Why Are There Suddenly So Many Wasps at My Hummingbird Feeder?

If your hummingbird feeder has suddenly become much busier, you're not imagining it. Late August is peak hummingbird migration through Southern Ontario, bringing more hummingbirds to our yards and, along with that, more attention from wasps looking for a sweet meal. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to keep your feeders attractive to hummingbirds while discouraging unwanted visitors.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird coming to feeder. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Why are wasps suddenly showing up?

Contrary to popular belief, wasps don't suddenly become more aggressive in late summer—there are simply more of them. Throughout spring and early summer, worker wasps spend much of their time hunting insects to feed the developing larvae in the nest. As those larvae mature into adults, the colony's needs change. Adult wasps begin searching for sugary foods, and hummingbird feeders provide an easy, reliable source.

As frustrating as they can be around feeders, wasps play an important role in our ecosystems. They're excellent predators of garden pests like aphids, helping reduce the need for pesticides. The goal isn't to eliminate them—it's to encourage them to feed somewhere other than your hummingbird feeder.

1. Check your feeders for leaks

A leaking feeder is one of the biggest attractants for wasps.

Each time you refill your feeder, inspect it for cracks, worn seals, or sticky nectar around the feeding ports. Even a small drip can attract wasps from surprising distances.

Saucer-style hummingbird feeders, like our High Perch feeders, where the nectar reservoir sits below the feeding ports, are generally much less prone to leaking than traditional bottle-style feeders. 

2. Add Nectar Guard Tips

If wasps are still becoming a nuisance, Nectar Guard Tips are one of our favourite solutions.

These flexible tips fit over compatible hummingbird feeder ports, allowing a hummingbird's slender bill to reach the nectar while making it much more difficult for bees and wasps to access it. They're simple to install and can make a noticeable difference during peak wasp season.

Ruby-throated hummingbird at feeder. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

3. Avoid yellow on your hummingbird feeders

Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to red.

Wasps, on the other hand, are highly attracted to yellow. Feeders with yellow flowers, perches, or feeding ports often receive much more attention from wasps than feeders designed with red accents instead. Choosing a feeder without yellow can help reduce unwanted visitors.

4. Rethink your fruit offerings

Wasps aren't only interested in hummingbird nectar.

Late in the season, they also seek out fruit-based foods like BirdBerry Jelly and seed cylinders that contain fruit. If wasps are becoming overwhelming, consider temporarily switching to fruit-free options like Naturally Nuts®, Supreme, or Safflower Cylinders until wasp activity begins to decline.

5. If all else fails, give feeders a short break

If none of these strategies are working and wasps have completely taken over, taking your feeder down for a few days can often encourage them to move elsewhere.

Once the wasps have lost interest, simply clean your feeder thoroughly, refill it with fresh nectar, and hang it back up. The hummingbirds won't forget where to find you.

Ruby-throated hummingbird. Photo by Heather Kerrison.

Enjoy the busiest hummingbird season of the year

Late August is one of our favourite times to watch hummingbirds. 

With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your feeders welcoming for hummingbirds while peacefully coexisting with the wasps that are simply trying to make a living, too.

Happy birding!

Warmly, 

Heather