When bees become a problem in your outdoor space, don’t resort to chemicals to kick them out. Try a more natural solution by using safe and calming scents to send these buzzing pollinators on their way. Here are some simple tips and recipes for all-natural bee repellents you can make to give your backyard some bee-free peace and quiet.
1. Honey-Free Solutions for Natural Bee Repellent
The importance of bees to the environment and its creatures cannot be understated. Unfortunately, having them in our gardens and homes can be a nuisance. Fortunately, there are several honey-free solutions that you can use to deter bees without harming them.
Repelling Essential Oils – One of the oldest bee repellents is the use of repelling essential oils. These include eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, lavender, and tea tree oil. Simply mix these oils with water and spray them in areas where bees are not welcome. These oils can also be diffused to keep the bees away from your home or garden.
Coffee Grounds – Coffee grounds are an easy and natural way to keep bees away. Sprinkle the grounds in the areas near where the bees congregate, or make a spray of coffee grounds steeped in hot water. The strong smell of the grounds can often be enough to keep them away.
Herbs and Spices – Using herbs and spices can create an aroma that bees are most likely to avoid. A few of the most popular herbs and spices used to deter bees include:
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Cloves
These herbs can be crushed up and sprinkled around areas where you don’t want bees. Another option is to boil the herbs and spices in water for 10 minutes and then spray the mixture around the area.
2. Don’t Sweat It: Keep Bees at Bay with DIY Recipes
In the summer months, bees can be a real nuisance. But instead of dousing yourself in chemical repellents—good for the skin and not so good for the bees—try out these DIY solutions in your own yard.
- Brew up some beer or wine. Leave the opened containers in areas around your yard where bees are likely to congregate.
- Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of one part oil and four parts water. Spritz over areas where bees have found their way inside and around your home.
- Mix Lemongrass oil with water and spray it in areas around windows, doors, and your outdoor spaces.
- Create a diversion: make a mix of 2-parts sugar, 1-part white vinegar and sprinkle it around on the ground. The bees will be attracted to the solution and concentrate on that instead.
And if all else fails, seek out beekeepers in your area. Beekeepers are often willing to take the bees away and give them a safe, designated living area.
These methods are great options for safely warding off bees. Don’t break a sweat when it comes to bees, just DIY!
3. Herbs & Spices: The Secret Formula for Bee-Free Life
Herbs and spices are nature’s defences against insects and bugs. It’s not always necessary to apply a chemical agent to ward off the little critters. Certain herbs and spices actually help keep insects away. Cleaning with herbs and spices can help prevent flying insects from flying in your face and into your food. So, why not try to spruce up your home using these natural remedies?
- Cinnamon is known to deter flies coming in from the outside.
- Bay leaves, when placed in your cabinets, can ward off moths and keep your pantry items fresh for longer.
- A few cloves of garlic and a few spoons of cayenne pepper added to a spray bottle with water help to deter other creepy crawlers from entering your home.
Plants like basil, mint, rosemary, and even dill can be placed near possible pathways for entry or where bugs like to hang out around your home, such as cracks in walls. Not only are these plants aromatic, but they help to keep it that way because they act as a natural repellent.
Using herbs and spices is not only a safe and effective way of keeping your home free of pests, it’s also a great way to stay healthy. Herbal remedies are often known to have health benefits as well.
4. Fragrant Floral Mixtures – Paving the Way for a Bee-Free Garden
It’s summertime, and while you might be dreaming of a bee-free garden oasis to relax in, that might seem a little far-fetched. However, there are ways to make it happen! A fragrant floral mix may be just the trick.
- Combine native wildflowers and herbs for a unique mixture – Wildflowers are usually resistant to pests and disease, so you can rest easy. Meanwhile, herbs bring a comfortable and refreshing aroma that is sure to lift your spirits.
- Opt for double-duty plants – Look for flowers that can provide food and shelter for both humans and animals. Consider an edible flower like chives, or a herb like rosemary that can be eaten and used as decoration.
- Choose scent-filled flowers – There are countless flowering plants out there, but some of the best for your bee-free garden are those with strong but pleasant scents. These can attract pollinators without giving off too much of a floral aroma. Think of varieties like lavender and rose.
- Combine fragrant flowers with low-maintenance plants – When you select flowers for your mixture, ensure that you choose a variety of Vigorous plants that can hold their own and even outgrow some of your less hardy species.
By mixing aromatic flowers and herbs, you can give your garden a beautiful, and bee-free, vibe. This simple addition gives your garden a boost in both aroma and aesthetics! Plus, since you don’t have to worry about spraying for pests, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your blooms are safe from the unwanted buzz. That means you can relax in your garden and enjoy the fragrant floral mixture you’ve made.
5. Spray Away: Beneficial Insecticides to Keep Bees Away
Bees can be a cute addition to a garden, but when they fly in swarms and threaten to sting, they become an unwelcome guest. To keep bees away, insecticides can be used as a deterrent. Here are five beneficial insecticides to help you keep these buzzing visitors at bay.
