With a delicate balance of fragrances and scents that appeal to our sense of smell, it can be easy to forget that plants use scents for a much more intriguing purpose. Plants use scents to attract pollinators like bees. But, did you know that certain scents can actually make bees flee? So dive into this article to find out all about the scents that give bees the heebie-jeebies and could even protect your home from them!
1. What Are ?
Bees have a very sensitive sense of smell, which is used to help them find food and identify the different plants which provide the best sources of nectar. However, some scents are enough to give the creatures the heebie-jeebies. Below is a list of some of these scents that bees hate:
- Lavender – this has been said to repel bees in much the same way that it repels mosquitos. When rubbed onto the skin, it will provide some protection against stings too.
- Mint – the strong smell of peppermint, spearmint, and other mints, can be unpleasant and irritable to bees.
- Garlic – this is another scent that can be used as a repellant, but has only a limited effect when compared to some of the other repellants out there.
- Citrus – lemons, oranges, and limes all have strong scents, and lemon essential oil is often used as an insect repellant.
It’s no secret that certain scents can affect bees’ behaviour, but it might be surprising to discover how many scents can have such an effect. As well as the four scents listed above, other odors can also have some sort of impact. For example, heavily perfumed soaps and detergents, strong air fresheners, and even wood smoke, can all irritate and repel bees.
For the best protection, it’s recommended to avoid over-scenting your environment, and if you find yourself surrounded by bees consider wearing scent-free clothing or perfumes.
2. What Causes Bees to Fear Certain Scents?
Flowery Fragrances
Bees dislike fragrances that resemble those of a flower’s nectar, as they have built up a habit of flying away from such smells to protect themselves from potential danger. This is because fragrances from unknown plants may contain toxins that can be harmful to their health. Certain synthetic fragrances containing certain chemicals, such as cinnamaldehyde, are known to give off smells similar to that of flower nectar.
Citrus Scents
Different types of citrus scents can be quite off-putting for bees and may cause them to flee the area. This fear is scientifically related to the citrus family as, in general, its plants produce a natural defense system known as furanocoumarins. These chemicals trigger an unpleasant reaction, such as an increased heart rate, in the bee. One example of such a plant is lemon balm, which a bee may fly away from in order to avoid any potentially adverse effects on their health.
- Bees may flee from a flowery fragrance, as it may contain toxins.
- Citrus scents cause bees to flee due to a natural defense system present in the citrus family.
3. The Science Behind Scents that Scare Bees
The science behind smells that repel bees still remains a mystery. In the world of entomology, much is still left to be understood about this elusive topic. Nevertheless, there are some facts we do know:
- Oils – some oils like peppermint and clove tend to scare away bees.
- Herbs – certain kinds of herbs like hyssop and spearmint repel insects effectively.
- Spices – some spices like cumin and garlic can help repel bees.
Studies have shown that some smells act as an irritant to bees, causing them to avoid the area where the smell is present. This is not always the case, however, as some smells may attract bees instead. For example, the pollen from certain flowers can draw bees in even if certain scents are present.
Most importantly, it is essential to note that using natural scents to repel bees is generally less effective than using insecticides. As such, we recommend using insecticides in instances of infestations where natural scents do not suffice.
4. What to Avoid When Dealing with Bees
When encountering bees, it’s important to know what behaviors to avoid so as to not provoke an attack or any unwanted behavior. Here are four things to keep in mind when dealing with bees.
Don’t Wear Bright Colors: Brightly colored clothing will draw the attention of the bee and make them think you’re some kind of flower. Opt for neutral colors, like tan, khaki, olive, and light brown to avoid attracting bees.
Keep Away From Colony Locations: If you happen to stumble across a bee colony, you should move away as quickly and quietly as possible. Do not linger, as this can cause the bees to swarm and become extremely defensive of their habitat.
Avoid Strong Smells: Strong fragrances and smells, like perfumes, aftershave, and heavily scented body sprays can make the bees suspicious and lead to an attack. Refrain from using these types of products when near a bee habitat.
Steer Clear of Sweets: Sweet desserts and candy are a sure-fire way to entice bees to your location. Avoid eating sweet treats around bees and keep your distance if you encounter one near these kinds of foods.
5. Recommendations for Natural Alternatives to Scents that Repel Bees
When faced with a swarm of pesky bees, homeowners must not resort to hazardous chemical solutions to keep these winged irritants away. There are several natural alternatives for deterring bees that are just as effective, if not more so!
