If you’ve ever been stuck in the middle of a sticky shirt-staining bee situation, you know it all too well: nothing is more uncomfortable or unpleasant than dealing with an unwanted buzz in your personal space. But, with the right knowledge, there are natural ways to keep bees away – so you can “buzz off”!
1.Swatting Away Uninvited Guests – The Buzz on Bee Repellant
Bees are beloved insect species, and as useful pollinators of the environment, it’s important to be mindful when it comes to bee repellent. So, what is the buzz on the topic?
Natural Method: One way to deflect bees is to introduce natural ingredients that the insects aren’t fond of, such as peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, clove, and cinnamon. To use these natural scents, mix 4-5 drops of essential oils with around a cup of warm water. Apply the mixture around windows, doors, pathways, and bee hives.
Man-made Solutions: If the natural remedies don’t get the job done, you might have to resort to store-bought products. Here’s a breakdown of what you can find:
- Hornet, Wasp and Yellowjacket Repellent – Aerosol sprays work best with these flying insects.
- Mouse and Rat Repellent – Try a combination of ultrasound and electromagnetic waves to keep rodents at bay.
- Ant Repellent – Look for a product that contains mint or cinnamon oil.
- Other Products – Inspect home improvement stores for general pest repellent.
Whichever repellant you use, bear in mind that you’ll need to reapply it to maintain efficacy. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when swatting away uninvited guests!
2.Natural-Element Strategies for Deterring Bees
The key is to use good natural elements that have a scent! It may be a bit of trial and error to find what works for your situation, but the following are some things you can try out to see if they will work.
- Essential Oils, like Clove, Lavender, Citronella, Peppermint, etc.
- Citrus Peels, like Orange, Lemon, Lime, etc.
- Garlic Cloves
- Eucalyptus Leaves
Essential oils, while not the most DIY friendly option, can be an effective natural detergent for keeping bees away. All you need to do is apply a few drops of oil in the areas where the bees most frequently hang out to send them on their way. It’s important to remember that not all essential oils are created equal, and some may be highly toxic to some species of bees. Be sure to double check that the one you’re using is safe for use before applying it.
Citrus peels can also be utilized in the likes of repelling bees from the area. All you need to do is to take the used peels from the fruits that you already have and spread them out in the vicinity of your problem. The scent released from the peel can work to confuse and deter bees from buzzing around your property.
3.Fragrant Friends – Essential Oils that Repel Bees
When summertime rolls around, the last thing anyone wants is to suffer from insect bites. Most people don’t mind showing off their outdoor flexibility, but the last thing they want is to be bothered by bees. Thankfully, there are essential oils that can repel bees for those who don’t want to be surrounded by them. Let’s take a look at a few fragrant friends (essential oils) that can help you with this:
- Lavender – Not only is lavender nice to smell, but it has amazing benefits, such as insect repelling. Add this essential oil to your skincare routine to keep pesky bees away.
- Clove – Clove oil is high in eugenol, which repels bees. Try planting some near your home, or even dab some around the edges of your mouth and ears to stay bee-free!
- Mint – Mint is a popular flavour for many things, and it’s also great for bees. Try adding a few drops of mint oil to your skin or clothing to repel them.
- Citrus – Citrus oil has a high levels of limonene and linalool, two compounds with strong bee repellent qualities. Add a few drops of sweet orange, grapefruit or lemon oil around your home for maximum protection.
These fragrant friends are a great way to keep bees at bay. Keep in mind, however, that you should be careful not to use too much of any essential oil, as it may end up attracting other insects or animals. You should also try to use a product with natural oils, as synthetic oils may have different effects.
These essential oils can help you enjoy a bee-free summer, so keep them in mind to find natural solutions that work for you.
4.Keep ‘Em Away with Color – Appease the Bees’ Sight
This is a sure-fire method for keeping bees away. Color, especially bright colors, can be a deterrent to bees. That’s because bees have much better sight than we do. They are especially sensitive to any bright colors. So, picking the right colors for your clothing and furniture can be the key to keeping away bees:
- Yellow – This bright color is a popular choice for keeping bees away due to its vibrancy. Bees have a difficult time distinguishing between lighter shades of yellow, so using a bright yellow will be the most effective.
- White – White is also effective against bees. The stark contrast of the bright white against the flowers, trees, and other foliage make it difficult for bees to distinguish.
- Blue – Blue is an excellent colour for keeping bees away. Dark blue in particular helps to blend in with the sky, making it difficult for bees to spot.
