Keep bees away from hummingbird feeders
6 Ways to Keep Bees Away From Your Hummingbird Feeders
Unlike the usual threats that birds face, hummingbirds have one that's unique: bees. When considering which hummingbird feeder to buy and where to hang it, don't forget to consider how to deter bees from your nectar feeder.
A Hummingbird Predator
The hummingbird is the smallest bird species in the world. Because hummingbirds are not much bigger than some insects, it's easy to understand how they might fall prey to bees. Like the hummingbird, bees have a sweet tooth and nectar filled hummingbird feeders attract them during the spring and summer. Bees pose a significant risk to the delicate hummingbird.
With their swift movements, bees are capable of easily attacking the hummingbird. The hummingbird's slight body mass can not absorb the venom, and just one sting can result in a fatality. If you're planning to hang hummingbird feeders in your yard, it's important to know how to protect these fragile birds from a potentially deadly predator. Even more important, it's vital to do so without resorting to pesticides. Remember that the bee population is decreasing, and pesticides are not only harmful to the bees, but to the hummingbirds you're trying to protect. Here are our six top tips for keeping bees out of your hummingbird feeders:
1. Use a Red Hummingbird Feeder
There is a reason you will find most hummingbird feeders are red. While hummingbirds are attracted to red, bees flock to yellow. A red saucer feeder is ideal as the hummingbird's long tongue allows them to reach past the saucer to get to the nectar. Be mindful of decorative accents on the feeder and paint them red to keep them off bees' radar.
2. Get Nectar Guards
Also sometimes referred to as bee guards, you can buy or make your own for your feeders. The guard simply makes the feeding hole too small for the bees to get to the nectar. Hummingbirds will be able to continue drinking the nectar. You can also buy hummingbird feeders with built in bee guards.
3. Plug Leaks
If you're seeing more bees than you've seen before at your feeders, chances are your feeders are leaking. Dripping sugary nectar is an open invitation to bees. If the leak is steady and more than a light trickle, you will need to plug the leak(s). You can do this by reinforcing the seal between the bottle reservoir and feeder ports. Using plumber's tape where the feeder screws come together will work, so long as the tape doesn't come into contact with the nectar. The adhesive could contaminate the nectar if it's not properly applied.
See also: 5 Natural Ways to Keep Ants Out of Your Hummingbird Feeder
4. Stay in the Shade
Shade keeps us all cooler during the hot summer months. Hanging your hummingbird feeders in shaded areas has several potential benefits. Shaded nectar will stay cooler resulting in slower fermentation. Fermented nectar spoils, posing a danger to feeding hummingbirds. The shade will also help keep bees away as bees typically feed in full sunlight, hence why you will see them flying from flower to flower in the bright sunshine.
Shadier spots will be less attractive to bees.
See also: Where to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder
5. Relocate Frequently
Moving hummingbird feeders frequently is another way to discourage bees from getting to them. Hummingbirds will search out feeders in a location they have found a food source in before. Insects will get discouraged when a food source is no longer convenient. While it's not advised to move feeders to the complete opposite end of your backyard, moving feeders even four feet will baffle bees without hummingbirds being deterred from feeding.
Gardener planting flowers / Shutterstock6. Plant a Pollinator Garden
Like the saying goes “if you can't beat ‘em, join ‘em”. If these previous five tips don't work for you, consider planting a pollinator garden: a garden specifically grown for bees to get the nectar they seek out as they pollinate flowers.
More than 80 percent of all flowering plants are pollinated by bees.
They also pollinate 70 of the 100 major food crops humans depend on. Planting a pollinator garden will give bees a source of nectar that in turn keeps hummingbird feeders safe. Consider planting zinnia, petunia, black-eyed Susan, sunflowers, and beebalm, keeping in mind that bees are attracted to yellow. You can consult your local garden center for plants that are native to your area.
With a little planning, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds at your feeders throughout the spring and summer, knowing you have taken steps to protect them from bees without hurting the ecosystem that both are a vital part of.
How to Keep Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders
Photo: istockphoto.com
There’s an abundance of information available about how to attract hummingbirds to your yard and feeders, but information about how to keep bees away from hummingbird feeders tends to be scarce.
The dozen or so species of hummingbirds found in North America gravitate to a variety of colorful garden flowers, such as lantana, bee balm, foxglove, salvias, lupine, flowering tobacco, petunias, and zinnias, as well as the high-calorie sugary nectar in hummingbird feeders.
Unfortunately, these also attract bees and other insects.
While bees are pollinators like hummingbirds, bees are unwanted guests at hummingbird feeders. So, too, are wasps and ants. Too many unwelcome guests at the feeder can contaminate the sugar water, which deters hummingbirds from returning. A swarm of bees on a hummingbird feeder can lead to overcrowding, leaving little room for those hummingbirds still interested in the nectar.
