Hummingbirds are a delight, but bees at their feeders? Not so much. This guide helps you reclaim your hummingbird haven. We’ll explore how to keep bees away, from simple DIY tricks to store-bought solutions, ensuring your hummingbirds can dine undisturbed.
Bee Guard Basics
Why Use Bee Guards?
Bees and hummingbirds, while both nectar lovers, have different dining styles. Hummingbirds hover and sip, while bees land and crawl. Bee guards exploit this difference, creating a barrier bees can’t easily bypass while allowing hummingbirds access. This creates a win-win for everyone—except maybe the bees, but problems with salvias and other flowers provide them with alternative dining options.
Types of Bee Guards
Choosing the right bee guard depends on your feeder, the local bee population, your budget, and your DIY inclinations.
- Nectar Guard Tips: These small attachments fit over feeding ports, acting like tiny portcullises. Aspects Hummzinger Nectar Guard Tips are a popular example.
- Pros: Affordable, easy installation, readily available.
- Cons: Determined bees may find ways around them. Improper installation can obstruct hummingbird feeding.
- Mesh Screens: These create a protective barrier. You can buy them or DIY with plastic canvas, window screen, or hardware cloth.
- Pros: Highly effective, good nectar visibility for hummingbirds, DIY options allow customization.
- Cons: Store-bought versions can be pricier than nectar guards. Both types may require more frequent cleaning.
- Dish/Saucer Feeders: These feeders have a shallow dish, challenging for bees but perfect for hovering hummingbirds.
- Pros: Naturally bee-resistant, easy to clean.
- Cons: Overfilling can cause spills, and they may attract ants if not positioned correctly.
DIY Bee Guard Tutorials
Creating your own bee guard is rewarding and saves money. Here are two options:
The Plastic Canvas Guard
- Materials: Plastic canvas, scissors, zip ties or strong thread.
- Step 1: Measure your feeder’s feeding port diameter. Cut canvas squares slightly larger (add about ¼ inch).
- Step 2: Make a small central hole in each square, just big enough for a hummingbird’s beak. Test it with a chopstick.
- Step 3: Secure the squares over the ports with zip ties or thread. Ensure a flat fit to prevent bee access.
The Mesh Screen Guard
- Materials: Fine mesh window screen or hardware cloth, scissors, wire cutters, flexible wire or zip ties.
- Step 1: Measure your feeder’s circumference and desired guard height. Cut a mesh rectangle accordingly.
- Step 2: Roll the mesh into a cylinder and secure the edges with wire or zip ties.
- Step 3: Attach the cylinder around the feeding ports, ensuring a snug fit.
More Bee-Deterrent Strategies
Bee guards are a great start, but other strategies can help:
- Nectar Concentration: A 5:1 water-to-sugar ratio can be less enticing to bees without harming hummingbirds, who thrive on 4:1.
- Feeder Placement: Hang your feeder in a shady spot and move it a few feet every few days to disrupt bee foraging patterns.
- Feeder Color: Keep your feeder’s vibrant red color, which attracts hummingbirds. Avoid yellow accents.
Choosing the Right Bee Guard
Consider these factors when choosing a bee guard:
| Feature | Nectar Guard Tips | Mesh/Screen Guards | Dish/Saucer Feeders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Installation | Easy | Easy to Moderate | N/A |
| Effectiveness | Moderate | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate | Low |
| DIY Potential | Limited | High | Not Applicable |
DIY vs. Store-Bought
| Feature | DIY | Store-Bought |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time | More | Less |
| Customization | High | Limited |
| Durability | Variable | Generally More Durable |
Consider your budget, time, feeder design, and crafting enthusiasm.
Hummingbird Preferences
Some hummingbirds may initially be cautious of new guards. Ensure the guards don’t obstruct access to the nectar. Observe their behavior and adjust as needed.
Long-Term Impact & Regional Variations
Bee behavior varies regionally. What works in one area may not work in another. Ongoing research suggests our understanding of hummingbird-bee interactions is constantly evolving. Be adaptable and patient.
Beyond Bee Guards: A Holistic Approach
Bee guards are just one piece of the puzzle. Consider these additional strategies:
- Alternative Food Sources: Planting bee-friendly flowers away from the hummingbird feeder can lure bees away.
- Garden Design: Avoid planting yellow flowers near hummingbird feeders.
Debunking Myths
- Myth: Red feeders deter bees. Bees can learn to associate red with food.
- Myth: All bee guards are equally effective. Choose the right guard for your situation.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a hummingbird oasis while discouraging bees. Enjoy the spectacle of these vibrant creatures! Maintaining a healthy hummingbird population involves ensuring consistent nectar access while managing bee competition. Choosing the right bee guard is crucial, depending on the feeder type, level of bee activity, and budget. Effective bee control goes beyond guards and includes nectar management, feeder placement, and thoughtful garden design.
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