It’s the height of summer and you’ve just settled down by the pool to soak up some sunshine. The peace and quiet suddenly disturbed as a group of buzzing bees descend upon your property. While it’s nice to have the beauty of nature around, no one likes an uninvited guest, and it can be stressful trying to figure out how to keep the bees off your turf. Fortunately, there are ways to kick the bees out of your yard and pool quickly and professionally. Read on to find out more.
1. Get Ready for Bee-Free Summer Days
Make sure you don’t get caught out in the open without an insect-repellent this summer season! As the temperature rises so does the swarms of bees, so take the necessary precautions to prepare for an enjoyable bee-free summer.
Pick up an insect-repellent of your preference - A store-bought insect repellent will be the most effective way to keep the bees away. There are a variety of options available, from sprays to lotions, choose whatever works best for you and your needs. Find one that contains natural ingredients, such as citronella or lemongrass, and is formulated with your wellbeing in mind.
Avoid sweet scents – Bees get drawn to sweet smells and can be easily attracted to perfumes. So, if you don’t want a surprise bee encounter, it is best to keep away from strong scents or sweet-smelling products.
Choose loose-fitted clothing – Opt for light-colored and breathable clothing during summer. The loose-fitted clothes will cover you best and protect you from encounters with bees. Avoid dark colors such as black, navy, and brown as these attract bees.
- Keep all sweet food away from open
- Stay alert when in public areas and parks
- Ensure skin is covered at all times
2. Make a Plan to Outsmart Bees
You don’t want to live in a world of fear and possible bee stings, so it’s important to have a plan of action for how to outsmart any potential bee encounters. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose your wardrobe wisely. Bright colors and floral prints can attract bees, so it’s best to opt for plain dark colors and avoid any strong perfumes.
- Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors. Open cans and bottles of sugary beverages may draw bees to you.
- Look out for bee nests or hives. If you are in an area that is prone to bee activity, it is important to stay on the lookout for any areas that may have higher concentrations of bees.
It’s also important to remember that bees usually don’t sting unless they feel threatened. Therefore, it is best to remain calm and avoid any sudden movements if you find yourself near them. Make sure to walk away slowly if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Don’t forget: you can outsmart bees, but you can never outrun them!
3. Move Bee Hives Out of Your Yard
Relocation Is Necessary
Bee hives can be a nuisance in your yard. Not only do they create a buzzing sound that can be alarming and off-putting, but they can also pose a threat to the health of you, your family, and your pets. Fortunately, moving bee hives out of your yard can be surprisingly easy.
Most bee hives can be relocated without killing the bees. Depending on the season and the particular hive, you may be able to use Bee Boxes to capture the bees and their honeycomb without harm. Alternatively, you can use an insect fogger to drive the bees away from the hive and into the box. Usually, the fogger will send the bees scattering and they will not return to the hive.
When selecting a new location for the bees, remember that they will need access to food and water. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect spot:
- Look for sunny areas with plenty of natural pollen sources, like flowering plants and trees.
- Avoid low-lying areas near rivers, ponds, lakes, or creeks, as bees tend to drown in standing water.
- Try to find an area away from humans and pets, as bees can be defensive and aggressive if they feel threatened.
- Choose an area with enough airflow to keep the hive cool in summer and warm in winter.
Moving bee hives away from your yard can be a simple process, but you should consider calling a professional beekeeper if you are unsure or uncomfortable handling bee hives yourself. They will be able to safely move the bees and place them in an appropriate area.
4. Seal Up Entry Points to Keep Bees Away
Have you noticed bees flocking near around your windows and doorways? If so, it’s time to start sealing up entry points.
Start by doing a thorough inspection of your home and garden, looking for any potential entryways for bees. Some common sources of entry include cracks in walls and foundations, small openings around windows and doors, clogged gutters, and gaps around utility lines and pipes. If you identify open spaces where bees can get in, close them up. You can use caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool depending on the size and material of the gap.
In addition to fixing the gaps, it’s also important to make sure you have adequate ventilation. Bees need oxygen to survive, so ensure there are enough screened openings in places like downstairs windows, roof vents, and crawl spaces to keep air circulating. Talking to a local bee expert or trained professional can help you identify the best ventilation solutions for your space.
Here are some other measures to keep in mind:
- Install bee-proof screens on all windows
- Seal any openings or cracks first with steel wool, then caulk
- Check eaves and rooflines for gaps
- Check around utility lines and pipes for small openings
- Utilize bee-proof mesh in windows and doorways
- Eliminate standing water from flowerpots and birdbaths near windows
Don’t forget about advanced solutions like specialist bee repellents and insecticides. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and read product reviews before making a purchase. With these simple steps, you can help keep bees away from your home and make your outdoor environment safe and bee-free.