Essential Oils are natural scent deterrents that you can use to your advantage. Popular oils to consider include lavender, geranium, peppermint, and lemongrass. You can also opt for a mixture of several of these oils. When using essential oils to drive away bees, you can either spray them into the air or dab a few drops onto cotton balls and place them wherever bees tend to linger.
Plants can be another natural alternative. Certain flowers and herbs create scents that are unappealing to bees. These include rosemary, basil, catnip, spearmint, and sage. You could try planting some of these plants in your garden or around the areas where bees tend to appear.
Fake Nest can be used to fool bees. Hang a paper wasp nest in the area; the presence of the nest will likely repel the bees.
By using these natural alternatives, you can protect your property from bee infestations without having to resort to hazardous chemicals.
6. The Benefits of Replacing Bees’ Heebie-Jeebies-Inducing Scents
One of is that it can help protect bees from predators. Bees rely on their sense of smell to detect danger and create a safe environment for themselves. By replacing the smell with a sweet smell, such as a floral scent, bees can be fooled into thinking that the area is safe and are less likely to experience dangerous encounters.
Another benefit of replacing bees’ heebie-jeebies-inducing scents is that it can make them more comfortable in the environment. Since bees rely on their sense of smell to orient themselves, a pleasant smell can help them feel more relaxed in their environment. This has the potential to reduce stress levels and improve the overall wellbeing of the colony.
Lastly, replacing bees’ heebie-jeebies-inducing scents can make them more attractive to flowers and plants. Bees are often attracted to sweet scents, which can help encourage them to pollinate more flowers, leading to a greater abundance of plant life. This can be especially beneficial in areas where the population of bees has dwindled and needs assistance in recovery.
- Protects bees from predators
- Makes them more comfortable and relaxed
- Attracts bees to pollinate more flowers and plants
7. Is There a Place for Pesticides in Dealing with Bees?
As concern and awareness about the decline of honeybees and other pollinator species has increased, the reliance on and use of pesticides in modern agriculture has come into question.
But Can Pesticides Play a Role in Helping Bees?
Pesticides can take a place in helping to protect bees in multiple ways. The most effective way is to understand the complex life cycle of bees and the pests that damage their populations and finding a balance to manage them.
- Pesticides can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, physical removal of pests or releasing predators for pest management.
- Pests like the varroa mite spread viruses throughout bee colonies, and effective pest management with pesticides has been proven to greatly reduce bee losses due to viruses.
- Monitoring and judicious use of pesticides can help limit the damage wrought by mites, fungi, and other pests.
However, too great a reliance on pesticides can delay the development of resistant bee populations, and bees tend to become too dependent upon chemical treatments, leaving them vulnerable in the long run. Therefore, the effectiveness of pesticides in helping bees must be balanced with physical removal and other non-chemical methods.
8. Taking the Bees’ Fears Seriously: Why Attending to their Heebie-Jeebies Matters
When discussing beekeeping, perhaps the most important step in the process is acknowledging the dread that bees feel. It’s necessary to give attention to the bees’ heebie-jeebies, as doing so can help ensure a successful harvest and the wellbeing of the bees themselves.
Reasons To Take Their Anxiety Seriously
- Put The Bees At Ease – Making sure that the bees are relaxed in their environment is key to a successful hive.
- Prevent Diseases From Spreading – If bees are kept in a stressful environment, it can lead to certain diseases propagating in the hive, resulting in large losses for the apiary.
- Keep Them Healthy – Keeping bees in a safe space will give them the best chance of a healthy and long life.
It’s important to educate oneself on the habits of bees. By studying their behavior, it can be much easier to identify factors that can make them uncomfortable. Uninvited guests, loud noises, and sudden vibrations can send the hive into a panic. All of these must be avoided in order to ensure the bees are living in a healthy and stress-free environment.
The surroundings of the hive can also make a big difference. For example, having a garden nearby with plenty of plants is beneficial as it provides numerous sources of sustenance. On top of that, providing shelter from wind, rain, and other environmental threats is also important. All of these will put the bees in a better stance to thrive.
Taking the bees’ fears seriously pays off in the long run. Allowing them to properly establish their home is the first step to a fruitful beekeeping journey. From young bumbles to ancient honey makers, a wide range of bees can be kept away with a careful mix of particular scents. Just remember to be mindful of the environment and tread lightly on our little winged friends. There’s no need to make them jittery, after all!
