Help! Too many bugs!

17 years ago

I have 2 flat hummingbird feeders from Lowes that the bees keep hanging around, and they were actually chasing the hummingbirds when they come to eat. Today, me and my bright ideas, I put out two of the older feeders that were the bubble looking types and figured they would go to them instead.(stupid!)

Now my feeders have been over run by bees, yellow jacks, and I think there are even wasps! What do I do? I'm afraid they will attack the hummingbirds that come looking to eat.

I'm trying to grill some ribs, and I'm nervous about going out into my yard. This is the second year I have been feeding my hummingbirds, and I didn't have this problem last year. What do I do? I'm thinking wait until it's dark and remove all the feeders, them maybe try to put the flat ones somewhere else in the yard, and hope for the best. They will go away when it's dark, won't they?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

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Comments (4)

hummersteve
17 years ago
cdm317

Bees and pests can sure be a problem around feeders as they will chase hummers and some will even chase each other. There are many different schools of thought and I imagine you will read them all on this thread. Many that use hummzinger feeders say they dont have a a bee problem. Another issue of great importance is cleaning and many do not agree me on my methods. I clean with hot soapy water and rinse well with COLD water. I use port brushes[important] tooth brushes and bottle brushes, also change and clean the feeders every two or three days. If you see bees or wasps clinging or stay at a port it is getting something. Could be dried nectar or leakage. Feeders that leak should be removed and replaced with a style that does not. Moving a problem feeder may only be a temporary fix. Sometimes bees are just going for moisture or condensation. Definately dont want bees in an area where people might be gathering and especially youngsters. Ok I will sign off now as others will pitch in and give you other ideas.
cdm317
Original Author
17 years ago
I clean the feeders everyday during the hot humid weather, every other day if it's not too bad. I don't use soap, but maybe I'll try that, now.
What is a hummzinger feeder, and where do I get them? Maybe it's time to switch feeders. Thanks for the input. It's slowed down out there, so I'll get the feeders in tonight and try to give them a good once over!
Enjoy the evening. Thanks again.
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eigdeh
17 years ago
I have not had a major bee issue here. I am very careful when moving the newly filled feeders out to be hanged. There is a real chance for sugar water to splash up to the port holes, etc. I did have a few yellow jackets a few days ago, I sprayed the feeders with a mist and dryed off the water. So far no wasps or bees the last two days!
hummersteve
17 years ago
Very windy days can cause nectar to slosh out the portholes. Here is one hummzinger for you to view so you can see the overall design but they have several different styles and prices, nottawa is without a doubt the cheapest and give the best service you can find if dont like it you can send it back. This is one I ordered awhile back hummzinger excel. Check out Nottawa's different feeders.

Here is a link that might be useful: nottawa wild bird supply