What Is the Best Bee Proof Hummingbird Feeder? 12 OZ!
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The best bee proof hummingbird feeder is the Aspects HummZinger HighView 12 oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder.
It should also have a removable perch and bee guards to prevent bees from entering.
Additionally, the feeder should be designed to be easy to clean, and the perch should be adjustable to deter bees from visiting.
Closed container feeder with multiple small ports for easy Hummingbird access.
Removable perch and bee guards to deter bees from entering.
Easy to clean design.
Adjustable perch to prevent bees from hovering.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet nectar containing sugar, so it’s important to choose a feeder that will keep bees away so the tiny birds can enjoy their meal.
The best bee proof hummingbird feeder does this job effectively by including features such as multiple small ports for the nectar, removable perch and bee guards, easy to clean design, and an adjustable perch that deters bees from hovering.
Bee proof hummingbird feeders are designed specifically to keep bees away while allowing hummingbirds to feed.
The best bee proof hummingbird feeders feature a design that includes bee guards or a feeding port that is bee-proof.
Material, ease of cleaning, and feeder capacity are other factors to consider while buying a hummingbird feeder.
These feeders contribute to the safety and wellness of hummingbirds by ensuring they feed peacefully without any threat or disruption from bees.
Five Facts About: Bee Proof Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders attract not only hummingbirds but also bees due to the sweet nectar contained inside the feeder. A bee proof hummingbird feeder helps to prevent bees from reaching the nectar. [source:proflowers.com]
The Aspects 367 HummZinger Ultra Hummingbird Feeder is considered one of the best bee proof hummingbird feeders due to its raised feeding ports that deny bees and other insects access to the nectar. [source:proflowers.com]
Perky-Pet 203CPBN Pinch Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder is also a popular choice for being bee proof. It features a built-in bee guard and ant moat to keep the insects away from the nectar. [source:perkypet.com]
The First Nature Hummingbird Feeder features a sealing ring to prevent leaks, which can attract bees.[source:firstnature.com]
Some feeders, like the Juegoal 12 Oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder are designed with a small feeding hole that is perfect for a hummingbird’s long beak, but too small for bees to enter [source:juegoal.com]
What Is a Hummingbird Feeder?
A hummingbird feeder is a small device designed to hold a solution of sugar water and provide a food source for hummingbirds.
This type of feeder typically includes a clear or brightly colored artificial nectar vessel, a perch or tray where birds can land while they sip, and some variety of hook or hanger with which the feeder can be attached to a branch or hook.
The feeder should be refilled or cleaned regularly to ensure that the birds stay healthy and avoid bacteria or mold growth.
What Kind of Hummingbird Feeder Is Bee-Proof?
Hummingbird feeders that are bee-proof include feeders with small feeding ports, bee guards or bee hats, or feeders with weighted perches that keep bees from landing.
Feeders with small feeding ports measure less than 10mm, which prevents bees from gaining access to the nectar.
Bee guards have tiny round devices that fit on the hummingbird ports, which will prevent bees from entering. Bee hats are typically a flat disc that fits over the top of the port, redirecting the bees away from the feeder.
Weighted perches require the bird to use a little more effort when using the feeder and will cause the ungainly bees to slide right off.
What Features Should I Look for in a Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeder?
A bee-proof hummingbird feeder should have the following features:
A narrow feeding port: Feeders with narrow feeding ports will discourage bees and other insects from entering, as they are not able to fit.
A non-transparent base: Clear or transparent feeders will allow bees to see the nectar solution and be drawn inside.
Slanted feeding ports: Slanted feeding ports are too steep for bees to enter, as they are unable to climb the angles.
A wide cover: Wider covers restrict bees from entering the feeding ports.
A tightly fitted build: Make sure the feeder has an air-tight build so that bees cannot enter through any cracks or openings.
No bee-attracting colors: Avoid purchasing feeders with colors like yellow or red that can attract insects.
Light colors: Lighter colors are less enticing for bees and other insects compared to bold colors.
Bee guards: Bee guards should be securely fitted to the feeder, as they keep bees away while allowing the hummingbirds to feed safely.
An ant moat: An ant moat can be filled with water to stop the ants from accessing the nectar solution.
Perches: Perches allow the birds to land and feed comfortably, and also restrict bees from reaching the food.
When purchasing a bee-proof hummingbird
Yes, bee-proof hummingbird feeders are effective when installed and used properly. They work by creating a container that has small openings that only hummingbirds are able to reach their beaks into.
The benefits of bee-proof hummingbird feeders are:
They help ensure the hummingbirds get the food they need without interference from bees.
They reduce the fear of bees stinging birds and humans while enjoying hummingbirds.
They minimize the amount of waste that occurs when bees fill the hummingbird feeder and take away the food.