5. Repel Bees from the Pool with Natural Remedies
Having a pool on your property can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you get to benefit from the lovely summertime lounge time and swimming activities to cool off. On the other hand, you may be plagued with pesky bees that want to join in the fun too. For those who don’t mind sharing a bit of their pool with these buzzing insects, that’s just fine. But if you’d rather enjoy the pool in peace, here are a few natural remedies to keep the bees away:
- Plant Lavender. Planting lavender around the edge of your pool will keep the bees away, thanks to its distinct smell. The aroma of these pretty purple flowers is a natural repellent to bees.
- Essential Oils. Citronella, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil are great natural repellents that bees find unpleasant. Dilute these oils with a carrier oil of your choice and apply along the edges of the pool or spray liberally in the air.
- Rosemary. Have you ever noticed how bees seem to fly away when you burn rosemary? This is because they can’t stand the smell. Burn a bit of rosemary around the pool (be sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby) and the bees will fly away quickly.
These simple methods can stop the pesky bees from hovering around your poolside, so you can relax without the constant buzzing. If you’re lucky, you may also be visited by the bees’ gentler cousins – the butterflies!
6. Opt for Bee-Friendly Methods
Bees are essential to many ecosystems, responsible for pollinating numerous plants and providing keystone species for food webs. With human activity contributing to their decline, it’s important to take steps to foster ‘bee-friendly’ methods. Here are some of the most effective and easily implemented strategies.
- Grow bee-friendly plants. Planting bee-friendly flowers are essential to sustaining bee populations. Native wildflowers are particularly attractive to bees. By additionally steering away from heavily-bred ornamental plants, you’ll be providing urban bees with the much-needed foods and habitats they deserve.
- Refrain from using harsh pesticides. Monoculture practices and the use of systemic, broad-spectrum pesticides damage bee populations, and so these should be avoided. Instead, you can choose more targeted, natural insecticides, such as pheromone traps and companion planting.
Build or buy a bee box. Bee boxes provide a safe haven for honey bees and bumblebees to build their nests and lay eggs. If you want to set up a permanent bee box in your garden, seek advice from your local beekeeper on the best way to build one and also make sure that you use the right materials for the job. You could also opt to buy a bee box from an ethical source, or look into renting a beehive.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll be offering assistance to bee populations and helping to facilitate environmental equilibrium. Such measures demonstrate a respect for the environment, and ultimately benefit humans and bees alike.
7. Choose Chemical-Free Pesticides as a Last Resort
There is no denying the fact that pests can cause a lot of damage to plants and crops. Unfortunately, using chemical pesticides can further aggravate the situation. Not only are these substances toxic to plants and crops, but they are also dangerous to humans and animals. However, when all else fails, chemical-free pesticides can be used as a last resort.
Organic pesticides are an ideal alternative to chemical-based ones in terms of safety and effectiveness. These types of pesticides are made from naturally occurring substances, such as sulfur, neem oil, and garlic. This makes them a healthier option, since they are free of the toxic chemicals found in many chemical pesticides. Additionally, organic pesticides are plant-friendly and won’t contaminate the soil or groundwater.
In addition to organic pesticides, there are also a few other chemical-free pest options. For example, biological control can be used to keep pests from overrunning your plants and crops. By introducing beneficial predators or parasites into the growing area, you can target specific pests and get rid of them without harming the environment.
Finally, there are mechanical techniques that can be used in combination with organic and biological treatments. These include trapping pests, adjusting environments to make them less inviting, or physically removing them.
Overall, while chemical pesticides may seem like the easiest option, they can cause more harm than good. Therefore, when all else fails, it is best to choose chemical-free options such as organic pesticides, biological controls, or mechanical techniques.
- Organic pesticides are a healthier alternative to chemical ones.
- Biological control can be used to target specific pests.
- Mechanical techniques like trapping, adjusting environments or removing pests can also be used.
8. Be Prepared for Future Bee Invasions
Now that you’ve taken the steps to mitigate bee invasions in the present, it’s also important to plan for future bee invasions. Here are a few tips to ensure your home and garden remain bee-free:
- Check for bees around your property regularly – bees tend to come back to areas that they have already discovered.
- Evaluate your plants. If you find some that may attract bees, reconsider your landscaping
- Caulk, seal, and fill cracks or openings that could potentially allow bees’ entry to your home.
Be sure to check potential nesting spots like fences, walls, wood, and chimneys. Should you find any evidence of bee nests in any of these places, take aggressive steps to remove them.
If you cannot remove them on your own, call a professional who can. Not only will they be able to rid you of the bees, but they can also help determine why the bees are present in the first place and reduce the chances of the same thing happening again.
Remember, bees can remain inactive for four months or more and may come back when the weather warms up.
Finally, don’t forget to monitor the temperature. Bumblebees prefer to nest in colder environments, so keeping areas cool and dry can help discourage them for settling down. Make sure to also double-check outdoor lights and remove any sources of water or nectar from around the house.
When the time comes, you’ll be ready to protect your home from bee invasions.
Creating a bee-free outdoor space can seem like a struggle, but it’s not impossible. With the correct supplies, knowledge, and techniques, your hard work can pay off and make sure your backyard is bee-free for years to come.
