Sniffed Out: What Scents Irk Bees?
The bees are busy at work, almost as if they have a sixth sense to detect danger. But in reality, they rely on their sense of smell to alert them of an enemy attack – and some scents are more trouble than others.
The bees are busy at work, almost as if they have a sixth sense to detect danger. But in reality, they rely on their sense of smell to alert them of an enemy attack – and some scents are more trouble than others.
The sweet smell of flowers and the perfume of fruit on a summer day may be delightful to humans, but these scents have a much less pleasant side—they can repel bees. Unpleasant odors like garlic, vinegar, and chili powder are off-putting to these important pollinators!
The sweet smell of success seems to come from an unexpected source: vinegar! Recent studies have shown that vinegar can help keep bees safe and healthy, providing an invaluable resource for farmers and gardeners alike.
This summer, let the battle of the nose commence! In a unique study, bees were pitted against various scents to find which scent they found most irritating–it’s officially bee time for the infamous “Nose-Off”.