Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:54:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: deborah bair
Subject: Re: swarms on hummer feeders
Anne: I had a terrible problem with swarming on my hummingbird feeders this year, and finally googled “swarms” & “hummingbird feeders”. This was the main suggestion: spray with PAM!
Spray around the feeding spout or tube. It does not affect the hummers, as they actually insert their bills for feeding, but the bees, wasps, jackets, etc., cannot stay on and will slide right off. You will have to repeat the spraying periodically, especially if you wash your feeders alot, but it’s worth the time and effort. It will take a little time for them to get the idea, but the feeders will soon be accessable once again.
The problem became so bad at our house (we have six feeders up) that we could not even use our front door (I am allergic). Although we still have some, it is nothing like before. Some days we are not having any at all, and I imagine that probably some local peach trees are ripening, and that helps.
We also moved a few feeders just a few feet, which confused all the pests, but was not a problem for the birds..they found them promptly. I’ve talked with other Chatham people who have encountered this problem, and it has proven effective for them,also.
I really wonder if this incredibly hot weather and dryness hasn’t intensified the problem. We had never experienced it to the extent we did this year. But we can now sit on the porch again and enjoy watching those delicate birds.
Good luck, and I hope this helps.
Deborah Bair
I tried the Pam this afternoon, we have not had one bee as of yet. I could’ t even go out to refill, without being stung. Thank you so much, the hummers thank you also.