1. Hang a saucer-style feeder.Photo: istockphoto.com
Whether you make your own or buy a commercial nectar, the same food source that attracts hummingbirds also attracts bees and wasps. The hummingbirds may feed next to a few bees, but large numbers of bees can be detrimental to the hummingbirds—and wasps can become aggressive, chasing off the tiny birds who leave in search of another food source.
If bees and other insects are rampant in your yard, choose a feeder that is less “insect-friendly,” such as Juegoal’s highly rated saucer-style feeder, which is accessible to long hummingbird tongues but harder for insects to access.
Bonus: Saucer-type feeders drip less than the typical inverted hummingbird feeder, making less mess and attracting fewer ants.
RELATED: 10 Types of Bees All Homeowners Should Know
2. Install bee guards in your hummingbird feeder.Photo: istockphoto.com
There are approximately 4,000 varieties of bees in North America, many of which like nectar and are attracted to hummingbird feeders. To discourage them from drinking up all the sweet nectar in your hummingbird feeder, add bee guards to your hummingbird feeders. Bee guards, like these these from Perky-Pet, create enough space between the food source and the access port to keep bees from reaching the “juice” while allowing the hummingbirds to drink at will. Many of these guards fitted onto existing feeders and are easily replaceable when they wear out.
Advertisement
RELATED: 23 Types of Hummingbirds All Backyard Birdwatchers Should Know
3.
Buy red feeders—but forgo the red nectar. Advertisement
If you want a wasp-proof hummingbird feeder, make sure it’s red. Red is the color that most attracts hummingbirds. Wasps (and bees) aren’t as attracted to red as hummingbirds, are; the insects actually prefer yellow.
There is no need to color the sugar water red, however. Red dye is not necessary to hummingbirds’ diets—the additive can actually harm the birds—so there’s no reason to add it.
RELATED: 7 Incredible Things to Know About Hummingbird Nests
4. Move the feeder to a new location.Photo: istockphoto.com
Moving a hummingbird feeder around can confuse bees, who might struggle to find it in its new spot. Insects prefer convenience and are less likely to search out the new location.
If there’s no good place for you to move your feeder, another option worth trying is to take the feeder down for a couple days and hope that the bees will forget about it.
Don’t move the feeder too often, though—you might also confuse the hummingbirds.
RELATED: 6 Surefire Ways to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
5. Look for leaks.Photo: istockphoto.com
Leaks and drips attract bees, ants, and other insects to flock to hummingbird feeders. Make sure that the seal between the reservoir and feeding ports is properly aligned and tight to prevent leaks. Take care, too, not to overfill a hummingbird feeder to the point that it leaks.
RELATED: Solved! Where Hummingbirds Live All Year Long
6. Divert the bees’ attention.Photo: istockphoto.com
Plant a pollinator garden to attract bees. If they have a smorgasbord of floral selections, they are more likely to stay away from the hummingbird feeder. For season-long feeding, plant a mixture of perennials and annuals with staggered bloom times.
RELATED: 12 Heroic Facts About Hummingbirds That’ll Make You Want to See More of Them in Your Backyard
7.
Dial down the sweetness.Photo: etsy.com
Bees love sugar and will choose the sweetest flowers and nectar available. Reducing the sweetness of the nectar in your feeder might encourage the insects to move on and find sweeter food elsewhere.
Advertisement
Bees and wasps prefer a water-to-sugar ratio of 3:1 or 4:1. Diluting the ratio of the nectar in the hummingbird feeder to 5:1 will still attract the little birds, but might send bees and wasps in search of other sweet sources.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Start Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
8. Deploy decoy feeders.Photo: istockphoto.com
If you can’t plant lots of flowering plants, add a bee-specific feeder—or just a shallow bowl—with a higher water-to-sugar ratio to lure bees and wasps away from the hummingbird feeder. Remember to make the sugary solution stronger than the 5:1 ratio satisfactory to hummingbirds.
Start by locating the decoy feeder near the hummingbird feeder, and gradually move it 5 to 6 feet away.
Place the distracting feeder in full sun, which bees prefer more than hummingbirds do, and make it easily accessible.
RELATED: The Best Places to Hang Bird Feeders in Your Yard
9. Clean hummingbird feeders frequently.Photo: etsy.com
Regularly cleaning hummingbird feeders minimizes spilled nectar that attracts bees, wasps, ants, and other insects. It also reduces the likelihood of the nectar spoiling and harming the hummingbirds.
To keep nectar from spoiling quickly, move the feeder to a partially shaded area. A shady spot will slow fermentation and leaks. It will also make the feeder less alluring to bees, who prefer to feed in sunlight.
