Buzzing around the garden, honeybees can be an unwelcome house guest. But with the right ingredients, these intruders can become a thing of the past. In this article, learn how to naturally deter bees with homemade bee repellents and recipes. From flowers to cinnamon, being buzz-free never felt so good.
1. The Sweet Peril of Bees: Natural Bee Repellent Tips & Recipes
Bees are essential to our planet’s delicate ecosystem and yet they can be a real nuisance around the yard or garden. If you’re looking for ways to keep them away in an environmentally friendly way, look no further than natural bee repellent techniques. Here are some tips and recipes for safely and effectively deterring bees without harming them.
Pumpkins: Pumpkins are a natural deterrent to bees. Cut a few pumpkins up into slices and place them around the area you want to keep bees away from. The strong odor of pumpkin will send the bees packing.
Wind Chimes: Bees can be repelled with noise, as they’re sensitive to it. Try placing wind chimes in locations where bees are a nuisance. The tinkling sound created by the chimes is enough to cause them to fly away.
Essential Oils: Essential oils have a variety of uses and they can also be used as a natural bee repellent. Mix several drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it to keep bees away. Lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus and citronella are all effective for repelling bees.
Cucumber: Cucumbers have a strong odor that bees don’t like. Cut a few cucumbers into slices and place them around the area you want to deter the bees from. Deseeded cucumbers are the best for repelling bees.
Vinegar and Cinnamon: A solution made with equal parts vinegar and water mixed with some ground cinnamon can be used to keep bees away as well. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it around the areas to be protected. The strong smell of vinegar and the spicy scent of cinnamon will repel the bees.
2. Sweet Smells and Citrus Clashes: Plant-based Bee Deterrents
Pollinating plants need the help of bees to be successful, but there are times when we need to thwart their efforts. Plant-based bee deterrents can keep them away without any harm to the environment. Here are a few examples:
- Herbal Mixtures: Mints and other plants that have strong scents can easily repel bees. Simply mix some mint leaves with a few drops of essential oils and hang the concoction next to plants. The scent helps to keep bees at bay.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder works to deter bees by drying out their wings. Just sprinkle some of it around the outside perimeter of the plants they tend to hover around and it will keep them from coming close.
- Citrus Spray: Bees are sensitive to strong smells, and citrus oils are a great way to mask the scent of plants that may attract them. All you need to do is mix some citrus juice with water and spray it around your plants. It won’t harm them, but it won’t be an inviting scent for the bees.
Though these methods may not always work, they are certainly worth a try. Plant-based bee deterrents are usually a safe and affordable solution to your bee-repelling woes. Before resorting to harsh chemicals or unnaturally means, give these simple options a chance.
3. Stink Mixes and Minty Mashups: Natural Bee Repellent Recipes
Bees are essential pollinators, but sometimes they can be a pesky presence in the garden. Keeping bees away from certain plants, such as your vegetable beds, is essential for preserving the crops. Making your own natural repellents is a great way to deter the bees without resorting to harsh chemicals that could harm the environment. Here are some natural bee repellent recipes to try out:
Stink Mixes
– Crushed garlic
– Onion powder
– Cayenne pepper
– Powdered mustard
Simply dress up your flowers and trees with a liberal sprinkle or spray of these ingredients. The odors the mix emits will be unpleasant to the bees but won’t harm your plants or other living beings. You could also place garlic bulbs around gardens, as the aroma of the garlic is a great natural bee repellent. It’s best to re-apply the stink mix every few days to make sure the smell is still in effect.
Minty Mashups
– Fresh mint leaves
– Basil
– Rosemary
– Wormwood
Another great bee repellent idea is to create an infusion of minty plants. Boil the leaves in a pot of water, then add them to a spray bottle full of cold water. Use the spray to douse plants around your garden. These herbs will not only keep your flowers smelling fragrant, but their strong aromas will act as great bee deterrents in your garden. Enjoy the sweet smells and peace of mind knowing that you have created a safe and natural bee repellent!
4. Strong Stuff: Essential Oils that Keep Bees Away
Essential oils can be a great way of keeping bees away from your home. There are plenty of plant-based oils that are used for this purpose and we’ve narrowed it down to our four favorites:
- Peppermint – This strong-smelling oil is great for keeping pests away from your property. In addition to bees, it’s great at warding off spiders, mosquitoes and fleas. It’s also great for use on pets to ward off bugs.
- Clove – Just like peppermint, clove essential oil has a nice smell that’s effective at repelling bees. And as an added bonus, it can also repel other bugs like moths and flies.
- Citronella – Citronella is one of the most popular essential oils for keeping bugs away. It’s especially effective against swarms of bees and it can also help to control other pests like ants, flies and moths.
- Lavender – Lavender is renowned for its calming properties and pleasant aroma. It’s also effective at warding off bees, as well as other flying insects, such as mosquitoes and wasps.
These four essential oils are all effective at repelling bees, but you don’t need to use all of them. Simply pick the one that works for you and enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with the knowledge that your home is a bee-free zone.
Remember, essential oils are potent so it’s important to dilute them with water before you apply them. You should also exercise caution when using them near children and pets.
