We are unaware of this deterrent for bees, wasps, hornets etc and its potential safe use around hummingbirds. 

We searched on the Cornell lab of ornithology web page and they linked to the following forum on how to deter bees. https://nestwatch.org/connect/participant-photo/which-hummingbird-feeder-should-i-choose/ 

They also have the following webpage on unwanted visitors for bird feeders that could be helpful: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-deal-with-unwanted-yard-visitors-squirrels-cats-rats-insects-hawks-starlings-and-more/#beesandwasps:~:text=Back%20to%20Top-,Bees%20And%20Wasps,-Many%20hummingbird%20feeders

It sounds like if your feeder is a different color other than red, and has larger openings or a drip tube these types could feed more insects than hummingbirds. You can try to relocate the feeder around the yard first to see if that helps before purchasing another type. 

The search toolbar on the Cornell webpage is a helpful tool to use for birding inquiries. 

If you have further questions, please let us know. 

Emily

Thanks, Emily.  I'd already googled that information and the peppermint is supposed to be unwelcoming to bees, but safe for hummers.  My feeder is red, but the bee guards are yellow and apparently that is a draw for yellow jackets and wasps.  My feeder is identical to the one pictured in this article:

https://dailybirder.com/how-to-keep-bees-away-from-hummingbird-feeders/

I think the concentration needs to be stronger - so was hoping for some advice.

We don't have any scientific studies that claim the use of peppermint oil as a deterrent or the suggested concentration. 

We encourage people to grow plants that hummingbirds like to feed on as well. Perhaps have pollinator flowers nearby would help with guiding the wasps or bees away from the feeder. 

You could experiment with the concentration of the peppermint oil, but we do not have the information on if it is safe for hummingbirds. You could try to reach out to birding group on social media if you belong to any, or other wildlife groups to see if they may have additional suggestions.