RELATED: Solved! How to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird Feeders
10. Never use harmful substances on or near the feeders.Photo: etsy.com
Keeping in mind the delicate nature of hummingbirds and the fact that bees are also important pollinators that really shouldn’t be killed, it’s best to avoid the use of pesticides near hummingbird feeders.
Similarly, don’t use any kind of oil, spray, or petroleum jelly on the feeder. If any of these substances stick to the hummingbirds’ wings, they could have difficulty flying. If a gummy substance gets stuck on a hummingbird’s beak, the bird may not be able to open its mouth.
Advertisement
Whatever you do, don’t use any kind of tape on a feeder, as a hummingbird could get stuck to the adhesive and not be able to fly away.
The Ultimate Review of the Best Hummingbird Feeders in 2022
Gardening is a pleasure in itself, but we can all agree that nothing beats waking up to the sound of hummingbirds fluttering through your yard.
You see, hummingbirds add a funny and sometimes comical element to the landscape with their high-speed acrobatics.
For gardening enthusiasts, hummingbirds simply bring more than table charm, but they are very skilled pollinators.
Now, whether it's because of their constantly flapping little wings, sweet chirping or beautiful plumage, they are easy to bring to your yard.
How?
All you need is to add the right hummingbird feeder to your yard.
Hummingbird feeders provide birds with readily available nectar so they don't have to waste energy looking for it.
However, unlike other birds, hummingbirds do not eat grains; instead, they feed on nectar and small insects. As such, their feeders are specially designed to suit their diet and long thin beaks.
Ideally, the best hummingbird feeders allow birds to feed while keeping out bees, squirrels, beetles and other beetles.
But with so many feeder options on the market, finding the right one can be a challenge.
Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the best hummingbird feeders on the market.
So, whether you're an avid birdwatcher or a hobby gardener, our list of the best hummingbird feeders offers an easy way to lure hummingbirds into your yard.
Content
Quick comparison table!
Ruby Hummingbird Feeder
4.
02/5 check price
more
First Nature Hummingbird Feeder
9003 4.6/5 check price
more
Muse Garden Hand blown feeder
9003 4.0/5 check price
more
Aspects 407 Jewelry Feeder
4.3 check price
more
Perky-Pet Window Mounted Hummingbird Feeder
4/5
check price
more
HummZinger Aspects
4/5 9002 check price
more
The best hummingbird feeders for the money
#1 More Birds Ruby Hummingbird Feeder - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our rating
4.
7/5
4.2/5
4.8/5
Attracting hummingbirds has never been easier with the More Birds Feeder. This is an attractive wide mouth feeder that is easy to clean and ideal for beginner observers.
This is a simple feeder that is trusted by many bird watchers for its ease of use and durability. It's not the biggest option, but it's the perfect feeder for those looking for a medium sized bottle for their Hummers.
This is also a stylish option that will add aesthetic appeal to your yard. If you care a lot about looks, you can even add some style with an Orion, Diamond, Ruby, or Big Gulp for a few extra bucks.
This is a glass bottle feeder and obviously you might be wondering if it's leaking. Well, if that were the case, there wouldn't be thousands of positive reviews. It stays sealed all day long and won't leak even in the sun.
Feeder holds 10 fl oz of nectar, enough to keep your little birds happy and coming back for more.
It's attractive enough too, with attractive five flower-shaped white feeding holes offering the perfect spot to suck on nectar. And unlike some feeders, there is no yellow "protection" on the port of this variant, so they do not attract bees.
At the same time, the feeder also features a built-in ant ditch that stops ants and other crawling insects right in their path, saving nectar for hungry hummingbirds.
This is an easy-to-use option thanks to removable covers that can be removed when cleaning or filling the feeder. Even better, the feeder has a wide opening, making it easy to clean and refill, especially since More Bird is a bottle feeder.
Of course, More Bird is a rather modest option, there are more stylish and expensive options. However, this is a capable feeder that fits the bill for the best hummingbird feeder.
Just don't be tempted to throw it in the dishwasher.
Otherwise the plastic will melt.
- Reasonably priced
- Doesn't leak
- Wide opening for easy cleaning and filling
- Antirov
Cons
- Not dishwasher
Check more ruby birds prices on amazon
#2 First Nature Hummingbird Feeder - Best Plastic Feeder
- Quality
- Price
- Our rating
4.6/5
4.3/5
4.6/5
If you prefer to use a plastic bottle to feed your Hummers, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder Can is a great option.
This is an affordable part and despite the plastic construction it is a durable and lightweight option that does not leak. Unfortunately, plastic construction tends to warp, warp, or crack, especially if washed in the dishwasher or exposed.
Like the More Birds option, First Nature has a simple design but gets the job done. This is an American-made product that boasts a bright red base known for attracting a lot of fans.
The base parts of the feeder not only fit together, but also screw together with small latches for a secure closure. In addition, the feeder has an O-ring between the parts to prevent nectar from leaking out.
