I like bees, but this is not where I want them to be as they are keeping the hummingbirds away. I have had the feeder out for two years but this is the first time I've had a problem with bees (had hornets last year). I read that wasps etc are attracted by the color yellow, but this feeder is made up of test tubes with red tops - no yellow in sight. Obviously I don't want to zap the bees with any insecticide (as I did with the wasps). I've tried gently swatting them away. Any suggestions, please?
bumblebees at my hummingbird feeder
Cover the openings with nylon netting. The bees, etc. are drinking the necter that drips. They can't reach it with the netting in place, and will move on after a day or two. The hummingbirds can eat thru it just fine.
If you still have a problem with the bees hovering around with the netting in place, try moving the feeder just a few feet away. Bees aren't too smart and will assume their food source is gone forever. Hummers won't mine, they're smarter than the average bee, so I've read.
To be honest, I haven't tried it yet; too lazy to move my hook I guess.
Deborah