How can I keep Bees from getting in hummingbird feeder

[mjb1]

Hello fellow bee persons ,
  My neighbor has just informed me that my Bees were swarming his feeder and keeping his poor humming birds from eating. Is there a solution to this. I asked him how does he know they are mine. I wish I could help him short of removing my hives I have 3 and live on a 5 acre lot. I guess he has to give up bird watching.

[AllenF]

You would have to move the hives miles away or just have him to stop putting sweet stuff in that feeder.    Maybe start feeding some other kind of birds?  Give him sunflower seeds.

[Bee-Bop]

Tell him about;
BEST-1 HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER, the feeder holes are on the top, the syrup is too far down for the bees to get,but the hummingbirds long tongues have no problems.

32 oz. capacity cost about $11.00, made in Poteet, Tx.

In Missouri, Orscheln Farm supply handles them.

You may wish to even split the cost with your neighbor, smart aleckness seldom works.

I have 3 of these feeders within 100 ft. of my hives and seldom see a bee buzzing around them.

Bee-Bop

[BjornBee]

They make hummingbird feeders with bee guards. Position of the feeder has nothing to do with it. The flower where the hummingbird feeds is protected by a (usually yellow) plastic mesh material. Most garden centers and even Walmart carries them. You just need to know what your looking for.

Buy the neighbor a new hummingbird feeder. It will be worth the investment.

[L Daxon]

I agree with Bjorn. Buy your neighbor a feeder with a good bee guard.  You will never be rid of his complaints otherwise.  Totally worth the investment. :delivery:

[Bee-Bop]

Most of the feeders that have the yellow bee guards feed from the side, the syrup is right at the opening, as the hummer tongue withdraws, it drips syrup on the yellow guard and feeder, making the bees happy.

Also the heat of the sun, on a hot summer day, causes the syrup to expand pushing it out the side feeders

Try to find a top feeder, there are several available.

Having worked with hummers and bees for a few years, all tole about 20, this is what I have found.
Course I don't claim to be a expert.

Bee-Bop

[cam]

Tell him about;
BEST-1 HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER, the feeder holes are on the top, the syrup is too far down for the bees to get,but the hummingbirds long tongues have no problems.

I have one about 50 feet from 15 hives. No bee problems, almost never see a bee around it.

[mjb1]

Thanks for the replys we got him a new feeder and he seems to be happier

Mel

[hardwood]

But now you won't be able to sell that rare red honey anymore!

Scott

[AllenF]

 :-D