Is there anything more annoying than being chased by an angry bee? As the summer days get warmer, it’s important to be aware of common scents that can help repel those pesky pests. Read on to find out more about what smells help keep those buzzing bees away!
1. Buzz Off! Unwelcome Buzzers and the Sweet Smells that Keep Them Away
We all know the familiar sound of a pesky mosquito — an annoying buzz that can drive you up the wall. Mosquitoes are one of the most unwelcome buzzers; they can spoil a delicious meal and ruin a lovely summer evening. But, luckily, there are several home remedies that can help you keep them away.
Smells that Repel the Buzzers:
- Lavender oil – it can be diffused, applied directly to skin and even rubbed onto furniture
- Citronella oil – it is a natural insect repellant that can be used as a spray and found in scented candles
- Eucalyptus oil – a refreshing scent that can be diffused
These essential oils are natural bug repellants and the delightful aromas, although pleasant to us, can be an annoyance to mosquitoes. They can also be effective for other bugs, such as fleas, fruit flies, and bed bugs.
In addition to the plant-based oils, there are also other smells that can keep the buzzers at bay. Garlic is one option; who knew that something so tasty could do double-duty? Another option is to place a few dried basil leaves near windows or entry points – a fragrant and beautiful decoration that should keep the pests from invading. If a sprinkle of chili is more your style, you can also use it to keep mosquitoes away, and there is the added bonus that it will give your meals (and your palate!) some extra heat.
2. Ditch the Bee Stings: Natural Scent Solutions to Keep Bees Away
The presence of bees in your garden won’t be pleasant. But it’s possible to deal with those buzzy house guests without using any harsh chemicals or sprays. Instead, try the natural remedies listed below:
- Mix garlic, onion and chili peppers into a paste and spread it around the perimeter of your property. Bees have an amazing sense of smell and won’t like the strong scent.
- Herbs like mint, basil, thyme, lemongrass, and sage are good natural repellents thanks to their pungent smell.
- Citrus peels contain limonene, an essential oil notable for its insect-deterring effect.
- Spread coffee grounds around your property. This intelligent trick works because the grounds contain a volatile chemical that bees are sensitive to.
Spritz Away
Essential oils like eucalyptus, clove, peppermint, and rosemary are good choices if you’re looking for something that can be sprayed in the area. You can also combine a few oils with water and spray them onto plants.
Bonfire Blues
The smoke from a bonfire is a great deterrent for bees. As far as the bees are concerned, your backyard was overrun by an unstoppable force of nature it had no chance of surviving!
3. Inside the Mind of a Bee: What Do They Hate the Most?
Bees have a unique and fundamental place in nature, serving both as a source of delicious honey and as a pollinator for many of the plants that thrive on our planet. As fascinating and beneficial as they are, however, they are just like any other creature – they have likes, dislikes, and recommended courses of action to take when around them.
When it comes to what the average bee dislikes, there are three things that really stand out among the rest. First, bees are known for disliking certain floral scents. For this reason, perfumes and colognes with strong floral notes should be avoided when bees are nearby, as should synthetic fragrances which may mimic the smell of various flowers. Secondly, bees are often scared off or seriously disrupted by the presence of large mammals, so if one happens to be around, it would be best to keep one’s distance.
Lastly, bees really hate smoke – particularly that from a campfire. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep campfires small and contained, as well as avoiding lighting them near places where bees may be. Here’s a helpful list of things to keep in mind when near bees:
- Avoid strong floral fragrances
- Keep away from large mammals
- Light campfires swiftly and keep them contained
In short, if one wants to keep bees happy and also avoid being stung, it’s best to take heed of the things that they hate the most – strong floral fragrances, big mammals, and smoke.
4. Foul Fragrances That Mean “Buzz Off!”
Certain bad smells are probably engraved in everyone’s memory from childhood. Whether it’s the stench of a skunk, your neighbor’s trash, or the gas from a scooter, it can be enough to send anyone running.
But no matter how unpleasant it may be, there are a few distinct foul fragrances that take the proverbial (and sometimes literal) cake when it comes to sending the message “Buzz Off!”
Rotten Eggs. There’s a good chance everyone knows about this one. Rotten eggs is a strong, sulfurous smell that has been described as a “rotten-egg burp”. It will usually drive anyone without a stomach of steel away in haste.
Skunks. Though loveable as pets, these furry critters can release a noxious odor when threatened or startled. It’s a combination of sulfur and carbon molecules that combine to create an almost unbearable scent!
Pig Farms. Pig farms are infamous for giving off repulsive odors. The combination of urine and feces mixed with the distinct smell of muck and unwashed bodies is enough to turn anyone’s nose in another direction.
Seafood. More specifically, seafood that has gone bad can create a smell so terrible, it’s hard to believe it comes from a source of food. The smell of rotten seafood, known as fishy, can travel far and wide, affecting more people than expected.
Whether it’s a dead skunk on the side of the road or seafood in a grocery store that’s past its expiration date, these foul fragrances will certainly mean “Buzz Off!” to anyone nearby!
