How to keep bees out of hummingbird feeders — 5 expert methods to help them thrive
And although I feel quite spoiled to be able to enjoy this scene by simply opening my back door, I would love the opportunity to attract hummingbirds to my yard. Unfortunately, hummingbirds are not native to the U.K., so unless I up sticks and move south, this is one birdwatching treat I'll be missing out on.
But for those of you with more favorable locations, adding a hummingbird feeder to your yard will attract these beautiful birds. But beware, a few insects will follow. Given the chance, bees will dive in and feast on the food, and although we don't class them as pests, they can prevent hummingbirds from getting their fill and thriving.
I've called on the help of wildlife and pest experts to share how to discourage bees from taking over hummingbird feeders without causing them harm, but firstly it's good to know why we need to protect hummingbirds from bees.
This smart hummingbird feeder provides a safe space for the birds to feed. You can capture video and photos of the tiny backyard creatures and it's all powered by solar energy. The Bird Buddy app then uses Ai to identify hummingbirds and other species, with real-time alerts.
Maria Kincaid, ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, says, 'Bees, along with wasps and hornets, are attracted to hummingbird feeders because they're a food source filled with sugary nectar, much like the flowers they are attracted to, just like hummingbirds.'
While Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, adds, 'It's not just the sugar, it's the simplicity. Bees prefer low-effort, high-reward sources, and most feeders are basically a fast-food drive-thru.'
With bright red and yellow signage, sugar-rich liquid, and no petals to navigate, they are the perfect feeding stop for bees. In the drought or midsummer, she says hummingbird feeders outcompete flowers in both quantity and accessibility.
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Juan C. Rezk, chief marketing officer at Certus, says the presence of bees can deter shyer hummingbirds and that 'aggressive bee swarms can stress the birds or even completely dominate the feeder.'
But apart from bees, you'll also want to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders, without causing them harm.
Bees prefer low-effort, high-reward sources, and most feeders are basically a fast-food drive-thru
While Jason Napolski, CEO and President at A-Tex Pest Management, says there is a knock-on effect, as wasps and yellow jackets, which often follow bees to feeders, can also be aggressive and territorial, putting off hummingbirds from feeding.
'Too many bees can overwhelm feeders, scare off hummingbirds, and lead to aggressive swarming,' says Carpenter, adding that the bees can also suffer. 'Bees can drown in the nectar, which helps no one, including the hive.'
Some types of hummingbird feeders are more difficult for bees to access than others, and Kincaid recommends those with long nectar ports, which make it easy for hummingbirds to access the food, but bees and other stinging insects cannot.
You can also consider a hummingbird feeder with a bee guard, while saucer-style feeders also make it more difficult for bees to access the rich nectar.
Isabelle Manseau, owner at Birdzy, says the color of your feeder will make a difference, as bees love yellow.
She suggests, 'Stay away from feeders with yellow components. Use red only if you want to draw hummingbirds.'
If you already have a hummingbird feeder, it's worth checking it for leaks, with Napolski warning, 'Avoid feeders that leak or drip, as even a small spill can attract insects quickly.'
Top tip
If you've got a real bee problem, Kincaid suggests moving your hummingbird feeder to a new location, as hummingbirds will move with the feeder, but the bees may not.
Carpenter explains that repositioning will disturb the bees 'memory maps'.
Kincaid also recommends positioning your feeder in a shady location, as bees prefer to feed in full sun.
There's a mixed opinion on whether scent can deter bees from hummingbird feeders or not. Manseau says, 'Some people apply vinegar, clove oil, peppermint oil, or cinnamon to nearby surfaces.'
However, she believes it's not very effective in the long run, particularly after a downpour.
Despite this view, Carpenter says it's best to go for scent layering, 'Bees may tolerate a single strong scent if the nectar reward is high. But combining deterrents, like peppermint oil plus vinegar wipe-downs, creates a sensory overload they won't push through.'
Napolski also believes it's worth giving scent deterrents, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon, a try. 'You can try placing peppermint oil on cotton balls and tucking them near the feeder to gently deter bees without affecting hummingbirds,' he says, but adds, 'Avoid applying oils directly to the feeder ports, as that can repel the birds too.'
Shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or metallic pinwheels disorient bees
There are plenty of options to deter the bees with visual devices. Carpenter explains, 'Shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or metallic pinwheels disorient bees, who prefer a calm, stable visual field.'
She suggests hanging the objects nearby, rather than on the feeder, which might spook the hummingbirds too.
Carpenter also recommends using devices with vertical motion, such as hanging spirals that bob in the wind. 'Bees will hate it, while hummingbirds won't care,' she adds.
'Regular cleaning and maintenance will not only help keep pests away from your hummingbird feeder, but it's best for the hummingbirds you're trying to attract,' says Kincaid.
