Whether it’s the warmth of summer or the chill of spring, most of us can agree that buzzing bees can be an annoyance! Although it can be tricky to effectively keep bees away, thankfully there are a number of natural methods you can try to maintain a bee-free environment. Here we provide some top tips on how to keep bees away naturally, and how to effectively enjoy your space without the interruption of bees.
1. Natural Solutions to Keep Bees at Bay
Bees can be a definite nuisance, especially during the summer months. Fortunately, there are several natural solutions you can use to keep the bees away and protect your yard and garden.
Herbal repellents, such as citronella, are one of the simplest and most effective natural solutions when it comes to keeping bees away. Try mixing an ounce of essential oil such as citronella or peppermint with a gallon of water. Spray the solution around the yard to create a scent barrier that bees will find unpleasant and avoid.
Hang a bundle of fragrant flowers and herbs from the porch or deck to keep bees away. Rosemary, lavender, and ribwort are three plants in particular that have strong odors and will help repel bees.
You should also keep food and water sources away from your home and garden to prevent bees from coming close. Make sure your trash cans have tight lids and that no food is left outside to attract bees. Plant bee-friendly flowers, like daisies or dahlias, far away from the porch area.
Additionally, try planting mint around the perimeter of your yard to create a natural scent barrier that will help deter bees. If you notice a large bee population in your area, you may need to increase the frequency or intensity of the repellents you use.
2. Avoiding the Buzz: Strategies to Keep Bee Activity to a Minimum
Bees aren’t typically a nuisance, but if their activity in your garden or home is getting out of hand, it can become a problem. Luckily, there are a few strategies you can use to prevent bees from buzzing around too much:
- Eliminate flower sources – While flowers need pollination to thrive, regularly removing blossoms will help keep the bee population in check. Try to keep the number of plants blooming at a given time to a minimum.
- Prepare a bee bath – Providing a shallow dish or tray filled with water, rocks, and twigs is a great way to give bees access to fresh water without them lingering too close to your home or garden.
- Avoid any scented products – Everything from perfumes to air fresheners can attract bees, so keep those products away from your windows and doors.
There are plenty of ways to minimize the presence of bees near your home. While some people opt for traps, be aware that these can be harmful to bees, so it’s best to exhaust every available option before deploying a trap. Additionally, you could also consider growing bee-attracting plants like lavender, lupines, coneflowers, and oregano, as reducing the habitat of these plants could drive bees away.
With the right strategies in place, you’ll be able to discourage bee activity and enjoy your garden or home with family and friends. Do this safely and without disrupting the natural environment.
3. Bee-Proof your Garden: Ten Tips to Keep Plants Protected
If you’re an avid gardener, you know that bees are an essential part of any vegetable plot. However, these helpful insects can sometimes cause problems while they’re taking advantage of your bounty. Here are ten tips to keep your garden bee-proof and protect your precious plants.
Check Your Plants for Damaged Blooms
Before you attempt to ward off bees, it’s important to make sure they’re the ones responsible for any damaged blooms. Check the base of your plants for telltale holes; these could be signs of other pests. While you’re at it, you may need to address larger issues like lack of sunlight or dampness that may be inhibiting your plants’ growth.
Install Physical Barriers
If you’ve determined that bees are your problem, it’s time to take action. One of the most effective ways to protect your plants is to install physical barriers. This could be as simple as covering vegetables with a towel or as complex as wiring a cage around them. Consider investing in a mesh netting to wrap around red or blue-flowering plants to deter bees.
Blend Plant Varieties and Placement
- Choose flowers in different colors and sizes.
- Mix types of plants, such as annuals, perennials, and shrubs.
- Put your bee-favored plants downwind of those you’d like to protect.
- Create 1+ yards of space between these two groupings.
In addition to installing physical barriers, try blending types of plants together in the garden. Most bees prefer blue and red shades, along with certain flower shapes and sizes. See if this tactic works for your garden; it could help protect the plants you don’t want to see damaged.
4. Hiring an Expert: When DIY Remedies Aren’t Enough
DIY remedies aren’t always enough when it comes to your home. Sometimes, you have no choice but to hire a professional. From damaged ceilings to leaky pipes, an expert should be the go-to person for complicated jobs.
Benefits of Hiring an Expert:
- They have the latest tools and different ways of approaching a job
- They have the expertise needed to get the job done right the first time
- They know how to assess the situation and provide the best solution possible
- They can provide tips and advice for future problems
Finding the right professional for the job can seem daunting. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for recommendations. Check online for reviews or even for the professional’s website to make sure they can meet your expectations. Once you’ve narrowed it down, it’s best to get a few quotes or bids to compare.
