Are you having problems with bees invading your home or outdoor space? Are you looking for a simple and natural solution for your bee problems? Then DIY natural bee repellent is the perfect answer! Not only is it easy to make but it’s also better for the environment and your family. Read on to find out more about this easy and inexpensive bee repellent that you can make at home.
1. Honeybee Trouble: An Overview
The Crisis of Honeybee Populations
Honeybees are one of the most important pollinators in the world. Without them, much of the biodiversity we know and love would be in jeopardy. Unfortunately, recent decades have seen a dramatic decrease in the global honeybee population.
The Causes of Colony Collapse
The reasons behind the dramatic decrease in honeybee populations are complex and multi-faceted. Some of the potential causes include:
- Invasive Species
- Inadequate Nutrition
- Pesticide Use
- Habitat Loss
- Loss of Genetic Diversity
- Parasitic Mites
- Disease
Unsurprisingly, the combination of these various factors has had a significant effect on honeybee populations. We simply do not have enough data to identify the most impactful contributors.
The Impact of Honeybee Trouble
Without honeybees, the beauty and bounty of many trees, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other plants is threatened. Beekeepers are faced with increasingly difficult struggles in maintaining hives and raising honeybees. Furthermore, humans are directly impacted by the decline in available honey and beeswax, both of which are used in a variety of products, from candles to lotions.
The honeybee crisis continues to be a problem to this day, with no easy solutions in sight. In order to protect vulnerable pollinators, we must first understand the causes of colony collapse. By doing so, we will empower ourselves to take action to protect our buzzing friends and all of the many species that rely on them for survival.
2. Creating an Inexpensive & Natural Bee Repellent
If dealing with pesky bees is a common problem on your property, it’s time to create an inexpensive and natural bee repellent. Bees are beneficial to the environment, but you don’t need them in your backyard. Here are some surefire tricks to keep them away without breaking the bank.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are natural bee repellents, and many can easily be found in your local health food store. Consider adding a few drops of peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, citronella and/or cedar oils to a spray bottle filled with water. When you need to use your natural bee repellent, spray these oils directly onto any bees present or in areas of bee activity.
Vinegar: If essential oils aren’t your thing, vinegar can also make an effective bee repellent. Create a spray mixture using 25% vinegar and 75% water, and spray it directly onto any bees in the vicinity. The mixture can also be soaked onto a cloth, which can then be wiped off onto surfaces where bees commonly feed.
Mint: A bit of minty freshness may be all you need to keep bees at bay. Planting mint or any mint-scented herbs in close proximity to your garden can be effective in keeping bees away from your plants. You could also try creating a homemade bee repellent using a blend of:
- 2 cups of dried peppermint
- 1 cup of dried spearmint
- 3 cups of boiling water
Once cooled, fill this blend into a spray bottle and apply directly onto bees or bee-infested areas.
3. Gather Your Supplies: What You’ll Need
Collecting Materials
Gathering the right supplies before getting started can mean more efficient work and be a great time-saver down the line. Here’s a list of recommended items you’ll need for tackling your project:
- A set of screwdrivers or drills
- A trusty tape measure
- Gloves, protective eyewear and a face mask
- Sturdy shoes and clothing
- All the relevant screws and nails
- Enough raw material to complete the project
It pays to take a moment and double-check that you have everything you need close at hand. Need to make an extra run to the store? Don’t forget to take the list, and double check it before leaving the store too!
Having the right tools can make a huge difference in how the project turns out. Be sure to only use tools adjusted to the project you’re working on and that aren’t worn out or dangerously dull. Keep an old toothbrush handy for battles with stubborn dirt and screws, and never hesitate to take a break and check if something isn’t working as it’s supposed to.
4. The Magic Mixture: Crafting a Repulsive Recipe
Nobody ever said that crafting a repulsive recipe was easy. But that’s just what we’re here to do: create something so foul, your taste buds—and perhaps your stomach—want nothing to do with it. It’s going to take a magic mixture of ingredients to make it happen.
Let’s start with the basics. We’ll need some core ingredients that no repulsive meal should be without:
- 1 can of sardines
- 2 tablespoons of anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon of horseradish
- 1 jar of pickled herring
Sprinkle a little garlic and ginger for a touch of flavor. Or drop some onions and chives if you’d like. Now, if this isn’t bad enough for you, then it’s time to kick it up a notch.
Here’s where the magic happens. Add a can of creamed corn and a can of liverwurst to the mix. Drizzle a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to top everything off. Finally, sprinkle a bit of sugar to add a subtle sweetness.
Now that you’ve created the magic mixture, the repulsive recipe is almost complete. All you have to do is serve it up and watch your guests wince with disgust. Bon appétit!