Apart from colourful clothing, you can also use colour to decorate your outdoor furniture. If you have a table and chairs in your backyard, use blue and white to paint them. This will help keep the bees off of your furniture. Additionally, you can choose colourful fabric for outdoor furniture cushions and umbrellas that will also help.
By using this colour technique, you can easily and safely keep bees away from your home and outdoor furniture.
5.Plant-Based Solutions – Herbs Detesting Bees
Herbs are one of the best plant-based solutions for deterring bees. Here are some of the herbs that can help:
- Lemon Balm: An aromatic herb with fragrant leaves that can keep bees away. It is best planted around borders and garden edges.
- Pennyroyal: The essential oils in this herb contain properties that can deter bees.
- Geraniums: This type of plant emits a strong scent that repels bees.
In addition to herbs, there are other plants that can repel bees such as chives, garlic, lavender, and petunias. These plants, when planted together or surrounding a bee-prone area, can deter bees from entering.
Another plant-based solution is to introduce plants that attract other insects such as ladybugs to the garden or area. These insects feed on different pests that bees like, such as caterpillars, thus discouraging them from coming back.
6.Bees Be Gone – DIY Repel Spray Recipes
Bees are an important part of the natural ecosystem, but when they start building nests in your garden or porch, it’s time to take action. If you would rather repel them than remove them, why not give these DIY repellent sprays a try?
Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is known for its unpleasant scent, and bees are no different. A few simple ingredients can make a spray that will keep bees away without any harm done to the little critters.
- Mix 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray it around areas you want to keep bee-free.
- Refresh every couple of days, as the scent will wear off over time.
Garlic Spray
Garlic is another smelly option for a bee repellent. It’s easy to make and works effectively.
- Mix ½ cup of water, ½ cup of vinegar, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of cayenne powder into a spray bottle.
- Keep shaking to mix, then spray it wherever you want to keep the bees away.
- Spray it every couple of days to make sure the scent stays strong enough to repel the bees.
7.Home Bee-Away Tips – Bee-Proof Your Property
Spring is here, and the thought of exploring your backyard is an exciting one. Unfortunately, these spring vibes often come with pesky, buzzing bees you’d rather not deal with. Eliminating all bees may not be a realistic goal, but following these home bee-away tips can help bee-proof your property and make your outdoor experience a comfortable one.
Keep Your Property Clean
- Bees are naturally drawn to sugary drinks and food – make sure to discard cans and containers immediately and keep your outdoor space tidy.
- Trim your lawn and get rid of piles of leaves, twigs, and wood, as bees love resting in sheltered areas.
- Check for any cracks or other openings in the wall and seal them immediately.
- Keep fruits and vegetables away from bees by storing them in airtight containers.
Choose The Right Plants
- Select plants with rounded shapes and bright colors for your garden as they attract fewer bees.
- Favour lavender, mint, and parsley as they are not appealing to bees.
- In order for the plants to deter bees, you need to keep them healthy and free of insects.
- Be aware of certain fragrant flowers as they can attract them – for instance, roses and sweet pea.
Spray Away
- Prepare a bee repellent with a mixture of water, peppermint oil, and lemongrass oil.
- Spray it around your property on a regular basis or whenever you notice bees.
- You can also spray the mixture directly onto the bees to keep them away.
By following these home bee-away tips and ensuring your property’s cleanliness, you can bee-proof your outdoor space and make your backyard a relaxing place to enjoy the warmer weather.
8.Hive Mind – Helpful Tips for a Bee-Free Abode
Bees are incredible creatures and play an integral role in our global ecosystem. However, when they enter our homes, they can cause significant damage. Thankfully, there are a few practical steps you can take to help deter bees from entering your abode:
- Be on the lookout for potential bee-entry points – Look around your home for any potential entry points, such as loose window and door screens, and ensure that they are properly sealed. Additionally, check for cracks or gaps in your walls and make sure these are also sealed tightly.
- Apply a bee repellent – If any potential entry points are hard to reach or it’s not possible to effectively seal them, try using a commercial bee repellent. This could prove to be an effective deterrent for unwelcome bees.
- Hire a professional – If your efforts to keep bees away prove unsuccessful, contact a professional bee exterminator. These professionals will be experienced in the most effective methods of bee removal and prevention.
Finally, if the bees have already infested your residence, try to remain calm. Bees are usually not aggressive and can be relatively easy to remove if done in a safe and efficient manner. Therefore, if you are confident in your ability to contain the infestation, you may be able to (carefully) carry out the removal yourself. Otherwise, hire a professional.
So, while bees may seem intimidating, it’s easy to peacefully coexist with them. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a bee-free space without having to harm any of these important pollinators. Enjoy your days, free of buzzing and filled with fresh flowers!
