It is never safe to use chemicals
to control insects at bird feeders
SAFE,
TOXIC-FREE SUGGESTIONS
1. Deny insects access to the syrup.
a)
Keep the syrup level low. If you have the type of feeder
where the
syrup level can be kept low from
the feeding port, the hummingbird
tongue will be able to reach the syrup, but the
insects will not.
b) Use bee guards. Some feeders come with bee guards or
they can be
purchased separately.
2. Move your
feeder to a shady location, as bees and many
insects prefer to
feed in the sun.
3. Eliminate the color yellow.
Some
bees and insects can be attracted to yellow. If your feeder has
yellow parts around the feeding ports, either remove them entirely or
color them red using a non-toxic marker, paint or fingernail
polish.
4. Reduce the sweetness of the syrup.
Bees
and some insects require high levels of sugar, so make the syrup less
sweet. Using 5 parts of water will be just enough to keep the
hummers happy but drive insects elsewhere.
5. Plant
more hummingbird and bee-friendly plants and flowers.
Bees tend
to go to feeders when there is a lack of open flowers in that area.
Provide
plantings for additional options for both the birds and the bees
to feed from.
