How to Keep Wasps Away from Hummingbird Feeders: Tips for Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner who enjoys watching hummingbirds, you know how frustrating it can be when wasps start hanging around your feeders. Not only can they be aggressive towards the birds, but they can also sting you or your family members.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of wasps and bees you may encounter in your backyard, as well as provide some useful tips on how to keep them away from your hummingbird feeders.

Types of Wasps and Bees

There are many types of wasps and bees that you may see in your backyard. Some of the most common include:

• Yellowjackets: These aggressive wasps are attracted to sweet foods like fruit and soda.
• Paper wasps: These slender wasps are known for their papery nests and can be aggressive when disturbed.
• Bald-faced hornets: These black-and-white wasps are known for their large, football-shaped nests and can be very aggressive if they feel threatened.
• Honeybees: These important pollinators are essential to our ecosystem, but can be attracted to sweet foods like hummingbird nectar.
• Bumblebees: These fuzzy bees are also important pollinators and generally aren’t aggressive unless provoked.

Tips for Keeping Wasps Away from Your Hummingbird Feeders

Now that you know which types of wasps and bees are commonly found in backyards, let’s talk about how to keep them away from your hummingbird feeders.

• Use a bee guard: Many hummingbird feeders come with bee guards, which are small mesh screens that prevent bees and wasps from getting to the nectar.
• Hang your feeder in the shade: Wasps are more likely to be attracted to feeders in direct sunlight, so try hanging yours in a shady spot.
• Clean your feeder regularly: If there is spilled nectar on your feeder, it can attract wasps and other insects. Clean your feeder every few days to prevent this from happening.
• Use a wasp trap: You can purchase wasp traps at most hardware stores or online. These traps use bait to lure wasps away from your feeder and into the trap.
• Make your own natural wasp repellent: Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it around your feeder. The smell of vinegar will repel wasps and other insects.

By following these tips, you can help keep wasps away from your hummingbird feeders and enjoy watching these beautiful birds without any unwanted visitors.

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