The First Nature is also one of the largest hammer feeders on the market with a 16oz nectar capacity and 10 feeding ports. This is a great option for those who have a lot of hummingbirds flying around the garden looking for food. The 10 feeding stations also allow the sausages to gather around the feeder for an even more spectacular display.
There is also a ring where the birds can sit.
I also like that the container is clean and clear so I can always keep track of nectar usage and easily see when I need to add or when the nectar is cloudy.
Hummingbirds are messy, so the feeders need to be cleaned regularly to keep the nectar from spoiling. Luckily, First Nature is a gem in this regard. The fairly wide opening makes cleaning as well as filling the feeder a breeze.
But how we wish the base had a flat bottom that could be easily placed without the risk of spilling. This is not a problem because, to our delight, the feeder comes with an S-shaped hoop, making it easy to hang.
The real disadvantage of First Nature is the lack of a den for ants, so you should be aware of that.
In addition, First Nature is a powerful and performance-oriented solution that will easily attract hummers to your yard.
- Accessible
- Durable plastic
- Big size
- Ten feeding stations
Cons
- No ant moat
Check First Nature price on Amazon
#3 Muse Garden Hand blown feeder - Best hand feeder
- Quality
- Price
- Our rating
4.
4/5
4.5/5
38 .
If your biggest concern is the quality of your hummingbird feeder, the Muse Garden Feeder might be the perfect choice for you.
Muse Garden Feeders With an adorable blue bottle adorned with adorable little dots and patterns, the Muse Garden Feeders are the perfect functional yet beautiful piece.
A small bubble on the surface makes each bottle unique, but the feeder themes boil down to Fireworks, Phoenix and Starry Night, all three are beautiful in their own right.
Artwork aside, the Muse Feeder is a functional option. First, it has a large capacity of 25 ounces of liquid, which is the highest we've ever seen. Being able to hold that much nectar means your hummers will have enough nectar to even come back for more.
The feeder has a non-cohesive base with perches where hummingbirds can relax while enjoying their food.
The feeder also comes with four feeding places, which we think are a bit low, especially considering the capacity.
The best part is that the feeder is made from 100% recycled materials, making it the perfect choice for environmentally conscious shoppers. The glass material is just as reliable as it is strong and wear resistant. Unlike the plastic version, it is not easily compromised even with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Just make sure you don't drop it on hard surfaces.
This is also a hermetic version with a base providing a hermetic and tight system that does not leak.
What's more, the base is removable for easy cleaning. The relatively large opening also improves the overall cleaning and filling process. What's more, the manufacturer has included a brush to clean the small holes on the feeding ports.
Other included features include a hemp rope and an S-hook for easy mounting of the feeder.
I agree that the Muse Garden is a little more expensive than other feeders, but it's the perfect solution for those who want to combine functionality and art.
There is no more visually appealing feeder than the Muse Feeder and it will allow your hummers to feed in style!
- Bright colors
- unique design
- Leakproof
- Uses recycled materials
Cons
- Expensive
Check Muse Garden Hand Blown price on Amazon
# 4 Aspects 407 Jewelry Feeder with Window - Best Box with Window
- Quality
- Price
- Our rating
4.3/5
4.5/5
4.3/5
Want a window-feeding bird that doesn't take up much space? How about a window feeder that attracts beautiful hummers? Then you can choose the Aspects 407 feeder.
This is a fairly simple and easy to understand feeder that allows you to see precious little Hammers up close from your kitchen or living room window. It takes birdwatching to a whole new and personal level.
A real gem with a beautiful design, the Aspects 407 comes with a suction cup mount that sticks firmly to the glass for a great personal show.
And if you approach the feeder gently and carefully for a few weeks, then the hummers will have no problem with you approaching them.
While most people use the feeder as an extra, it also allows you to enjoy the view of these birds in an apartment building.
Feeder capacity is not the highest, but 8 fl oz of nectar is enough to get the hummingbirds flying towards you. With 3 nectar holes, this feeder can hold up to three beautiful birds at a time for your ultimate enjoyment.
We also like the bright red base on the feeder, which is great for attracting hummers. The unobstructed design also gives the birds enough space to sit and enough space for you to watch.
You don't need to be distracted by the suction as they are flush with the feeder and will give you a clear view of the jackhammers in action.
The feeder is also an easy-to-use option with flip-top lids that open up for cleaning and filling.
Just be aware that the water in the ant pit dries out fairly quickly, especially if your favorite window seat is exposed to the sun. Similarly, the nectar heats up fairly quickly because the feeder is small compared to traditional feeders.
I think the price is reasonable, but the feeder is far from perfect. The capacity is slightly lower which means you need to refill frequently.