5. Natural Bee Repellents: An Eco-Friendly Solution
With the rise in popularity of eco-friendly solutions, natural bee repellents are gaining more traction. These repellents have a variety of advantages such as ease of use, money savings, and safety to the environment.
There are several plant-based sprays available to repel bees. Such sprays can usually be found in your local stores or online. The main ingredients in these sprays include vinegar and hot pepper extracts. Both these are known to be effective and safe. You can also make your own solution at home using the ingredients listed below:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Crushed cloves
- Ground cinnamon
- Mint leaves
Another popular eco-friendly method to repel bees is the use of bottom smoke. Commercial smoke bombs can be used to create a smoke-filled environment that deters bees from entering. It’s easily available online or in garden supply stores. It’s also relatively inexpensive and can be reused multiple times.
In addition to this, there are other natural methods such as essential oils and clove oil. They include peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and clove oil which are all known for their bee repellent characteristics. The clove oil has a strong scent, so it’s best to use this in moderation.
6. Get Ready to Smell “Bee-Free”! Preparing Your Home or Garden
Keeping Pests Away
When you’re working on getting rid of bees, it’s important to make sure that your home or garden remains pest-free afterwards. Here are some tips for making sure those unwelcome visitors don’t bother you again:
- Keep your garden clear of overgrown areas, where pests can make nests. Prune trees, keep grass short, and limit the amount of places they can hide.
- Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for damage or open entry points. Repair loose boards, trim bushes and other foliage, and close off any entry points.
- Keep food away from potential nesting spots. Store food in airtight containers when possible and avoid leaving leftovers outside for long periods.
- When gardening, remove weeds and wild grasses that might be attractive to pests.
These basic steps can help make sure bees don’t make their way into your territory. If it’s the spring season, especially avoid mowing and pruning during evening and dusk, as this is when bees are the most active. In general, taking preventive steps early on can nip any potential pest problems in the bud.
7. How Do You Know It Works? Testing Your Natural Bee Repellent
Natural bee repellents are becoming an increasingly popular choice as people become more aware of environmental issues. To make sure your natural bee repellent is actually working, you’ll need to conduct a few basic tests.
Here are 7 important tests to conduct on your bee repellent:
- Test it out on yourself first– With any natural bee repellent, you’ll want to conduct a trial test on yourself first to make sure it’s safe to use on animals and plants. Put a small amount on your arm and make sure you don’t experience any irritation.
- Test it with a lab-made solution – If you’re creating a completely new bee repellent, make sure to have it tested in a lab environment first. Depending on the ingredients, this could be an important step.
- Test it in varying concentrations- To get an accurate reading of your repellent’s effectiveness, test it in different concentrations to see which one works best. Use both weaker and stronger concentrations on different target areas.
- Test it for long periods of time– Bees may be persistent, so make sure to conduct tests that last for several hours at a time. If your natural repellent works for a certain period, you’ll easily be able to discern whether it’s effective or not.
- Test it in various weather conditions– The effectiveness of repellents can vary depending on the time of year, so make sure to test it in different seasons. This includes both sunny days and rain.
- Test it against different species- You’ll also want to test your repellent against different types of bees and other insects. See which species it works against and which ones it doesn’t.
- Test it against different breeds– Different breeds of bees may react to different repellents, so be sure to test your repellent against many different breeds.
Conducting these tests can help you get an accurate understanding of how well your natural bee repellent works. With the right tests, you’ll be able to finally make sure you have a safe and effective solution to your bee problem!
8. “Bye-Bye Bees!”: Enjoying a Bee-Free Existence
The decline of bee populations all over the world has left many wondering what life without bees would look like. A world without bees would seem a utopia to some, but could quickly become a barren or desolate wasteland if left unchecked.
- No Buzzing: Without bees, there will be no more buzzing or droning sound on a summer day. While it may be a welcome escape for some, it could also be a harsh reminder of their absence.
- No Honeycomb Treats: Unfortunately, you’ll also have to kiss goodbye to the sweet taste of delicious honeycomb. Without bees to produce the sticky sweet treat, we may all have to find new ways to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings.
- Bland Blooms: Many of the most colorful and sweet smelling flowers will also disappear should bees become extinct. Without bees to spread pollen, many of the most beloved blossoms and blooms will cease to exist.
- Grave Consequences: Perhaps the most serious consequence of a bee-free existence is the devastating impact it will have on crop production. Without bees to pollinate, many foods that we rely on could become scarce or extinct. We may have to say goodbye to fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables.
When thinking about a future without bees, it can be sobering. We must all work together to protect and promote healthy bee populations so that we can all continue to enjoy their presence and the sweet treats they produce. As summer approaches, be sure to arm yourself with a handy supply of scented repellents! This way, if you encounter pesky bees that threaten to ruin your outdoor fun, you’ll be ready to say the two sweetest words: “Bzzz, Get Out!