5. Application Strategies: How to Keep Bees Away
We all know that bees can be very annoying. But don’t worry, because there are some tips and strategies you can use to effectively keep bees away. Here are five application strategies you can try:
- Cut Out The Food Source – Bees naturally forage for food sources. So if you can cut off their food supply (e.g. spilled sugary drinks), the bees will eventually be driven away in search of necter.
- Encourage Natural Predators – Turns out there are other creatures that feed on bees too! Try encouraging birds, dragonflies, and other outdoor creatures with food and shelter – so that they can feed on the bees.
- Citrus Spray – You can make an effective citrus spray to deter the bees away. Simply mix together equal parts of orange, lemon, and lime juices into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around your outdoor area and it should keep the bees away.
- Essential Oils – This is a great natural remedy to repel bees. Mix several drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, mint, and lemongrass essential oils into a spray bottle. Shake up the mixture and spray it around the area. The smell should keep the bees away.
- Herbs and Spices – If you’re a fan of cooking, then you must know that herbs and spices can be great for a lot of things. They’re also great for keeping bees away! Mix some powdered cayenne pepper, powdered cinnamon, and sage leaves into a container and spread it around the area to keep bees away.
With these five application strategies, you should be able to effectively keep the bees away from your outdoor area. Remember to use them safely and never try to harm the bees!
6. Long-Term Protection: Make It Last
You can make your paint job last for years and years if you take the appropriate steps for long-term protection. The following are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Clean Regularly: Take care to clean your car on a regular basis, preferably every two weeks or whenever it gets dirty. This will keep your car looking pristine and shiny.
- Protect From the Elements: Invest in a product that can protect your car from the elements such as weather, water, dust, and UV light. This is especially important if you live in a place where the weather isn’t always the best.
- Wax and Seal: Waxing and sealing your car will help protect the paint job from damage and fading. It will also help make the car look better for longer.
- Regular Checkups: Make sure to take your car in for regular checkups and maintenance. This will ensure that your paint job is in top shape and that it lasts for years to come.
These are just a few tips for maintaining your car’s paint job for the long haul. With the right care, your paint job can look just as good years down the line as it did the day you bought it.
Make sure to check in with your local car dealership or repair shop if you have any questions about how to best maintain your car’s paint job. They will be able to give you the best advice for your particular make and model.
7. Common Issues & Solutions
Getting the best performance from your device is not always easy. Understanding common issues, their causes, and identifying solutions allow you to quickly repair or address some of the most common problems. Having a basic understanding of the type of issue may help you troubleshoot and solve the problem efficiently.
Hardware Problems
When your device isn’t working correctly, hardware problems are the most likely cause. Common hardware issues can range from devices not connecting to ports or USB not working. Here are a few tips to help you out.
- Power surge: If your device suddenly shuts down or restarts, check your power source. It’s possible one of your devices was affected by a power surge. Try disconnecting your devices from power outlets to reset them.
- Check your cables: Corroded or loose cables can result in devices behaving erratically. Ensure all of your cables are securely connected and not damaged.
Software Problems
Software issues may occur when your operating system gets corrupted or when you don’t have the latest available updates. Here are a few suggestions to help you identify and fix software related problems.
- Run a system scan: Occasionally your system may become corrupted or invaded by a virus. Scanning your system regularly with anti-virus software can help you detect any malicious activity.
- Updates: Keep your system updated with the latest available patches to avoid software bugs and malicious activities. Reinstalling certain drivers may also help.
8. Get Buzzin’: Enjoying a Bee-Free Yard
As warm weather approaches, so too do buzzing visitors. From paper wasps to honeybees, we can annoyingly find ourselves boarsted by a bee’s busy activity. And while we can smartly don a full beekeeper’s suit while trying to steward a colony, the best way to avoid bee intrusions is to bathe your yard in preventative management!
Here are a few tips and tricks for creating a bee- friendly yet bee-free yard:
- Go plant happy: Bees love to munch on an array of flowers, grains, and legumes. Avoid blooming or fragrant flowers near open windows or entryways and instead invest in some tulips, daffodils, or other bee-resistant plants.
- Time for Timing: Stop the swarm and wait until late fall to trim bushes or shrubbery. Plant your best bee-evading plants in late fall or winter when the ground is cold and the bees are in hibernation.
- Clean it up: Bees enjoy a beverage or two; especially if it’s sitting around in buckets and holes. Make sure to clear out any puddles, broken pots, or half-filled bottles in your yard.
We all appreciate a good yard and garden, and with these helpful tips, we can help ensure that our outdoor oasis leaves the bees ‘buzzing off.’
Despite the dangers of having bees in your garden, a DIY bee repellent can be a great and cost-effective way to avoid them. You’ll be happy to know that creating a natural bee repellent is easy and straightforward. Give it a try and keep your flowers, fruits, and greens safe!