Get the job done right the first time. Hire an expert and you won’t regret it. Remember, though, that hiring a qualified professional doesn’t automatically guarantee success. It just guarantees that the job will be done correctly.
5. Interrupting the Bee’s Radar: Strategies To Disorient Them
The radar of the bee can be annoying and infuriating, especially if you’re trying to get work done outdoors. To interrupt the radar and clear the area of these pesky critters there are a few strategies you can try.
- Motion – Flapping bright colourful fabric pieces or hanging a wind chime can be effective. The movement and sound should be enough to disrupt a bee’s radar.
- Smoke – Bees are sensitive to smoke and it can disrupt their radar. To use this strategy, a bee smoker is necessary, and it should be filled with fuel such as cotton, paper, or pine needles. Releasing the smoke where the bees are located should make them take flight.
- Scented Candles – This one is controversial as different bees have different sensitivities. Some people advise against using scented candles as the scent could attract bees. However, in some cases, the scent is strong enough to disrupt their radar.
Using any of these strategies should be enough to confuse and disperse the bees around you. There are also commercial products available that can give the same results. While these techniques won’t keep them away forever, it should make the area a lot less bee-friendly.
6. Easy Detox: Cleansing Strategies to Remove Pheromones
Our bodies produce pheromones – fragrant chemicals used in communication between animals. Although our body does a good job at breaking these pheromones down, an overly large amount of them can cause irritation. That’s why cleansing strategies should be used to remove excess pheromones.
Here are some effective and simple cleansing strategies to remove pheromones:
- Eat healthy and balanced meals: Eating a healthy and balanced diet gives your body the energy it needs to function properly and efficientely break down pheromones.
- Take detox baths: Detox baths cleanse the skin from toxins and impurities, including excess pheromones.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps nourish the skin and maintain a healthy balance of pheromones.
- Use essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, are known to fight pheromones.
Cleansing strategies used to remove pheromones require consistency- you won’t see results over night. Stick to these strategies for best results. Once excess pheromones are removed, your skin will feel smooth and clean.
7. Insect Repellent: Natural Remedies to Keep Bees Out of Your Space
Bees are a natural part of the environment, but no one wants them buzzing around their home or outdoor space. If you’re looking for an effective and natural way to keep the bees away, try one of these insect repellents!
1. Cucumbers – Cucumbers are a surprisingly effective insect repellent. Merely slice up a cucumber and place the pieces around your outdoor space. The scent will deter bees and other bugs.
2. Peppermint Oil – Not only is this oil great for your health, it’s also an effective insect repellent. To use, create your own natural spray by mixing peppermint oil and water. Spray liberally around your outdoor area to keep bugs away.
3. Garlic and Onions – Pungent vegetables like garlic and onions may not be the most pleasant odor for humans, but they are very effective at keeping bees away. Simply slice up a few cloves of garlic and divide into smaller pieces around your outdoor space.
4. Citronella Oil – This essential oil is used commercially in many insect repellents. You can create your own citronella oil mixture to ward off the bees. Simply mix 6 tablespoons of oil to ¼ cup of mild liquid soap and dilute with enough water to make a spray.
Use these natural remedies to keep bees away from outdoor areas. Not only are they effective at deterring insects, but they’re also safe and non-toxic.
8. Buzz-Free Bliss: Steps to Maintain an Uninvited Bee-Free Zone
Know your enemy: The first step in maintaining a bee-free zone is to learn about them – what type of bees they are, where they might be living, and what attracts them. Knowing your enemy is key in eliminating them.
Eliminate attractive factors: It is important to understand the type of bee you are dealing with, as well as what attracts them. Some general rules of thumb are to make sure that your garden is kept free of excess vegetation, flowers, and sweet syrup-like substances. Removing these factors should make your garden less appealing to these pesky creatures.
Cover up entry points: Bees are particularly good at finding their way in through small cracks and crevices, so it is important to make sure that your home is properly sealed in order to keep these uninvited guests out. Using caulk and weatherstrips are the best way to close any gaps around windows, doors, and other entry points.
Know when to call for help: In some cases, you may need professional help in removing an established bee colony. It is important to call a bee exterminator immediately if you suspect that you have a bee infestation. Professional bee removal is the most effective and safest way to keep your home bee-free.
By following these natural ways to keep bees away, you can enjoy a bee-free summer and bloom in your garden without any worries! Remember, be social and bee-friendly, but please bear in mind – if bees come round, apply these tips and tricks to keep them away, and your summer can be both exciting and sting-free.