]

8. Can you add more feeders? We need to do what we can for the bees.

Pollinators like bees are absolutely crucial to our survival. Anything we can do to help our pollinators will help all of us (along with out animal and plant friends) to survive.