No-one wants to be caught up in the middle of an angry swarm of bees, but the reality is that bees are a fact of life. Whether you’ve been stung once or a hundred times, you’ll know the importance of avoiding them. Here, we explore some fragrances that bees simply cannot stand. We investigate the odors of nature that have been scientifically proven to stave off the unwelcome attention of bees and their buzzing friends.
1. Let’s Smell ‘Bee’tter: The Aromas that Keep Bees Away
The summer season is buzzing with the sound of bees! While having these pesky pollen-collectors fly around is not ideal, especially for those with bee allergies, it is possible to keep these critters away without totally exterminating them. Try out these aromatic remedies to keep the stinging to a minimum.
- Rosemary and Lavender: Rosemary and lavender scents are the perfect way to keep away lots of insects, bees included. Try mixing some of each dried herb in boiling water, allowing it to steep, and then strain the liquid to form your own scented spray. Use caution and spray with care, though!
- Lemon and Clove: Combining the acidic aromas of lemon and cloves can give your smelling receptors one powerful punch. By mixing 1/2 cup of each of these with water and boiled together, you can make the perfect repellent for bees. Though this will not exterminate them, it will definitely give you some breathing room when you’re relaxing outside.
- Cinnamon, Wormwood, and Spearmint: The powerful combination of cinnamon, wormwood, and spearmint can lend some caution to the smellaround. Try boiling equal parts of each (2-3 tablespoons) for 10-15 minutes, strain, and distribute around the outside of your house for best results.
Any of these aromas – or a combination – can make your outdoor space a much more bee-free area. This herbal remedy can also be used to keep away other unwanted pests, so your outdoor area will smell great while being protected. Not to mention, you can save money by making your own solution at home!
2. Unfriendly Aromas: What Scents Do Bees Find Repulsive
Bees have an unbeatable sense of smell and can even distinguish the scent of flowers from up to two miles away. But when it comes to choosing flowers to visit, it’s not all sweet smells and nectar – there are a few aromas which bees find off-putting.
An area dominated by chemical smells such as chlorine, gasoline, paint thinner, and cleaning products is likely to be a huge turn off to bees. These strong toxins can really put them off from venturing into an unfamiliar area and create a disincentive to even set foot near them.
On the other hand, less obvious smells can also have a detrimental effect. Food aromas, such as shampoo, body wash, and soap, can also lead to bees feeling uninvited as the natural sweet smell of flowers is greatly outweighed.
Finally, some plants and flowers also have flowers which bees detest. Although they may be attracted to the vibrant colors of snapdragons and marigolds, the strong smell can cause many bees to fly away. Other plants, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, also contain fragrances not well-liked by bees.
- Chlorine
- Gasoline
- Paint Thinner
- Cleaning Products
- Shampoo
- Body Wash
- Soap
- Snapdragons
- Marigolds
- Rhododendrons
- Azaleas
3. Fragranced Freedom: Keep Bees at Bay with these Aromatherapy Tricks
One of summer’s greatest joys is being able to spend time outdoors in peaceful surroundings, but pesky bees and other bothersome insects can quickly break it. Don’t let swatting and shooing get between you and the beauty of nature, instead keep bees away with these aromatherapy tricks:
- Try using smell to naturally repel bees away. Citronella is a tried and tested favorite, as are peppermint, lavender, and rosemary.
- Sniff out success by brushing against plants that contain strong odors, like sage and thyme.
- Make use of scented candles to light up your outdoor setting and keep bees away.
When it comes to aromatherapy, the possibilities are endless. Be creative. Mix up different essential oils for a soothing blend, or fragrancing insect-repelling candles to light up your summer evenings with carful attention to detail. You can also add different items to an outdoor room, for example a piece of wood or an old terracotta pot, and rub them with essential oils. Whatever route you choose, make sure to keep up with aromatherapy maintenance for maximium effectiveness.
4. Beyond Citrus: Going Beyond Common Knowledge and Unusual Aromas
When discussing the realm of citrus-based scents, we all know the classics—lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, and orange. These aromas regularly feature in many different perfumes, colognes, and home fragrances. But why not consider experimenting with a more adventurous citrus note to dazzle your senses? Let’s explore some unique and unusual citrus scents that can make a statement.
Japanese Yuzu: A bright and complex aroma that’s somewhat like a combination of grapefruit, mandarin, and lemon. Perfect for an everyday wear or a night on the town.
Rhubarb: An unexpected and tart citrus scent, not dissimilar to lemon rinds but with sharp undertones of green apple. Ideal for summer or spring spritzes.
Other interesting citrus fragrances include:
- Ruby Red Grapefruit
- Pink Pomelo
- Tangelo
- Bitter Orange
- Bergamot
- Blood Orange
The wide range of unusual citrus scents available provide you with an opportunity to create a signature aroma or a unique twist on the typical. Try blending your favourite citrus notes with complementary notes, such as jasmine, tuberose, or sandalwood, to create a scent which really stands out.
