How to Keep Hornets Away From Hummingbird Feeders

Everyone enjoys a backyard visit from a hummingbird. They are so beloved that many homeowners choose to buy a hummingbird feeder so they have more opportunities to watch the tiny birds hovering and making their amazing darting movements. Unfortunately these feeders often attract hornets, wasps and yellow jackets. These biting insects are aggressive and can be dangerous, so keep them away from the feeders.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Keep the lids of your outdoor garbage cans on tight. Remove all trash, soda cans and standing water that is near the feeder, and keep any pet food and water dishes either indoors, or far away from the feeder.

Step 2

Check that your hummingbird feeder is not leaking. Hot temperatures can cause the nectar in a bottle feeder to expand and leak out of the feeder, attracting wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Use a bowl feeder as an alternative.

Step 3

Buy a hummingbird feeder with bee or wasp guards on it, or buy these guards separately and attach them to your current feeder. These covers allow a hummingbird to reach the food, but not the biting insects.

Step 4

Use a hummingbird feeder that does not have any yellow on it. Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are attracted to the color yellow.

Step 5

Use a wasp and yellow jacket trap. Good baits for the spring and early summer are high in protein, like wet pet food, tuna or lunch meat. Good baits for the late summer and fall are drinks that are high in sugar like soda, beer or fruit juice.

Resources

Ideas for Keeping Wasps Away From Your Home

Article Written By Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith began writing for Demand Studios in May of 2009 and has since written over 1400 articles for them. He also writes for "The College Baseball Newsletter." He attended the University of New Mexico, and has more than 25 years of experience in the business world.

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