- Durable polycarbonate construction
- Strong suction cups
- Removable anthill
- Flip-top lid for easy filling and cleaning
Cons
- Small size causes nectar to heat up/ferment
Check Price of Aspects 407 Jewel Box on Amazon
# 5 Perky-Pet Window Hummingbird Feeder - Best for Personal Viewing
- Quality
- Price
- Our rating
4.
2/5
4.6/5
4/5
Perky-Pet is another window mounted feeder that allows you to easily watch birds from the outside.
When hummingbirds are so close, they are easy to observe on a more personal level than otherwise, and you can even learn a lot about these beautiful birds.
There's a lot to love about the feeder, and in particular the 10" vertical window feeder is roomy enough to hold up to 8 ounces of delicious nectar. More importantly, it is narrow and a great space saver, especially when compared to more complex feeders.
With its unique design, the feeder offers a one-sided mirror effect with its shatterproof plastic body, which also makes it easy to see when nectar is low or even blurry due to contamination.
The base is painted red, a sure way to welcome guests. In addition, two feeding flowers and two roosts give the hummers the ability to digest their food, which means longer viewing times in the comfort of their home.
The suction cup on the feeder is quite strong and quickly attaches to any glass window surface. Its suction pressure can also easily hold the weight of a whole bird plus 8 ounces of nectar.
The bird feeder is also quite versatile and can be placed elsewhere as I don't understand why you can't use a nail or screw to secure the bird feeder properly.
The only thing that bothered us about the feeder was how it attracted bees and ants. This is not a problem because you can simply buy a separate bee guard to keep the hummingbird nectar safe.
- Doesn't drip
- Easily attached to the window
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Few places to eat
Check the price of Perky-Pet on Amazon
# 6 Aspects of HummZinger - Best serving
- Quality
- Price
- Our rating
4.
2/5
4.6/5
4/5
Proudly made in the USA, Aspect HummZinger is a fantastic choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
This is a durable option with shatterproof polycarbonate plastic, UV resistant, resistant to all weather conditions.
It also effectively attracts hummingbirds: the bright red coating attracts the attention of birds from a distance.
In addition, the high view viewing platform allows the birds to rest comfortably while they drink water from the four feeding holes and provides a limited view of the birds.
This is an easy to use feeder with removable parts on the bottom and a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning. What's more, the feeder is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.
It is both flexible and versatile as it can be hung in different places. Whether you need to mount it on a tree branch or fence post, it comes with a strong metal hook.
It's also easy to keep crawling insects away from the nectar by adding water to the built-in moat. The clever design of the feeder, consisting of raised red flowers on the lid, wicks away rain and repels flying insects such as bees and wasps.
- Lasting
- The price of money
- Easy cleaning
- Drip and leak protection
- Wash in dishwasher
Cons
- The plastic component on the hook is flimsy
Check Aspects HummZinger price on Amazon
Buying guide for the best hummingbird feeders
Encouraging birds in your yard can add a lot of fun to your daily life, as is the case with hummingbirds.
However, with so many options on the market, choosing the best hummingbird feeder is difficult.
To make things easier for you, we have put together a detailed guide on what to consider before buying a hummingbird feeder.
But before I share the guide with you, let's first look at the types of hummingbird feeders.
Types of Hummingbird Feeders
There are many types of hummingbird feeders, but today we will only look at two basic and common feeders: the plate feeder and the upside down bottle feeder.
1) Plate feeders
Plate feeders, also known as cup feeders, have a nectar bowl and a lid to keep the nectar safe.
Depending on the feeder, you get 3,4, 5 or 5 feeding holes where the hummingbirds drop their beak to drink the nectar. Feeders also have metal hangers for easy placement on a tree branch or pole.
The main advantage of the dish feeder is that it is easy to clean. Feeders also don't have as many leaking problems as bottle feeders.
2) Bottle feeders
Bottle feeders are suitable for bird watchers who need a larger capacity feeder.
Their inverted plastic or glass bottle is filled with nectar and has a hole attached to a metal base to collect the nectar.
Unfortunately they are tedious to clean and have a higher tendency to leak than feeders.
Factors to consider when choosing a hummingbird feeder
Now that you know the common types of feeders, let's look at the actors to consider when choosing the right hummingbird feeder.
Size / Capacity
The nectar capacity determines the size of the feeder.
Generally, most feeders are classified as small (3 or 4 oz) and large (8.12, 24, 23 or 23 oz).
Large feeders ideal for hummingbird enthusiasts.
The only problem with large feeders is that large amounts of nectar spoil quickly, usually within five days. So if you must choose a large feeder, be prepared for regular nectaring and cleaning.
Material Design
Most hummingbird feeders are mostly made of polycarbonate plastic or tough glass.