What's more, she adds that sugar water can spoil quickly, which can cause mold to grow in the feeder and nectar ports. And, if it begins to ferment, when left too long in the sun, it can harm hummingbirds.
A poorly maintained feeder will always cause a problem. 'Leaky, sticky feeders are bee magnets. Cleaning them weekly with hot water, without soap, and checking for loose seals or ports that drip will help you in your war with bees,' advises Carpenter.
By keeping your hummingbird feeder clean, you'll also be removing pheromone trails, the scent trails that bees leave behind for others to follow.
While we want to deter bees from honing in on hummingbird feeders, they still play an important role in the ecosystem of our gardens, so the best solution is to create a bee-friendly zone. Napolski suggests planting bee-friendly flowers, such as lavender, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and mint, away from the feeder.
'You can also set up a bee watering station — a shallow dish with water and pebbles for them to land on — and place a sugar-water feeder specifically for bees in another part of the garden. This diverts them while supporting their role as pollinators,' he adds.
This 2-pack of Bee Cups, available for $9 at Amazon, could be just the thing to attract bees away from your hummingbird feeder. Opt for bee cups in yellow, purple, and blue — colors that bees love.
Manseau suggests another solution, and says, 'Set up a dish with sugar water or fruit away from your feeders. Once bees find and rely on that spot, they'll stop crowding the hummingbird zone.'
Whatever you do, all the experts agree, you shouldn't use pesticides to kill the bees. Kincaid says, 'Insects are an important part of our ecosystem, and while they can definitely be annoying, we need them around.
'Bees are important pollinators, and also important food sources for different species. Along with taking these insects out of the ecosystem, the pesticides used to kill bees can also be directly harmful to birds.'
And pesticides won't just wipe out one or two bees, Carpenter says; they can destroy whole colonies and harm other pollinators. She also explains that hummingbirds can be affected as well. If they are exposed to neonicotinoids, they won't die right away, but it will be a slow and confused demise.
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Los Angeles Times
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- Los Angeles Times
Jim Crow meets ICE at ‘Alligator Alcatraz'
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White Floridians in particular so fell in love with the concept of alligators hungry for Black babies that it birthed an entire industry. Visitors to the Sunshine State could purchase souvenir postcards featuring illustrations of googly-eyed alligators chasing crying Black children. There was a popular brand of licorice called 'Little African,' with packaging that featured a cartoon alligator tugging playfully at a Black infant's rag diaper. The tagline read: 'A Dainty Morsel.' Anglers could buy fishing lures molded in the shape of a Black baby protruding from an alligator's mouth. You get the idea. When I first learned of all this, naturally, I was unmoored. I was also surprised that I'd never heard of the alligator bait slur. Why doesn't it sit alongside the minstrel, the mammy and the golliwog in our cultural memory of racist archetypes? Did it cross some unspoken line with the vulgarity of its violence? Perhaps this particular dog whistle was a tad too audible? 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'Alligator Alcatraz' is proof that alligator bait never went away. It didn't evolve or get slicker. It's the same old, tired cruelty, rebranded and aimed at a new target. The goal is exactly the same: to manufacture consent for suffering and ensure the most vulnerable among us know where they stand — as props, as bait, as punchlines. And no joke is more vulgar than one mocking the pain of your neighbors, whether they were born in this country or not. Ezra Claytan Daniels is a screenwriter and graphic novelist whose upcoming horror graphic novel, 'Mama Came Callin',' confronts the legacy of the alligator bait trope.
The Verge
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'If you're rich, you're also handsome and you can sing.'