They are designed to reduce or even prevent the build-up of ants, bees, and other insects.
They help reduce competition for resources between hummingbirds and bees.
They can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and to blend in with natural surroundings.
They are designed to not leak or spill food.
They are designed to be durable and to last for many seasons.
They are designed to be easy to clean and maintain.
They require minimal effort from the hummer feeder owners.
Bee-proof hummingbird feeders are an effective and relatively affordable way to protect and provide food for hummingbirds and offer peace of mind that the feeders are being used as intended and not being invaded by bees.
Do Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeders Last Longer?
No, bee-proof hummingbird feeders do not necessarily last longer than other feeders.
Bee-proof feeders are designed to keep bees and other insects from accessing the hummingbird’s food, but regular maintenance and proper care, such as cleaning and refilling, are still needed in order to ensure the feeder lasts.
Factors that could affect the feeder’s longevity include exposure to sun and rain, the type of construction, and the quality of the materials used.
Here are five key aspects to consider when evaluating the long-term durability of a bee-proof hummingbird feeder:
Materials: Look for bee-proof feeders made with durable materials such as metal or glass, as these will be more resistant to wear and tear.
Construction: Ensure that the feeder is well-built and designed effectively to keep bees away.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning and refilling are essential for a hummingbird feeder to last longer.
Sun exposure: Operating your feeder in direct sunlight means that the feeder may be exposed to the elements more quickly and could wear out faster.
Weatherproofing: Look for weatherproof feeders which are better able to withstand exposure to the elements and last longer.
Are Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeders Worth the Extra Cost?
Yes, bee-proof hummingbird feeders are worth the extra cost.
Bees have an attraction to the nectar in hummingbird feeders, and so there is a greater risk of bees taking over the feeder and causing a disturbance for the hummingbird.
Bee-proof feeders utilize a few different methods such as deep cups, small feeding holes, and similar designs that can effectively reduce this risk.
Deep cups: These deeper tubular cups are harder for bees and other insects to access, thus discouraging them from taking over the feeder.
Small Feeding Holes: The feeder may have multiple small holes that only hummingbirds can use.
Non-porous Surface: A textured, non-porous surface on the feeder can help prevent bees from gripping onto it and reaching the nectar.
Slipperiness: Smoother surfaces can make it harder for bees to maintain contact and cling to the feeder.
Sticky Substance: Some feeders are covered in a sticky or sugary substance to attract hummingbirds but ward off bees.
Feeder Placement: Bees are less likely to be attracted to feeders that are out of direct sunlight and hung up in shadier, cooler spots.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeder?
Having a bee-proof hummingbird feeder can offer many benefits. These include:
Protection from bee invasion: Bee-proof hummingbird feeders create a physical barrier to prevent bees from accessing the hummingbird’s nectar. This ensures the hummingbird feeder remains safe from bee interference, allowing hummingbirds to safely feed.
Reduce the chance of spreading diseases: Bees and hummingbirds share the same feeder, leading to the potential for transferring diseases between the two. By having a bee-proof hummingbird feeder, the risk of disease transmission is greatly reduced.
Increased nectar consumption: Bees feed more aggressively than hummingbirds, meaning they can consume large amounts of nectar in a short time. With a bee-proof hummingbird feeder, the nectar can last much longer, allowing hummingbirds to feed longer.
More time to view hummingbirds: By having a bee-proof hummingbird feeder, you are able to watch the hummingbirds feed without interruption, giving you more time to observe and enjoy the birds.
Reduce wastage: By preventing bees from accessing the nectar, the need to refill the feeder is significantly reduced, leading to less waste and cost.
FAQ of What Is The Best Bee Proof Hummingbird Feeder
What is the best bee proof hummingbird feeder?
A bee-proof hummingbird feeder is typically copper or glass in color, has a wide base and has a covering that shields birds from bees. Bees typically cannot penetrate the surface material due to its slickness.
The best bee proof hummingbird feeders are also securely attached to a pole using a bracket or hanging device and have a narrow opening at the base, preventing bees from entering the feeder.
Does the shape of a hummingbird feeder affect how bees can enter?
Yes, the shape of a hummingbird feeder can affect how bees can enter.
Feeders with narrow openings at the base are less likely to attract bees because the entrance is too small for them to enter, while wider glass or plastic feeders are more likely to attract bees.
Are certain hummingbird feeder colors more effective in keeping bees out?
Yes, darker colored feeders, such as copper and amber, tend to be the best deterrents for bees because the darker colors are less likely to be attractive to them.
Conclusion
The best bee proof hummingbird feeder helps to ensure hummingbirds can feast on their nectar without any interference from bees.
It should include features such as a closed container feeder with multiple small ports, a removable perch and bee guards, easy to clean design and a adjustable perch to prevent bees from entering.