Plastic feeders are reliable, but they tend to crack after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. However, they are a popular option because they are lightweight, less expensive, and available in many designs and styles.
Glass feeders, on the other hand, are just as durable and more resistant to sunlight. They are also quite stylish as they give your yard an antique feel. Unfortunately, they tend to be heavy and break easily, especially when dropped on a concrete surface.
perch
Although hummingbirds can eat in the air, perch make eating much easier by giving them a place to sit and enjoy the nectar.
Ant protection
Nectar attracts not only hummingbirds, but also ants. To prevent the ants from getting to the nectar, choose the option with an ant moat.
Ant ditch is a container of water that keeps ants from accessing nectar.
Flower protection against bees
Bees also have a sweet tooth, but they can cause problems for hummingbirds.
To avoid inconveniencing the bees, choose feeders with raised tips to protect the nectar holes. Raised tips allow hummingbirds to insert their long beaks into feeding holes and reach for nectar, but keep out bees, wasps and other flying insects.
Leak Proof
Although it is difficult to completely stop nectar leakage, a good feeder must be airtight.
Leakage is most common where the neck of the bottle meets the base, but you can always add some sealant to stop the leak.
colors
Because most flowers have bright foliage, hummingbirds are equally attracted to brightly colored feeders, especially red ones.
However, if your feeder is a bit dull, you can always attach a colorful ribbon to it to attract the birds.
Easy to clean and refill
Hummingbird feeding can sometimes be messy, so you should look for one that is easy to clean.
We recommend that you choose the removable version as it simplifies the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Installing a feeder will attract hummingbirds to your yard and add fun to your daily life.
Watching small miniature birds magically float in the air is truly amazing, and having birds in your yard gives you a wonderful sense of connection with nature in your home.
However, to encourage hummingbirds, you need the right hummingbird feeder, and luckily we've provided you with a list of the best options.
Browse the list and use our buying guide as inspiration in choosing the right hummingbird feeder.
How to Attract Hummingbirds: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
Hummingbirds live throughout the Western Hemisphere and will make their home anywhere they can find a good source of food, water and shelter. Their small size and acrobatic maneuvers make them fun and interesting. Create an environment in your yard with colorful flowers, feeders, and a garden that will attract hummingbirds and encourage them to stay.
Steps
Part one of 3: Attract hummingbirds to the garden
-
one Plant a hummingbird garden.
To get hummingbirds naturally, plant a garden specifically designed for what attracts them. This means a garden full of azaleas, bee balm, butterfly bushes, columbine, foxglove, hostas and morning glory (all full of delicious nectar, bright and colorful). Choose varieties with very low scent but good visibility and nectar production. - You can use trees, vines, shrubs and flowers, both perennials and annuals - these suggestions are just the beginning of the list. Other ideas include honeysuckle, cypress vine, coral bluebells, and impatience.
- Tubular flowers contain the most nectar; therefore, these types of flowers are most attractive to these small buzzing birds.
-
2 Plant on a continuous flowering schedule. In spring and summer, different plants and flowers bloom at different times.
To keep your hummingbird garden always full of flowers, plant flowers that bloom early, some in the middle of the season, and some late. - Kill your flowers too so that they bloom longer. This means that after the flowers have just wilted, you cut off their seed heads, making them think they still need to bloom. They will bloom again healthy and abundant.
-
3 Do not use pesticides near hummingbird plants. Birds may have ingested pesticides, harming or even killing themselves in the process. What's more, the birds eat the insects that the spray kills, so you're killing their protein source as well. In short, give up pesticides. Hummingbirds can take care of some of the bed bugs for you.- To be on the safe side, always choose natural products, no matter if there are no pesticides or artificial sugars in your nectar. Hummingbirds have delicate bodies and should only ingest what is natural and safe.
-
4 Provide places for hummingbirds to plant, such as trees and plant hangers.
Hummingbirds need breaks too! When they're not flying at super high speeds, they need a place to sit down. Keep branches or hangers nearby so they can rest. - The male hummingbird is territorial and guards both its space and food source. As a rule, he chooses a seating position that allows him to observe the source and keep competitors out.
Score
0 / 0
Part 1 Quiz
What can be planted in the garden to attract hummingbirds?
Tubular flowers
That's right! These flowers contain a lot of nectar and are perfect for the long beaks of a hummingbird. You can plant vines, shrubs, flowers, and more to attract hummingbirds to your garden! Read another quiz question.
Insect killer plants
Absolutely not! Hummingbirds eat insects, so if you get rid of them, they will lose their source of protein! Research the different types of plants before adding them to your garden - some can repel hummingbirds even if you don't know it! Try again.
..
Flowers that open at the same time
Not really! Plan your gardening schedule so that the flowers bloom continuously. This will mean that the hummingbirds will stay here even after the first flowering season! Try again...
All of the above.
