If you’ve ever had an unwanted bee visitor at home, you can probably relate to needing a quick and natural way to get the pesky buzzing bug to buzz off. With the right home remedies, you can make a DIY natural bee repellent in no time and send those uninvited guests on their way. Read on to learn more about the easiest home remedies for natural bee repellent.
1. Natural Bee Repellent – The Buzz-Free Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
Not all of us can be avid bee admirers when all we really want to do is enjoy our outdoor activities without the frequent, pesky buzz. Fortunately, there are a few natural bee repellent methods you can try to save your summer from the sting.
Vegetable oil & lemon – Studies have shown that when mixed in equal parts, vegetable oil and lemon juice create a bee-repelling spray. Lemon has a strong smell that bees can’t stand, and the oil sticks to the surfaces they could land on to create a slippery feel.
Fresh herbs – Certain herbs can help keep bees away. Some to try are:
- Thyme
- Basil
- Mint
- Rosemary
Placing some freshly-cut leaves near your picnic blanket or in your garden can create an aggravated bee environment.
Wasp traps. Whether making your own from a 2-liter bottle or buying one from a local store, wasp traps draw in honeybees and yellow jackets. They are attracted to the bait, crawl in and get stuck in the hollow plastic tube.
2. Organic Solutions for a Buzz-Free Environment
Getting rid of pests can often mean reliance on chemical-based products, but there are alternative ways to enjoy a buzz-free environment. Here are a few organic solutions that are kinder to the environment:
1. Companion Planting
Pests may be unwanted visitors, but certain plant species can help repel them. Lavender, for instance, will naturally deter mosquitoes; at the same time, delays in the blooming of flowers will send aphids packing. By interspersing certain plant varieties with others, gardeners can encourage beneficial insect populations to keep pests in check.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
This natural material is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, and functions as an abrasive substance that dries up soft-bodied insects. It’s widely available and can be dusted around garden edges, pathways, or other areas where breeding is likely to occur.
3. Trapping
Traps are an effective technique that involves using sources such as food lures or light to attract and then capture pests. Ultrasonic instruments may be employed to keep other animals such as rodents away.
4. Soap and water
It’s amazing how far a bit of dilute soap and water can go in keeping some areas clean. Use a mix of dishwashing liquid, Detergent soap or garlic oil to disrupt the breathing of plant-devouring insects like moths and whiteflies. It’s also useful to periodically spray fruit trees and vegetables with a strong blast from the hose to get rid of larvae and other pests.
3. Home Remedies – What You Need to Know About Bee Repellents
Bee repellents are a great way to keep these buzzing creatures from bothering you and your home. It’s important to understand how they work though and the most effective ones to use. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about bee repellents.
Types of Bee Repellents
The three basic types of bee repellents are physical, chemical, and natural.
- Physical – These repellents can be used to create a physical barrier. Some examples include meshes and netting, window screening, and physical traps.
- Chemical – Chemical repellents contain insecticides and can be incredibly effective, but it’s important to know how to properly use them. They can be hazardous to living creatures other than bees when not handled properly.
- Natural– Natural repellents use extracts or essential oils to keep bees away. The amount of effectiveness varies, but these repellents are generally considered to be safer than chemical repellents.
Precautions When Using Bee Repellents
Repelling bees can come with some risks, so it’s important to take precautions. Be sure to wear long sleeves and pants when handling any type of repellent and keep children and pets away from the areas being treated.
Plus, you should always follow the instructions that come with your repellent closely and thoroughly read any safety and warning labels. Once you’ve applied the repellent, wait for at least an hour or two before returning.
4. Natural Ingredients to Deter Bees – DIY Solutions for Your Garden
Most of us love to spend time in a garden full of colorful blossoms, however pesky bees can often get in the way! While bees are essential for pollination, there are natural solutions to keep them at bay and ensure your garden remains a peaceful hangout spot. Here are 4 natural ingredients to deter bees, with recipes to make your own DIY solutions for your garden.
Mint – Plant a mint plant or two in your garden, and the overpowering smell of mint will keep bees at a safe distance. If you don’t have any mint plants around, finely chop some fresh mint leaves and put them on a plate. Place the plate around the garden, and the smell should do the trick.
Garlic – Brew a potent garlic solution by boiling cloves of garlic in water for 30 minutes. Once the water has cooled, mix it with liquid dish soap in a bottle and spray it in your garden. Garlic’s pungent aroma will make sure no bees will want to come near your garden.
Eucalyptus – Unpleasant as it may sound, eucalyptus leaves can help keep bees away from your garden. Boil eucalyptus leaves in water or use eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water, and spray it around your garden perimeter. Other oils that may work include cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, and citronella oil – all of which can be found in any health food store.
Cucumbers – Another trick to deter bees is slicing cucumbers and spreading them out. Bees generally don’t like the strong smell of cucumbers, so this can be a handy trick to use.
