Keeping Bees Away from a Hummingbird Feeder

How can I get rid of honey bees at humming bird feeders? The bees chase the hummers away. They completely cover the feeders.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

By Debbie from MO

Answers:

Keeping Bees Away from a Hummingbird Feeder

Smoke keeps bees away. (03/14/2010)

By Dorothy

Keeping Bees Away from a Hummingbird Feeder

I always make sure that there's no nectar on the outside before hanging and, last summer, I got one of those "bee catchers" and put it near the feeder, so the bees go for that and leave the feeder for the "hummers". I'm sure someone on this site has instructions to make your own, to save $$$, too! (03/19/2010)

By Teri Van Hecke

Keeping Bees Away from a Hummingbird Feeder

Please learn the difference between a bee and a wasp! You do NOT want to kill bees and a plastic bottle trap that you hang from a tree will kill both.

ebeehoney.com

"Wasps are thinner, can be aggressive, and interested in food and garbage. Bees are generally plumper, mild mannered and interested in flowers, not your lunch or garbage can." (04/10/2010)

By Heather

Keeping Bees Away from a Hummingbird Feeder

I have just tried this method of keeping honey bees away from my hummingbird feeders and it seems to be working very well. At least there is no swarm of bees. Put vegetable oil on the spout and on the flower where the hummingbirds drink. I just smeared it on with my fingers. Now my hummingbirds can drink in peace, so far! I think I will apply the oil to the entire base of the feeder to totally get rid of the bees! Thank goodness. I have spent a whole day trying different things and this works. (07/07/2010)

By Andrea