Posted Jul 22, 2025 at 7:16 PM UTC Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Richard Lawler Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Richard Lawler Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All AI Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News
Yahoo
6 days ago
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15 Subtle Power Moves That Leave Narcissists Powerless
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Navigating interactions with narcissists can feel like a daunting task. They often thrive on control and manipulation, leaving you feeling powerless. However, with a few subtle power moves, you can regain your footing and make them reconsider their approach. These tactics won't transform a narcissist, but they'll help you maintain your sanity and assert your boundaries. 1. Keep Your Emotions In Check Narcissists feed off emotional reactions, so keeping your emotions in check is key. They often use your emotional responses to manipulate or gain the upper hand. According to Dr. Craig Malkin, a clinical psychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School, appearing unflappable in the face of a narcissist's provocations can shift the power dynamic. When you stay calm and composed, it deprives them of the emotional leverage they seek. This doesn't mean suppressing your feelings, but rather managing your responses strategically. By controlling your emotions, you're effectively setting boundaries without saying a word. A narcissist might attempt to escalate their tactics, but your composed demeanor can act as a barrier. It signals to them that you're not easily swayed or manipulated. This self-control is empowering and often confounds the narcissist, leaving them uncertain about their next move. Remember, your emotional composure can be your strongest ally. 2. Reiterate Your Boundaries Establishing clear boundaries is crucial when dealing with narcissists. They often lack respect for personal limits and will push as far as they can. By setting firm boundaries, you communicate what is acceptable and what is not. This clarity can prevent a lot of manipulative behavior from the start. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but it's essential for maintaining your mental health. Once you've set these boundaries, it's critical to enforce them consistently. A narcissist will test your limits, so staying firm is crucial. Consistency in enforcing your boundaries will make it clear that you're serious about them. Remember that boundaries aren't about controlling the narcissist but about maintaining your own well-being. This firmness often makes them think twice before overstepping. 3. Keep Private Information Off Limits Narcissists often use personal information to manipulate or control. By limiting what you share, you reduce their arsenal of potential weapons. Studies by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist who has researched narcissism extensively, suggest that withholding personal details can shield you from potential manipulation. Keep conversations on neutral topics and avoid divulging sensitive details about your life. This approach keeps you safeguarded from emotional traps. When you control the flow of information, you maintain the upper hand. Narcissists thrive on knowing your weaknesses, so keeping those private is a form of protection. This doesn't mean being secretive, but rather discerning about what you reveal. Over time, they may lose interest if they can't easily access personal details. This subtle shift in power can make a significant difference in your interactions. 4. Use The Gray Rock Method The Gray Rock Method involves becoming as uninteresting as possible to reduce a narcissist's interest in you. This means keeping interactions bland and avoiding emotional engagement. It's a way to protect yourself from their emotional games by giving them nothing to latch onto. By not reacting or engaging with their provocations, you make yourself less appealing as a target. This technique requires practice but can be quite effective over time. When you embrace the Gray Rock Method, you'll notice a change in how the narcissist interacts with you. They'll likely become frustrated by your lack of response and may look elsewhere for gratification. It's a subtle way to regain some control over the situation. Remember, the goal is not to be rude or dismissive but to protect your own mental space. This approach can be liberating, allowing you to engage on your terms. 5. Adopt An Assertive Communication Style Narcissists can be master manipulators, often twisting words and situations to suit their narrative. Using assertive communication helps you stay grounded and clear in your interactions. Dr. Albert Mehrabian, known for his study on communication, emphasizes the importance of clear verbal expression backed by confident nonverbal cues. Assertive communication involves stating your needs and concerns clearly and respectfully. This approach can deter the narcissist from undermining your words or intentions. When you communicate assertively, you're not aggressive but firm and direct. This clarity can disarm a narcissist, who may be used to exploiting ambiguity. Assertive communication doesn't allow for their manipulative tactics to take root. It's about being straightforward without being confrontational. Over time, they'll realize you're not an easy target for verbal manipulation. 6. Maintain Your Independence Narcissists often seek to undermine your sense of control and independence. It's crucial to maintain your autonomy and not allow them to dictate your actions or decisions. Continue to engage in activities that make you feel empowered and self-sufficient. This not only boosts your confidence but also signals to the narcissist that you cannot be easily swayed. Upholding your independence diminishes their power over you. By cultivating your own interests and life apart from them, you reinforce your boundaries. This independence makes it clear that your life doesn't revolve around them, which can be unsettling to a narcissist. They may attempt to isolate you or downplay your achievements, but your steadfastness can act as a shield. Remember, the more you focus on your growth, the less influence they have. Independence is not only a form of self-care but also a subtle power move. 7. Avoid Engaging In Their Drama Narcissists often thrive on chaos and drama, using it as a tool for manipulation and attention. Avoid being drawn into these situations, as it only gives them more power. Research by Dr. W. Keith Campbell, a psychologist known for his studies on narcissism, shows that engaging in their drama only perpetuates the cycle. Instead, find ways to distance yourself from the turmoil they create. This detachment can significantly reduce their control over you. When you refuse to participate in their drama, you take away their platform. They may try to provoke you or embroil you in conflict, but your refusal to engage is powerful. This doesn't mean avoiding confrontation altogether but being selective about what you engage in. By doing so, you conserve your energy for more meaningful interactions. This strategy can protect your mental well-being and diminish their influence. 