Nope! Just one of the previous answers is a good way to keep hummingbirds in your garden. Consider putting tall perches in your garden too! Choose another answer!
Want more quizzes?
Part 2 of 3: Hanging hummingbird feeders
-
one Make your own nectar . Many people believe that hummingbirds respond faster and more consistently to homemade nectar. Make sure each feeder is ½ full (otherwise the nectar gets old and molds too quickly). Here's how:- Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water.
- Boil 1-2 minutes
- Cool and store in a resealable container in the refrigerator.
- For not use red food coloring, honey or sugar sweetener.
All this is bad for hummingbirds.
- For not use red food coloring, honey or sugar sweetener.
-
2 Hang a few net Feeding hummingbirds when it gets warm. To really attract hummingbirds to the feeder, and to keep competition to a minimum, purchase multiple feeders, each with red (their favorite color). Not enough red? Tie them with ribbon to make them even easier to spot.- As for "when it gets warm", it all depends on your location. Some places warm up in January, some in May. If this is for you, don't forget to hang them up very early in the season (5-10 days before you expect them) so your hummingbirds won't stay long!
- Do not remove feeders at the end of the season! Even when your hummingbirds are away for the winter, you may have new hummingbirds heading somewhere who can use your feeders as a handy pit stop.
-
3 Choose different places so the birds don't fight. Your feeders should be spaced far apart and be tucked into corners where one male hummingbird cannot protect them all - male hummingbirds are very territorial.
This will increase the number of hummingbirds, giving other males, females and juveniles a chance to eat without being chased away by the dominant male. - Place one or two in your garden, hang one from a tree, and even consider putting one or two in your garden. front courtyard, where they will definitely not be seen!
- Try to choose areas that are in shade for at least most of the day. This will prevent mold from growing, which hummingbirds don't like.
- Some people prefer to hang all the feeders together. This not a single bird can be dominant, not able to fight off the wards of other birds.
-
4 Buy an anthill if necessary. Most feeders have them built in, but if you don't have them you can buy them separately. You can also rub Vaseline on the edges to keep the nectar off, but this requires cleaning every couple of days.- Bees are a bit more difficult to get rid of. A bee-proof feeder is your best bet, but even that won't work 100% of the time.
If you see nectar on the combs of your feeder (drip from birds), wipe it off so the bees are not tempted.
- Bees are a bit more difficult to get rid of. A bee-proof feeder is your best bet, but even that won't work 100% of the time.
-
5 Change nectar every 3-4 days. Even if the nectar is not gone, replace the nectar. If you don't, it's more likely to get mold on it - this happens even faster in hot climates. This is largely why you should only fill the feeders halfway.- Rinse the feeder with hot water every time you change the nectar; do not use dish soap. If there is mold (you will see black spots), wipe it off or use sand and shake until the mold is free.
- Hummingbirds prefer clean feeders and will actually reject a neglected feeder. To keep your hummingbirds happy, keep your feeders clean.
Invoice
0 / 0
Part 2 Quiz
Why should you only fill the hummingbird feeder halfway?
A full feeder will cause the birds to eat too much.
Not really! Hummingbirds will simply come to your feeder for a bite to eat, so even a full feeder won't encourage overeating. In fact, if your overflowing feeder gets moldy (which will happen if you put in too much food), the hummingbirds will avoid it! Guess again!
Food in a full trough may become too old.
Absolutely! Your hummingbirds probably won't eat a full serving of food before it starts to spoil. Humminbird food forms quickly, so it should be changed often - keep an eye on the humminbird population to determine how much food they eat in a couple of days. Read another quiz question.
A full feeder will be too heavy to hang up.
Optional! Your feeder should be strong enough to hang even if it is full of food. Make sure your feeder has a strong hook and ant protection. Try another answer...
Hummingbirds will be frightened by a full feeder.
Nope! Even though hummingbirds are small, they recognize good food when they taste it! The size or fullness of your feeder won't stop them from having a delicious snack! Choose another answer!
Want more quizzes?
Part 3 of 3: Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
-
one Decorate your yard with red. This means that in addition to more natural details such as flowers, red observation balloons, red garden flags and red garden furniture are used. In its constant search for nectar-producing flowers, hungry hummingbirds are attracted to red more than any other color. You can also turn your yard into a hummingbird magnet by hanging red bows, ribbons, and decorations.- If something is tarnished, faded or the paint has worn off, repaint it! And if you need to touch up a small area, red nail polish is cheap and works wonders.
-
2 Use orange or red reflective survey tape. Not only is the tape useful because it's brightly colored, but hummingbirds are believed to be sensitive to the ultraviolet rays that these fluorescent tapes reflect in abundance.