5. The Buzz on Bouncing Bees: DIY Repellent Sprays
Nothing can compare to the delightful buzz of bees as they go about pollinating new life in your garden, but when they take up residence too close to your home, it’s a different story altogether. To help get rid of them without harming them or your garden, check out these DIY repellent sprays and see life from a bee’s eye view.
- Salt Solution – Make a saltwater solution with a ratio of one tablespoon of table salt to 1 cup of warm water, then add 10-15 drops of an essential oil like lemongrass, spearmint, lavender, rosemary, or peppermint to the mix. Put this mixture into a handheld spray bottle and spritz any unwanted bees that linger around your home.
- Garlic Spray – Use 10 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of mineral oil and 1 cup of warm water. Then, let the mixture steep overnight and strain it before adding it to the handheld spray bottle. Give any lingering bees a spritz of garlic when you notice them around your garden.
- Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper – Mix two tablespoons of cinnamon and two tablespoons of cayenne pepper with two cups of boiling water and let it sit overnight to infuse. Then, strain and spray any pesky bees that linger around your garden.
These DIY solutions are easy to make and easy on your wallet. Plus, they won’t harm the bees or your plants. So, the next time the buzzing in your garden gets louder than normal, reach for the spray bottle and give those pesky bees the boot.
6. Keep It Clean: Natural Bee Repellent Housekeeping
Bees are important creatures necessary to support our natural ecosystems. That doesn’t mean, however, that their presence in your home or office is always welcome. If you find yourself hosting too many bees on your property, but want to ensure that their removal is done in a humane way, use the following natural bee repellents to keep your living or working space clean and bee-free.
Herbs – There are certain herbs that bees really don’t like and can make them stay away. Think of fragrant herbs, like mint, oregano, and basil. Plant them near ledges or windows that serve as bee entry points, or place them in strategic locations around the house. Or, turn them into a spray by boiling the herbs with equal parts water then wait for the mixture to cool, before straining the herbs. Use the mixture to spray around ledges and windows that bees favor.
Cloves – Fill small cloth pouches or tubes with whole or shredded cloves, and hang them in any spots where bees get in, such as windowsills and doors. The strong smell of the cloves will drive away other bees, as well as other flying insects. You may need to perform this activity periodically, since the smell of cloves isn’t as long-lasting as other repellents.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Water – If you can’t stand other smells and prefer a cleaner smell, try this natural bee deterrent. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it around windows, ledges, and other places that bees are attracted to. The smell and taste of this combination will keep them away in no time!
Keep in mind that while natural bee repellents are effective and humane ways to keep bees away from your living or working space, the best way to prevent an infestation is to simply keep your place clean. Make sure to wipe down windowsills and remove any food or beverages that have been left out, as these can be attractive to bees.
7. Buzz Off Now! Using Garden-Friendly Repellents
Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other pesky animals can be a nuisance for gardeners everywhere. You want to tend to your beautiful cultivars, but how do you keep them safe from damage caused by pests? How do you prevent the animals from nibbling away at your fruits and vegetables? It’s time to take matters into your own hands.
- Create Barriers: Physical barriers can be a great way to protect your plants from herbivores. Think about building a small fence around your garden or using a physical object to cover your plants from view.
- Hang Suspicious Objects: Putting something strange and unfamiliar in your garden is a great way to deter animals from entering. Hang up some flashy items like silver streamers, reflective tape, or bright colored ribbons.
- Try Repellents: Garden friendly repellents like soaps, oils, and predator urine can help ward off animals like deer and rabbits. Mix them with a bit of water and spray it onto your plants.
Making your gardens and plants repellent-resistant may take some time and dedication. Keep an eye out for insect and animal damage, as well as signs of predators in the area. Implementing repellents and deterrents is a great first step in keeping your plants safe – so buzz off now!
8. The Grand Finale: Enjoy Life with Natural Bee Repellents
Now that you have taken a journey to learn more about natural bee repellents, you can confidently use them to keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying life. Here are some tips to remember:
- Keep windows and doors shut: Remember to keep doors and windows closed when you, your family, or your pets are inside the house. Also, consider using a screen or mesh to keep bugs away when you have to leave the windows open.
- Keep plants away from the house: If you have plants or other garden decor near your home, move them as far away from the house as possible. Bees and other bugs may be attracted to them.
- Make sure the area is well-maintained: Make sure the area outside your house is clean and free of rubbish and etc, as this may attract bees. Regularly cleaning your outdoors can help keep them away.
Though natural bee repellents can help protect you and your family from bee stings, it’s important to always use precaution when coming into contact with them. Be sure to wear protective clothing and sunglasses when applying them, and store them safely in an airtight container and away from children and pets. And, don’t forget to enjoy life while being mindful of the safety of bees and other insects.
With natural bee repellents, you can rest assured that you and your family will remain safe, while still being able to enjoy time outdoors without fear. So, enjoy life with natural bee repellents and don’t let the threat of bee stings deter you from engaging in fun activities.
Be inspired to give bees a buzz off! Enjoy your new-found knowledge to help keep travelling bees at bay in a safe, natural way. And remember, when it comes to bee repellents, the more effort you invest, the better the result. With the right knowledge and ingredients, you’ll put a natural halt to bees and their buzz in no time!
