Bee-Against-the-Scents: Unwanted Aromas for Buzzy Friends

In the grand aromas of nature, it’s natural that bees and other insects are attracted to wonderful scents: flowers, fruity fragrances, and all other smells that tantalize buzzing friends. But what do the bees do when they come across a smell that strikes them as not-so-wonderful, or even downright unpleasant? That’s where ‘Bee-Against-the-Scents’ comes in. Read on to find out what scientists are uncovering about how bees may find certain scents unpleasant and stay away from them.

1. The Problem of Unwanted Scents for Buzzy Friends

The question of unwanted scents can be tricky to answer. For one, a scent may be pleasing to one person, while offensive to another. Secondly, some scents may not be strong enough to be noticed by humans, yet still manage to bother flying critters such as bees, wasps, and hummingbirds.

The last thing anyone wants is to invite an unwanted swarm of guests to their garden. Luckily, there are some steps to help reduce the risk. Here are some tips on avoiding unwanted scents for buzzy friends:

• Avoid heavily-scented flowers. These can be too overwhelming for the fragile noses of beneficial insects.
• Create a range of smells. Balance some flowery scents with more subtle aromas like grass, herbs, shrubs, and moss.
• Be mindful of scented plants. Perfumed foliage such as lavender can emit strong fragrances that can slip right past you, but not the buzzy friends.
• Choose native variety. Nectar and pollen of the local flora have become adapted to the taste buds of native pollinators over centuries.

Gardening involves multiple variables, and the consideration of desired and unwanted scents is just one of those complexities. Though it is not always possible to control every odor, being mindful and choosing the right plants will help to create a garden that is enjoyable and inviting for both humans and buzzy friends alike.

2. What Can Bees Sense?

Bees have an impressive sense of perception. They can smell, taste, hear, and see. Smelling is a bee’s most important sense. They can detect all sorts of aromas including flowers, plants, and other insects.

Tasting can also be important for some species of bee. In their search for food they not only sample different aromas, but can also detect sweet, salty, and sour tastes.

Hearing is key for some species of bee who communicate using specific noises. A drone bee will emit a sound called the ‘Drone Dance’ to attract the attention of the Queen and other drones as part of their mating ritual.

The way that bees see also differs from the way humans perceive the world. Bees have much better ‘ultraviolet’ vision which they use to survey their environment and identify certain plants, flowers, and colors. They can even judge the amount of nectar inside a flower by just looking at it!

Bees demonstrate a truly remarkable amount of senses in their daily lives. From smelling and tasting, to hearing and seeing – It’s hard for humans to compete with the power of the senses of the humble bee.

3. Which Scents Create Problems for Bees?

Tigers may have stripes, but bees have smells! Bees rely upon their powerful sense of smell for many of their daily activities, from finding nectar-rich flowers to recognize members of their hive. Unfortunately, certain scents can be problematic for these hardworking little insects.

Winged Stressors

Bees are highly sensitive to certain scents, and certain ones can cause them physiological stress. Carbon dioxide can be especially detrimental to a bee’s well-being when it’s released in large concentrations. This is because they use the scent of carbon dioxide to detect predators – something not often found near peaceful flowers. Scented candles, hair spray, and air fresheners can contain carbon dioxide and thus cause the bees to become agitated.

Toxic Scents

Insecticides can create additional problems for bees. These chemicals often contain neonicotinoid compounds, a form of pesticide used in agricultural and garden settings that can be toxic to honeybees. A simple insecticide fogger may seem like a harmless way to rid a home of unwanted pests, but it could prove fatal for the bees visiting the garden.

Scents to Avoid

• Strong and artificial scents
• Air freshener/candles
• Insecticides
• Cleaning products

Keeping away from these household items is an important step in avoiding unwanted stresses on our beloved bee population.

4. How Can We Help Them?

Helping those in need requires meaningful action. But the impact of individual efforts can be limited and it’s often hard to know where to start. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do to support those who may be struggling right now.

• Volunteer. Whether you can give a day, a week, or a few hours, your help can make a difference. Look to your local charities, shelters, and soup kitchens. Some may have special needs related to the pandemic that you can help meet.
• Donate money. Make a contribution to a relevant charity or fund. Your donation can help bridge a gap and help someone to access the items or services they need.
• Provide items. If you have certain goods or services that are in demand in your area, consider making them available free of charge. This could mean anything from food to childcare or other services.
• Offer support. Lend a listening ear or an encouraging word. This could be as simple as a kind message or, if you’re comfortable, agreeing to a remote coffee or video call to check in. Whatever it is, it doesn’t have to be a huge effort on you part.

Making a difference to those in need isn’t always about big gestures. Every small effort counts. The great news is, you can make a change, no matter where you’re starting from.

