Hey there! At Mega Bee Pest Control, based right here in North Miami Beach, FL, we love bees—but we know they can sometimes buzz into places they don’t belong. One of the most common calls we get during spring and summer is:
“Why are there bees swarming my hummingbird feeder, and how do I stop it?”
We get it. You’re just trying to enjoy a peaceful moment watching hummingbirds zip around your yard, not host a honey bee picnic. So let’s dive into why bees are showing up and what you can do to fix it—without hurting the bees.
Quick Takeaways:
If you’re short on time, here’s the gist:
- Move your feeder into partial shade—bees prefer sunny spots.
- Switch to a bee-proof feeder with built-in guards.
- Keep your sugar water ratio right (no more than 1:4).
- Clean up any spills—bees love sticky messes.
- If bees are nesting nearby, you may need bee removal or even bee nest removal from pros like us.
Why Honey Bees Love Hummingbird Feeders
Here’s the deal: bees are naturally drawn to sugar, and that red hummingbird feeder full of sweet syrup is basically a five-star buffet. Especially here in North Miami Beach, where flowers can wilt quickly under the sun, bees look for other sugar sources—and your feeder becomes prime real estate.
Back when I first moved into my place in North Miami Beach, I thought I was doing the birds a favor by putting up a bright red feeder in full sunlight. Within a week, it was like rush hour for bees. I even had a neighbor ask if I’d started beekeeping. That’s when I knew I had to switch things up.
Try These Tricks to Keep Bees Off the Feeder
Move Your Feeder to a Shadier Spot
Bees like the sun. Hummingbirds? They’re more flexible. By moving the feeder to a shaded part of your yard, you’ll make it less attractive to bees without losing the hummingbirds.
Use a Bee-Proof Feeder
Some feeders come with little built-in barriers that block bees but let hummingbirds sip away. If your current feeder doesn’t have one, it might be worth upgrading.
Don’t Make the Nectar Too Sweet
Stick to the classic 1:4 ratio of sugar to water. Anything sweeter and bees will think you’ve opened a dessert bar. And never use red dye—it’s unnecessary and can actually harm the birds.
Clean It Up
Spills and drips around the feeder will attract bees fast. Wipe things down after refills, and check the ground around the feeder too.
Final Buzz
Living in North Miami Beach means enjoying nature up close—sometimes a little too close. If honey bees are crashing your hummingbird feeder party, start with a few simple changes and don’t hesitate to call in the pros if needed.
At Mega Bee Pest Control, we’re always here to help you enjoy your outdoor space without unwanted guests. Whether it’s bee removal, bee nest removal, or just some friendly advice—we’ve got your back.
