How to Keep Bees, Wasps, and Ants Out of Your Hummingbird Feeders

There's nothing more frustrating than watching your hummingbird feeder get taken over by bees, wasps, or ants. Not only can this discourage hummingbirds from feeding, but it can also lead to harmful interactions—and even injuries—between birds and aggressive insects.

But why are these insects so obsessed with hummingbird feeders? And how can you keep them away without harming them or the birds? We have the answers.

Why Insects Love Hummingbird Feeders

Just like hummingbirds, insects like bees, wasps, and ants are drawn to sugar. The sweet nectar inside feeders is irresistible to them—especially in warm weather. Yellow, in particular, attracts wasps and bees, and any exposed nectar—whether from leaky feeders or feeders with open ports—can quickly invite an insect invasion.

Insects are especially attracted to:

• Spilled or leaking nectar

• Feeders with yellow parts (they associate yellow with flowers)

• Sticky residue on or around the feeder

• Feeders placed too close to insect nesting areas

Why You Should Prevent Insect Access

While these insects are important pollinators, they can pose serious risks to hummingbirds:

• Aggression: Wasps can be territorial and may chase hummingbirds away

• Stings: In rare cases, wasps may sting hummingbirds

• Contamination: Ants crawling into feeders can introduce bacteria

• Nectar depletion: Insects can drain feeders quickly, leaving nothing for the birds

  
  

Plus, a feeder swarming with insects is likely to go unused by the very hummingbirds you’re hoping to help.

How to Keep Bees, Wasps and Ants Away from Hummingbird Feeders

Here are science-backed, hummingbird-safe solutions:

1. Use Ant Moats

Ant moats are small water-filled barriers placed above the feeder. Ants can't cross the water to reach the nectar.

Many feeders, including models from our sponsors Perky-Pet and Kingsyard, include built-in ant moats.

2. Choose Bee-Resistant Feeders

Bees and wasps are drawn to the color yellow more than red. Opting for all-red feeders can help deter them.

Look for feeders that:

• Have bee guards (small plastic mesh over the feeding ports) or long, flower shaped ports or port attachments that are too narrow for bees

• Don’t leak (no dripping nectar)

• Have red instead of yellow feeding ports

Violet-crowned Hummingbird ©Hilary Joy Morejon

3. Keep Feeders Clean and Dry

• Wipe up any spilled nectar immediately

• Clean feeders every few days with hot water

• Don’t let nectar drip from the ports

  
  

Sticky surfaces attract ants, wasps, and bees. Dry, clean feeders are far less appealing to insects.

Anna's Hummingbird ©Alice Madar

4. Relocate Problem Feeders

If bees or wasps are swarming:

• Move the feeder a few feet away—sometimes this disrupts their foraging path

• Try placing decoy feeders with extra sweet sugar water away from your hummingbird zone (to attract insects elsewhere). Put the sugary mix in a shallow dish so the bees don't drown—they are important pollinators, too!

This won’t eliminate the problem entirely, but it can reduce pressure on your main feeder.

5. Skip Toxic Solutions

Never use insecticides, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or sticky traps around feeders. These can harm or kill hummingbirds and other wildlife. Instead, stick to mechanical and behavioral barriers.

Sharing your yard with hummingbirds means a little extra attention to cleanliness, color choice, and feeder design—but the payoff is worth it. By keeping bees, wasps, and ants away from your feeder, you're creating a safer, more inviting space for your feathered visitors.

Explore feeders with built-in insect deterrents from trusted brands like Kingsyard and Perky-Pet, and enjoy watching hummingbirds thrive in your backyard.