By taking simple steps in the right direction, you can contribute to a meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most.

5. Planting Bee-Friendly Flowers

Create pollinator havens with bee-friendly plants that will keep them buzzing in the garden. Bees and other pollinators are essential to most ecosystems around the world, helping to pollinate crops and wild plants important to our environment. Pollinators visit flowers to collect pollen and nectar to feed their colonies. Bringing in these important and beautiful insects into the garden simply requires growing a number of bee-friendly plants;

How to Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers:

• Choose flower sources from reputable nurseries and seed sources; these sources should use ethically sourced, open pollinated seeds.
• Pick a spot in the sun. Plants need at least six hours of sun a day to produce nectar and pollen.
• Add variation with plants of different shapes and sizes. This ensures an extra boost of nectar and pollen for the bees.

Once the flowers are planted amidst the branches of sturdy trees and shrubs, bees will find them. Before you know it, the bees will have got to work, spreading the pollen and fertilizing your garden. And, of course, these busy workers will need water. Placing shallow dishes filled with fresh water among your bee-friendly plants will help sustain your bee pollinators.

Now that your garden is pollinator-friendly, take a moment to observe all the beauty and magic that these tiny insects bring to your own little slice of nature.

6. Reducing the Use of Pesticides

An Overview of Reducing Pesticide Usage

Pesticides play an important role in farming and agriculture and have been used for many decades. However, is becoming increasingly important.

Pest Control Techniques

Reducing pesticide usage starts by using pest control techniques. This includes:

• Crop rotation
• Crop covers
• Mulching
• Biological control

These techniques are non-chemical ways of reducing or eliminating pest issues.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management is a strategy that combines different pest control techniques such as physical and biological pest control, with the use of fewer pesticides when needed. This strategy is highly beneficial in identifying, managing, and reducing pest problems that can potentially reduce pesticide use.

Innovative Technologies

Technology can also come into play to help reduce pesticide use. For example, robotic sprayers can be used to effectively target specific areas that may be affected by pests and reduce the amount of pesticides used. In addition, genetically modified organisms can be used to produce crops that are resistant to some pests, resulting in reduced need for pesticides.

7. Trapping Unwanted Aromas

Using the right products around your home can help reduce unpleasant odors, such as strong cooking aromas or pet smells. Here are seven solutions for :

• Air Purifiers
• Activated Charcoal Filters
• Essential Oil Diffusers
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Fragranced Soaps
• Scented Candles

Air Purifiers and Activated Charcoal Filters are great for removing pet odors, smoke, and other airborne odors. Air purifiers are ideal for filtering large rooms, while activated charcoal filters are ideal for smaller spaces.

Essential Oil Diffusers are perfect for trapping fragrant aromas in rooms, are available in a wide range of scents, and are also beneficial for health. They work by releasing essential oils into the air, which can help neutralize odors.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Fragranced Soaps are all helpful for reducing bad odors. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture before vacuuming to reduce stubborn pet smells. Vinegar can be used to spray a room to kill odors, and fragranced soaps can be used to absorb strong smells.

Finally, Scented Candles can help create a pleasant atmosphere in any room. Be sure to choose the right scents for the desired effect – floral, citrus, or woody – to complement the other items in the room.

8. Keeping Bees Safe with Bee-Friendly Habits

When it comes to keeping bees safe, it’s important to take steps to ensure their survival. By following a few simple bee-friendly habits, you can help keep these little workhorses buzzing and thriving. Here’s what you can do:

• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides. When used in yards and gardens, these chemicals can have lethal effects on bees and other pollinators, as their immediate instincts are to carry the poisoned foods back to their hive.
• Create a bee-friendly habitat. Plant native flowers, herbs, and shrubs to provide bees with food sources in a safe location. This is especially important if you live in an agricultural area, as these are known to regularly be sprayed with pesticides.
• Limit your water usage. Bees need water to survive, too, and too much can be detrimental to them. Try to only water your garden as needed, and use a shallow birdbath or tray filled with several inches of stones for an accessible source of water for bees to land on and drink from.

Finally, support sustainable beekeepers. By seeking out local beekeeping operations that follow ethical practices, you’ll help encourage a more conscious form of beekeeping. Seek out raw honey for your pantry, too, as this supports sustainable beekeepers and provides your body with small doses of healthy immunities.

It’s easy to encourage bee-friendly habits. It’s all about being mindful and making a small effort to care for bees and their environment. Taking these steps can make a huge difference for the health and survival of bees.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should strive to avoid these unwanted aromas. By doing so, you ensure you and your buzzing friends’ have a happy, healthy relationship. So keep your home and the outdoors sweet and bee-friendly – together, we can continue to play our part in creating a brighter future for our pollinating friends!