Do Bees Drink from Hummingbird Feeders?
Beekeepers often provide additional nourishment to their colonies by setting up entrance feeders on the beehives, filled with sugar water. Interestingly, this same sugar water is also the main ingredient in hummingbird feeders. Bees are known for their foraging behavior and are naturally attracted to the sweet sugar water found in hummingbird feeders. However, while bees can drink from these feeders, it's not always easy for them. Most commercially available hummingbird feeders incorporate design features specifically to discourage bees from accessing the sugar water.
Why Are Hummingbird Feeders Used?
Hummingbird feeders are specifically designed to provide nourishment to hummingbirds. These small birds are known for their high energy requirements and unique feeding habits. The nectar they consume is crucial for their survival, as it provides essential nutrients and energy. The feeders are typically filled with a simple mixture of sugar and water, with a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar (by weight).
Bees and Sugar Water
Bees, just like hummingbirds, are attracted to sugar water. In fact, bees are often drawn to flowers because of the nectar they contain, which is high in sugar. When a beekeeper sees a colony struggling to get enough nutrition, they might consider using a sugar water mixture, similar to what is used in hummingbird feeders, to provide an easy source of carbohydrates for the bees. The sugar water provides bees with a quick energy boost, helping them to forage more effectively.
Can Bees Drink from Hummingbird Feeders?
When placed near hummingbird feeders, bees can indeed drink from these feeders. However, many commercial hummingbird feeders have design features that make accessing the sugar water difficult for bees but do not hinder the hummingbirds. One common feature is a feed port that is too small for a bee's proboscis to fit into comfortably. Bees often struggle to reach the sugar water because their proboscises, or long tongues, are not long enough to navigate the small openings.
Design Features of Hummingbird Feeders to Deter Bees
Manufacturers of hummingbird feeders often incorporate several design features to prevent bees from accessing the sugar water. These include:
Tiny Feed Ports: The feed ports in the bottom of the feeder are designed to be very small, making it difficult for bees to use their long proboscises to access the sugar water. The ports are typically just the right size for a hummingbird's tongue, but too small for a bee's proboscis.
Non-slip Surfaces: The feeders may have a textured or non-slip surface around the feed ports, making it even more difficult for bees to hold onto the feeder while drinking.
Motion-Activated Mechanisms: Some high-end feeders use motion detection to temporarily close the feed ports when a bee approaches. This is not common, but can be an effective way to deter bees.
What Can Beekeepers Do?
If a beekeeper discovers that their colony is drinking from a hummingbird feeder, they might consider using a different type of feeder specifically designed for bees. These bee feeders are often larger and have wider feed ports that allow bees to access the sugar water more easily. Additionally, bee feeders are often mounted higher off the ground, away from potential interference from other animals.
Conclusion
While bees can drink from hummingbird feeders, these feeders are typically designed with features that make it more difficult for bees to access the sugar water. Hummingbird feeders and bee feeders serve different purposes, and therefore have different design considerations. By understanding the differences between these two types of feeders, beekeepers can provide their colonies with the appropriate nourishment without attracting unwanted pests.