Routing tape can be found at most hardware stores and is inexpensive. -
3 Install a shallow fountain with an upward jet or fine mist. Because hummingbirds are so small, they usually get enough water by drinking the dew that collects on the leaves. However, they have a strong need to bathe due to the sticky nectar they eat. They love a fine mist or spray to keep them cool and clean.- Place this within sight of your feeders - as hummingbirds are best understood, the easier they are to see, the easier they are to find.
- Keep the water flowing! If the fountain is in the sun, the water may evaporate faster than you think. Check it every other day or so to make sure the water is flowing at the right level and that other animals haven't messed with the water.
Score
0 / 0
Part 3 Quiz
Why does a fountain encourage hummingbirds to visit your yard?
They need water to drink.
Not really! Hummingbirds are so small that they can replenish their water balance by simply drinking dew. However, fountains will help keep them healthy in other ways too! Click on another answer to find the correct one...
This will give them the opportunity to interact with other birds.
Nope! Hummingbirds don't necessarily hang out with other birds. If you have a large population of hummingbirds, consider getting multiple feeders so they don't fight over them! Guess again!
They need to bathe.
Aha! Hummingbirds don't need to drink much, but since they mostly eat sugar water, they need to cleanse! A fountain or birdbath is the perfect way to do this! Read another quiz question.
This will give them a place to rest.
Optional! Install high perches for hummingbirds to rest. Male hummingbirds especially prefer to rest in a place where the entire yard is visible.
Choose another answer!
game of thrones season 8 episode 6 watch
Want more quizzes?
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
- Question: Hummingbirds have filled my yard, but now they won't come in. What for? Flowers and bright colors attract hummingbirds. Try hanging a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water to attract them back.
- Question: Where do hummingbirds live? Hummingbirds live all over the world. They build nests and usually migrate from the northern part of the world to the south in winter.
- Question What time of the year will hummingbirds live? Spring or summer.
Probably spring, because that's when the birds begin to arrive from the south. - Question What flowers should I use? An_Investigator They are most attracted to tubular and bright flowers because they contain more nectar. Some of the flowers that attract them may include bee balms, fairy trumpets, desert honeysuckle, etc.
- Q: I see hummingbirds but they don't go to my red glass feeder, any suggestions? LeahlovesGod is the primary responder Especially during the summer months, make a few pots of bright, colorful (especially red) flowers that hummingbirds love. Try increasing the amount of sugar in the mix a bit so that the ratio is 1:3 instead of 1:4.
Be sure to change your food about once a week to ensure fresh food is available at all times. - Question How to keep the bees away from the feeder? Unfortunately, you can't completely scare away bees or wasps, but there are a few steps you can take to limit their numbers. To get started, look for a bee-proof feeder, preferably one that doesn't have the yellow color in it. Also, constantly check the feeder for leaks; leaky feeders often attract unpleasant guests (not only bees, but also ants).
- Question: Do I need shade to attract hummingbirds? No. Hummingbirds will go to any colorful place as hummingbirds get nectar from brightly colored flowers.
Shadow is not needed. Just make sure the feeder is colorful. - Q: If I use spring water, do I need to boil it first? Unless the water is a source of contamination, you do not need to boil it before using it. (Commercial water doesn't need to be boiled, but water from a natural source can.) However, to make nectar, water must be boiled, as boiling is what melts the sugar.
- Question: How long does it take for a hummingbird to get used to me so that I can feed it from my hand? Unicorn Faithful and Lover A few months are enough. They are attractive and charming, but they are not easy to tame or train.
- Question: When do hummingbirds arrive in North Dakota? Hummingbirds from North Dakota usually arrive in April and leave around mid-September, depending on where you are in the state.
Popular questions
Streaming Transmission
How to stream 'National Treasure' right now
Want to watch 'National Treasure' right now? Here is an easy step by step guide on how to stream Nicolas Cage's classic adventure movie.
Back Pain
How to use the inversion table for back pain
How to use the inversion table for back pain. Inversion therapy is used to relieve back pain caused by degenerative or herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spinal conditions. These conditions cause gravitational pressure on ...
Kiy Sport
How to play billiards in a bar or tavern
How to play billiards in a bar or tavern.
Playing billiards in a bar or pub is a lot of fun. Not only do you have access to potentially strong competitors, but you also find yourself in a warm and welcoming environment. You also have a relatively engaged audience that...
Tennis
A genie in a bottle: what a lack of joy can do in tennis
Bouchard drop. Opinion on how to get her back to the top.
Dog Health
How to identify health problems in newborn puppies
How to identify health problems in newborn puppies. Newborn puppies are extremely vulnerable and prone to many health problems. However, if you know what to look for, you may be able to notice changes in the health of your puppies...
Tennis
Shanghai Masters 2016 draws published; Djokovic could face Nadal in semi-final
Players will be looking to score as many points as possible ahead of the ATP World Tour final in London.
