How can I keep bees away from my hummingbird feeder? They are bad.

cooking oil around the feeder opening, doesn't bother the hummers but the bees don't like it.

This past year was an extremely tough year for the honey bees to find food, so that is why they are hanging out at the feeder. As much as I love watching the hummingbirds, I tolerate the bees, they are part of our food source. You can use vaseline on the feeders.

I don't think you can, they are both attracted for the same reason.

Make sure your hummingbird feeder doesn't have any yellow on it, or flower accents. Keeping it in the shade may deter bees from coming as well

The type of feeder used makes a big difference. The more common type with the reservoir above (water cooler style) attracts more bugs (including aggressive & territorial yellow jackets/wasps not just the more laid-back honey bees) because barometric pressure pushes the sweet solution down & causes it to flow up & spill out the openings. A feeder with a saucer-type resevoir below works better although you may still need "bee guards" on the openings so smaller insects won't go inside the openings, drown in the solution, & foul it. Vaseline & oil really should not be used around the openings at least according to what I've read. Both can get on beaks & be transferred to feathers/wings so both could potentially harm birds (& beneficial bees if it gets on their wings.)

I’m answering a question with another question! We’re in NE Florida and NEVER have we had so many honey bees feed at our hummingbird feeders! I bought some “cages” today and the bees are still competing with our hummers. Can the bees harm the birds?

Hi Gerry, hope this helps you out,

https://www.perkypet.com/articles/bees-at-feeders