5. Aromatic Overload: Not Knowing When to Stop
When it comes to choosing aromatic ingredients in a recipe, there’s a fine line between enhancing the flavor or disrupting it. Too much of an aroma can be a disaster. The key is to pick ingredients judiciously and use just enough to make a dish exciting.
The most commonly used aromatics are herbs and spices. From a little bit of salt to an abundance of rosemary, using aromatics can be a creative way to turn simple dishes into complex flavors. Just be careful not to get too carried away. Too many aromatics in one dish can result in a megadose of flavor that overwhelms the palate with an overload of aromas that compete with each other.
Here are a few guiding principles to consider when you’re adding aromatics to recipes:
- Taste as you go: Try to add aromatics step by step and taste your dish before you add more.
- Stick to a few select ingredients: You don’t want too many sections competing for your taste buds’ attention.
- Pick a harmonious combination: Look for complimentary aromatics to blend together for a full flavor.
At the end of the day, knowing when to stop is a judgment call. With enough practice, you will be able to make this call with confidence. Aromatics can make a dish or break it, but are essential in creating amazing flavors in the kitchen.
6. Move Aside Bees – Smell Your Way to an Interruption-Free Garden
We often forget that sight isn’t the only sense that can be used to make sure your garden stays intact. This is why you should understand how important it is to take in the sense of smell in any garden setting. It can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your garden from intruders.
After all, smell is a primal sense. While most animals think first with their eyes, their noses can be incredibly sensitive, and they’ll react to certain smells that keep them away.
Aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and lavender are the best way to keep pesky pests away. Here is a list of herbs and what they can protect you from:
- Thyme: Ants, Japanese beetles, cabbage worms
- Rosemary: Carrot rust flies, cabbage moths, snails
- Sage: Carrot rust flies, cabbage moths, fleas
- Lavender: Moths, fleas, mice
By planting these herbs in your garden, you’ll drastically reduce the amount of pests who might otherwise make their way in to devour your plants. There’s something inherently calming about walking through a garden and taking in the scent, and not only will it keep the bugs away, it will also make your gardening experience that much more pleasurable.
7. Are You Allergic to Bees? How To Combat Stings with Scent
Bees may be beautiful pollinators, but they can still cause a lot of pain when their stings go unnoticed. For those who may be allergic to their sting, an extra layer of vigilance is required.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re allergic to the bee sting, it’s recommended to get tested, and seek medical advice. Severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, can require immediate attention.
In less severe cases, there are a helpful array of solutions that can be used to reduce the intensity of bee stings. A number of scents, provided the allergic reaction is slight, can help ease the sting:
- Lemon: Mix the juice of half a lemon with a few teaspoons of sugar. Apply the mixture directly onto the affected area.
- Vanilla: Rub some vanilla extract onto the sting to help get relief.
- Aloe Vera: The cooling properties of aloe vera gel work wonders to soothe the sting.
- Toothpaste: Applying toothpaste to the bee sting can quickly provide relief.
- Tea Tree Oil: This pungent oil works to neutralize the venom from a bee sting.
No matter the severity of the sting, be certain to take the appropriate action to err on the side of caution. Taking care to rest and tend to the area when necessary. It is important to remain aware of any potential allergic reactions, and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier.
8. Taking it Home: Fragranced Goods That Make a Buzz-less Home
Nothing spoils a serene home environment like a cloying, synthetic scent. Intrusive fragrances can quickly and easily affect air quality and the state of a person’s wellbeing. But, there are ways to make a home sweet-smelling without having to resort to aerosols, sachets, and other buzz-inducing air fresheners.
To keep a home smelling fragrant and toxin free, begin by addressing any odours at the source. Give carpets and furniture a deep clean, don’t store smelly foods in the kitchen, and ensure garbage is removed regularly. Additionally, the following natural deodorizers can help to keep indoor air fresh all day long:
- Essential oils: A natural and effective way to fragrance a home. Use an aroma diffuser, or simply put 10-20 drops of essential oils on soft furnishings or scatterstraws.
- Simmer pot: Create your own scented syrup with a combination of spices, citrus peels, herbs, and aromatics. Gently simmer on the stove for a warm and inviting aroma.
- Baking soda: Eliminate foul odours by sprinkling baking soda on carpets, couches, and mattresses. Baking soda is an absorbent, so make sure to vacuum it up after 15 minutes.
- Indoor plants: Certain plants, like peace lillies and aloe vera boston ferns, don’t just look great, they can also help to filter out stale indoor air and release refreshing oxygen.
As with many things in life, moderation is key. Scented candles should be used sparingly, while the combination of each of the above strategies should be tailored to create a subtle ambience that balances the kind of smells we like with the kind of smells we don’t.
Bees may be small in size, but they have a powerful sense of smell and possess a keen ability to detect fragrances they don’t appreciate. Luckily, with the help of science and the knowledge of what fragrances they tend to avoid, you can protect your home and garden from unwelcome bee visitors while ensuring your plants stay unharmed—no sting necessary.