Nematodes: Nematodes are tiny roundworms that feed on harmful insects and pests, like bees. They can be easily bought online or from gardening shops across the country. These smaller organisms can be sprinkled in any area that bees frequent and will go to work immediately.
Essential Oils: Essential oils can be used to create an unpleasant atmosphere for bees. Using strong scents that the bees do not like, such as citronella, peppermint, and basil, can make them avoid areas where the oils have been sprayed. This is a natural and non-toxic way to repel the bees.
Pyrethrins: This type of insecticide is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is a natural and non-toxic type of insecticide used to get rid of bees and other pests. It is available for purchase in most garden stores.
Neem Oil: Neem Oil is a natural insecticide that comes from tree bark. It has a strong odor and is best for keeping away bees and other flying insects. This oil has some anti-fungal and anti-bacterial benefits and can keep away pests and also improve the health of your plants.
Spinosad: Spinosad is a chemical insecticide that has been proven to be effective against bees and other flying pests. This solution has various components that attack the nervous systems of the bees and can get rid of them quickly and effectively. It is, however, a toxic insecticide and should be handled with caution.
These beneficial insecticides can be used to create a safe environment free of bees and other flying pests. Each of these insecticides has their own benefits and can be used to effectively repel bees without harming other insects or plants.
6. Essential Oils and Plants – Ward Off Bees with Sweet Smells
Using Essential Oils – An effective way to ward off bees is to use essential oils. Some of the most popular essential oils for warding off bees include lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil. Lavender oil is best used when the bees have infiltrated your garden and you don’t want to use poison. Tea tree oil can be used as a repellent because bees don’t like the smell and the scent also tends to weaken their sense of smell. Peppermint and eucalyptus oil can both keep bees away while also creating a pleasant scent for humans to enjoy.
Plants with Aromatic Qualities – Natural plants with a strong aroma can also be used to ward off bees. Some of the most popular plants used are citronella, basil, sage, and mint. Not only do these plants ward off bees, but they also make a great addition to any garden. Citronella is especially useful at night as the scent will linger in the darkness and keep the bees away. Basil, sage, and mint can also be used to try and repel bees, especially when planted close to each other.
Making an Insect Repellent Spray – For the ultimate bee repellent, you can make your own insect repellent spray. Start by combining essential oils to create a scent that bees won’t like. Popular combinations include:
- Lavender and lemon
- Tea tree and eucalyptus
- Lavender and mugwort
- Peppermint and lemon
After you’ve chosen your combination, mix the essential oils in a spray bottle with water and alcohol to give it a bit of bite. Then spray the solution around your garden and keep bees away. Reapply every few days or whenever you notice new bees taking up residence in your garden.
7. Controlling the Hive and Social Distancing from Bees
Good honeybee hive management will help you stay in control and protect the bees at the same time. Here are some key ways to keep your hives healthy while following social distancing principles:
- Observe from a distance: Check on your hives regularly to monitor the health of the bees, but do so from a distance – zoom in on them through binoculars or using a drone.
- Take care when handling components: If you need to handle equipment or materials like frames, feeders, and objects in the vicinity of the hive, sanitize them between use and wear protective clothing and gloves.
In addition to being mindful of the physical safety of your bees, you should also take steps to relieve stress caused by people getting too close. When a beekeeper visits a hive, it can be stressful for a colony, and cause them to become agitated and defensive.
- Time of visit: Temperature and light conditions affect the behavior of the insects, so pay attention to the time of day when you inspect your hives.
- Reduced frequency: From April to the end of summer, bee colonies should be left undisturbed for at least three weeks.
- Gentle and calm demeanor: Remain silent and still when near the hive and if you speak, do it in a calm voice.
Follow these principles of social distancing from bees and enjoy the benefits of honeybee keeping without any risk to the wellbeing of your buzzing friends.
8. Tips to Buzz Off: Final Thoughts on Natural Bee Repellent
Natural bee repellent is an excellent way to manage pesky bee populations in your garden or outdoor area without harming the environment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you get buzzing:
- Hang bunches of fragrant herbs, like basil, mint, and lavender, around your garden to repel bees – they don’t like strong scents!
- Grow flowers like marigolds and geraniums – the bright colors are said to put off bees, while still making your garden look beautiful.
Keep your space clean. Bees may be attracted to sugary or pungent odors, so making sure your garden and the nearby area are clear of any food waste or smelly substances can help deter them.
- Choose a bee-repelling natural deterrent. Neem oil ( Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem (Azadirachta Indica, an evergreen tree ) is an effective natural bees repellent and can also help to protect other plants against other pests and diseases.
Remember, natural bee repellent is not a complete solution to pest management in your garden. Gardeners must also take into account the impact on other animals and plants in the area, such as beneficial pollinators and hoverflies that feed on the honey bees.
No matter where you live, buzzing insects can be a nuisance. Thankfully, with our natural bee repellent tips and recipes, getting rid of bees doesn’t have to require harsh chemicals. Reclaim your outdoor relaxation time with these natural insect repellent remedies and get buzzing on with your summer!