With these natural ingredients, you can make your own DIY solutions for deterring bees from your garden. Most of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen pantry or at the local store, so you can easily whip up a solution to keep those pesky bees away!
5. Keeping Bees at Bay – Non-Toxic Ideas for Setting Boundaries
Keeping bees away from your home doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. Instead, consider some of these more eco-friendly options for keeping the buzzing insects away.
1. Scented Deterrents
Using a combination of scents that bees tend to despise can be an effective tool for keeping them away. Citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus are a few effective aroma mix-ins. These can be diluted with water and misted onto plants, gardens, and other outdoor items in a variety of ways.
2. Plants for Protection
Certain plants are notorious for keeping bees away simply by their scent. Lavender, rosemary, and basil are just a few of the common herbs that bees are said to detest. Plant them around the house and garden to ward off undesired visitors.
3. Plastic Bottle Scarecrow
Bees can be shooed away by a simple homemade scarecrow made from material you likely have around the home. Take an empty plastic bottle, fill it up a bit with water and add a few drops of essential oil. Hang the bottle at various heights near bees, or hang strings with the bottle at the end of them to create a buzzing sound that can be used to scare away the critters.
Non-toxic methods can help safely and effectively keep the bees away. Try out some of these options to keep the buzzing guests at bay.
6. Plant-Based Solutions - Nurturing Safe Spaces for Pollinators
Plants are both helpers and habitats for pollinators. They provide food and shelter, helping to create safe spaces that support biodiversity. But with more intense urbanization and loss of green spaces, the need for identifying plant-based solutions is ever-growing.
- Create Pollinator Pathways: Connect isolated habitats with wide-ranging corridors, allowing pollinators to safely cross human-made barriers.
- Plant for Pollinators: By planting native plants, we can create a habitat-rich landscape for pollinators.
- Eco-Maintaining: Allowing weeds and other often-overlooked vegetation to grow will help to nurture natural ecosystems.
From the small-scale interventions of homeowners planting pollinator-friendly gardens to government-sponsored conservation initiatives, sustainable plant-based solutions can go a long way in helping to provide supportive environments for pollinators. By taking on a holistic approach, cities and towns can work together to create a web of green-spaces, developed in accordance with the needs of the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
We must remember that plant-based solutions are only one part of a larger conservation network. We can’t do it alone, but with strategic advocacy and the recognition that we are part of a shared ecosystem, we can make a significant difference. We have the tools and the action plans to make it happen. It’s time to put them into practice.
7. Bee-Proof Your Home – Tips to Make it Bee-Free
Bees can be bothersome and even dangerous. Here are some helpful measures you can take to bee-proof your home:
- Maintain your property: Regularly mow the lawn and keep shrubs trimmed to prevent nesting. Getting rid of standing water can also help, as bees tend to congregate around it.
- Fill any holes or cracks in your walls: Make sure all openings to the outside world have been filled or blocked to prevent bees from entering your home.
- Keep food covered: Including pet food containers. Flying insects, including bees, are naturally attracted to food sources.
- Don’t leave sweet drinks outside: If you do, make sure to empty them and put them away afterwards. The same goes for any sweet drink that spills out on the porch or patio.
If you’ve followed these tips, your home should be bee-free. However, if you’re still having trouble with an infestation, contact a pest control company for help. Make sure to select a company that specializes in bee and wasp removal.
In addition, you can also take steps to help the bee population in your area. Plant native flowers and shrubs that attract bees and other beneficial insects, and avoid using pesticides as much as possible.
8. A Sweet Natural Alternative – Actions for a Balanced Existence
It’s no secret that leading a balanced life is beneficial for mind, body, and soul. And, if you’re looking for an alternative to the constant caffeine and sweets you rely on to make it through your day, here are 8 sweet natural actions that can provide a much-needed break-through.
- Meditation: Take 5-10 minutes out of your day to relax, breathe, clear your mind, and get in tune with the present moment. This is a powerhouse action – reconnecting you with yourself and your environment.
- Yoga: This ancient practice has been a go-to for thousands of years to invigorate and energise the body and mind. By aligning breath with movement and connecting our physical and spiritual capabilities, yoga offers a holistic approach to balance and self-care.
- Sleep: One of the most underrated keys to a balanced lifestyle is getting enough sleep. It allows the body and mind to repair, restore and reset – creating a sense of strength and purpose for the day ahead.
- Walk in Nature: Nature is known for its calming and healing qualities, and a beautiful walk is an effective way to replenish your energy levels. Not only can it boost your mood, but the fresh air and movement can provide the clarity and grounding that we often miss.
By taking time to adopt some of these sweet natural alternatives, you can find your balance and the harmony you desire for living a healthier and happier life.
Implementing small steps day-by-day will help to create an integrated practice you can rely on for a lifetime.
If you find that bees have become a pesky problem in your home, then you now have the tools and knowledge to do your part in bee conservation while keeping them out of your home. Get back to enjoying the outdoors without the buzzing and take advantage of these natural bee repellents. Bzzz-be gone!