8. Practice Daily Self-Care Self-care is crucial when dealing with a narcissist, as it helps maintain your mental and emotional health. Prioritize activities that make you feel good and centered. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or a hobby, ensure you dedicate time to your well-being. This focus on self-care can buffer the negative effects of a narcissist's behavior. The stronger and more balanced you feel, the less impact their actions will have. By taking care of yourself, you reinforce your boundaries and resilience. Narcissists may attempt to belittle or undermine your self-worth, but self-care acts as a counterbalance. It's a way to remind yourself of your own value and priorities. Over time, this practice can shift the power dynamic, as the narcissist realizes their tactics aren't affecting you as intended. Remember, self-care is not indulgence but a necessary form of self-preservation. 9. Use Strategic Silence Strategic silence can be an effective tool when dealing with narcissists. By choosing when to speak and when to remain silent, you control the flow of conversation. This silence can make a narcissist uncomfortable, as they often rely on verbal engagement to manipulate. It's a way of asserting control without confrontation. This selective communication can shift the power dynamic in your favor. When you employ strategic silence, you communicate that you're not obligated to respond to everything. It shows that you're in control of your reactions and engagements. This can frustrate a narcissist, as they often seek immediate feedback to gauge their impact. Silence can be a powerful statement, suggesting that their words or actions aren't worth your response. Remember, it's not about ignoring them completely but being intentional with your engagement. 10. Stay Grounded In Reality Narcissists have a way of distorting reality to fit their narrative, often leaving others questioning their perception. Staying grounded in your own reality is essential to resisting their manipulations. Keep track of facts and trust your instincts. When faced with their distortions, calmly refer back to what you know to be true. This grounding can help you resist being swayed by their version of events. By reinforcing your own reality, you reduce their influence over your thoughts. Narcissists thrive on creating confusion, but your clarity can act as a barrier. This doesn't mean dismissing their perspective entirely, but weighing it against your own understanding. It's about maintaining your own truth amidst their attempts to skew it. This grounding is not only protective but empowering. 11. Seek Support From Your Squad Having a strong support system is vital when dealing with narcissists. Surround yourself with people who understand your situation and can offer encouragement and perspective. Their support can validate your experiences and provide a buffer against the narcissist's tactics. This network can help reinforce your boundaries and maintain your perspective. It's a reminder that you're not alone in the struggle. When you have support, you're less susceptible to the isolation tactics narcissists often employ. These people can offer advice, reassurance, and even challenge your thinking when necessary. They serve as a reality check and offer emotional anchoring. It's important to nurture these relationships and lean on them when needed. Remember, strength in numbers can diminish a narcissist's control. 12. Stay Consistent In Your Actions Consistency is key when maintaining boundaries with a narcissist. They often test limits, looking for cracks in your resolve. By being consistent in your reactions and boundaries, you communicate that you won't be easily swayed. This steadfastness can frustrate a narcissist's attempts to manipulate or control. Consistency is about reinforcing your position through repeated actions. Being consistent doesn't mean being rigid, but rather reliable in your responses. This predictability can reduce their power, as it leaves little room for maneuvering. It's about showing that your principles and boundaries are not negotiable. Over time, this consistency can lead to changed behavior from the narcissist, as they realize their efforts are futile. Remember, consistency is a form of strength in itself. 13. Laser Focus On Solutions Narcissists often fixate on problems to maintain control and create drama. By shifting your focus to solutions, you disrupt their cycle. It's about addressing issues pragmatically rather than getting caught up in the chaos. This solution-oriented approach can be disarming to a narcissist, who thrives on problems. It shifts the power dynamic by moving towards resolution rather than conflict. When you focus on solutions, you demonstrate resourcefulness and independence. It shows you're not reliant on the narcissist for problem-solving. This autonomy can be unsettling for them, as it takes away a potential avenue of control. It's about maintaining a forward-thinking mindset that prioritizes problem resolution over drama. This strategy not only empowers you but can steer interactions in a more positive direction. 14. Be Empathetic Without Enabling Understanding a narcissist's behavior can help you navigate interactions more effectively. While empathy can be a powerful tool, it's crucial not to enable their behavior. Recognize their patterns without excusing or justifying their actions. This balance allows you to protect yourself while understanding their motivations. It's a delicate dance of empathy and self-preservation. By developing empathy, you can anticipate their moves and prepare your responses. This awareness doesn't mean tolerating unacceptable behavior but understanding its roots. It's about maintaining compassion without sacrificing your own boundaries. Over time, this understanding can make your interactions more manageable. Remember, empathy is not about being a doormat but about informed engagement. 15. Walk Away When Things Head South Sometimes, the best move is knowing when to disengage entirely. If a relationship with a narcissist becomes too toxic, walking away might be necessary. It's about recognizing when the cost to your well-being outweighs the benefits of staying. This decision requires courage, but can be the most liberating choice. Walking away is a powerful statement of self-worth. Leaving doesn't mean you've failed, but that you prioritize your mental health. It's an acknowledgment that some battles aren't worth fighting. This act asserts your autonomy and self-respect. It's about taking control of your life and refusing to be a pawn in someone else's game. Remember, sometimes the strongest move is stepping away.
