The smell of a summer garden is enough to take away any worries! But in the depths of summer, the sweet smell of nectar and pollen may also attract pesky bees. Let’s look at the smells that keep bees away, so you can enjoy the garden’s summery scents worry-free.
1. Why Bees Don’t Like Certain Smells
Bees have a keen sense of smell and delicate palates, with most bees unable to tolerate strong, unpleasant odors. They don’t following the scent of certain smells as some may discourage them from collecting nectar and building hives. Here are a few of the smells bees don’t tend to like:
- Flowers with strong over-powering scents – Many flowers give off distinct fragrances and bees typically only bother the ones with pleasant aromas. Anything too strong can be too overpowering from a bee’s perspective, and therefore, less appealing.
- Substances with strong odors – If a bee happens to come across a chemical with a particularly pungent smell, they may be so stunned that they immediately choose to vacate the area. Some of the more common and culprits include gasoline, perfumes, and detergents
- Pesticide and Herbicides – Bee colonies are adversely affected by the presence of these chemicals, which are responsible for the development of possible disabilities in bee colonies and the inability of more developed honeycombs to produce honey. Research has revealed that their presence not only produces a smell, but also changes the taste of nectar, making it essentially intolerable to bees.
Bees also seem to be affected by weather conditions, with winds that are too strong being particularly hard for them to navigate. When temperatures reach particularly cold or hot levels, bees often redouble their efforts to secure the nectar from certain flowers, flying from flower to flower in search of the sweetest spots.
At the end of the day, bees are very sensitive to their environment, so it is important to keep the area free from any smells or substances that could potentially disturb them. Doing so can help allow them to get back to the important job of pollinating flowers and trees and maintaining the natural environment.
2. Top 5 Pungent Scents That Repel Bees
Woodsmoke
Woodsmoke is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to keeping bees away. Whether you’re burning wood in a campfire, in a fireplace, or even in a wood-fired oven, woodsmoke is a great natural defense against bees. The smoke masks your scent and makes you less inviting to bees and other pesky insects.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has been used for centuries to ward off bees due to its strong scent. You can apply undiluted eucalyptus oil directly onto your skin or clothing before venturing outdoors. However, this should be used with caution, as eucalyptus oil can cause skin irritation in some people.
Mint
Mint is a fantastic scent for keeping bees away from your yard. You can grow mint plants in your garden, or use essential oils such as peppermint or spearmint. Bees dislike the smell of mint and will stay away from it.
Lemon
Lemon is a great addition to your bee-deterrence arsenal. Lemons are naturally full of citric acid, and their scent is strong enough to keep bees away. You can use the juice of undiluted lemon to create a natural spray, perfect for spritzing around yourself and the areas you will be working in.
Garlic
Garlic is another powerful scent when it comes to deterring bees. You can mince fresh garlic and spread it around the perimeter of your yard, or buy garlic-based products such as garlic granules or garlic sprays. Just make sure to not get any of the garlic in your eyes or your mouth, as it can cause irritation.
3. Natural Insect Repellents for Outdoor Use
Unwanted insects can be a major irritant when outdoors. Thankfully nature provides us with some natural, earth-friendly and chemical-free ways to ward off those pesky intruders. Here’s three of the best :
- Black Pepper and Olive Oil: A quick and simple way to create your own insect repellent is to combine some black pepper and olive oil. Apply a several drops of the mix onto the skin and insects stay away.
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: This is perhaps the most powerful natural insect repellent you can use outdoors. It’s been proven to be just as effective, as DEET, one of the leading chemical repellents. Just be sure to follow the instructions when applying.
- Catnip Spray: Catnip has been found to be ten time more effective than DEET at deterring insects. Use in the same manner as Lemon Eucalyptus Oil for similar results.
Each of these natural repellents should last around two to three hours before needing to be reapplied. Making them the perfect choice for a barbeque, picnic or a day at the beach.
Just remember, while these natural remedies are effective, they’re not always enough. Taking precautions such as wearing long sleeves and trousers, and avoiding fragrances, can help keep pesky insects away.
4. Getting Creative with Natural Aromas
When it comes to aromatherapy, there’s no shortage of natural ingredients to choose from. From lavender, rose, and peppermint, to chamomile, lemon, and jasmine; the possibilities are endless. The key to creating an effective, pleasant atmosphere is to combine these ingredients in a way that is both innovative and effective.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with a few combinations of your own. To get started, take stock of the fragrances and spices available in your kitchen or garden. Try to source organic ingredients, whenever possible. Here are some of our favorite mixes to try out:
- Lavender and Orange: This classic combination creates a pleasant, earthy aroma. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a teaspoonful of freshly-squeezed orange juice, and adjust the ratio to your preference.
- Cinnamon, Sugar and Vanilla: Keep your home smelling of yummy desserts! Mix equal parts ground cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Place it in a pot of distilled water and simmer it on your stovetop.
- Lemon, Ginger and Cloves: For a refreshing zest of flavor, mix a few drops of lemon and ginger oil with fresh cloves in a small bowl. Hang it up near your windows to filter the smell throughout the house.
When using natural aromas, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your health and safety. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be applied directly to the skin without some kind of dilution. If you experience any reactions, consult with a doctor immediately.
Creating natural fragrances and aromas can be an enjoyable and therapeutic experience. With a little bit of imagination, you can create delightful fragrances to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
5. How to Make Your Own Beeswax Repellent
Making your own beeswax repellent can be a simple and effective way to protect your plants from the nuisance of bees. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Pure beeswax pellets
- Fragrant essential oils of your choosing
- Shea butter
- A large glass jar with a lid
- A double-boiler (or a stainless-steel bowl that fits snugly over a pot)
- A wooden spoon
Once you’ve gathered all your materials, you’re ready to get started. Begin by melting some beeswax pellets in your stainless steel bowl over a double boiler. Once the pellets are fully melted, add some shea butter to create a nice texture. For scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Mix your ingredients together and pour the mixture into your glass jar. Allow it to cool off and harden. Once the repellent is ready, take the jar and smear it liberally onto any plants you’d like to protect from bees. Reapply every few days for maximum protection!
6. Keeping Bees Away from Your Home and Garden
Bees are essential to nature and play a vital role in our ecosystem. However, they can also be a nuisance and even a danger if they’re attracted to your home and garden. Here are some tips to help you keep bees from buzzing around your property:
- Install screens on all windows and doors: Make sure all openings to your house, including windows, doors and vents, are screened so bees cannot enter.
- Eliminate sources of food and water: nectar-producing flowers and plants, as well as water sources, such as bird baths, can attract bees. If possible, remove these sources or place them away from your home and garden.
Eliminate nesting sites: If you have hollow trees or shrubs in your yard, bees may use them as nesting sites. If possible, remove these or seal them shut.
Use insecticides: If you have a large bee population in your yard, you may want to use an insecticide. However, you should make sure to use one that is safe for bees, as some can be harmful to them.
- Keep a lookout for nests: If you spot a bee’s nest, contact a professional for help in removing it safely.
- Secure garbage cans and recycling bins: Make sure your garbage cans and recycling bins are properly sealed so bees are not attracted to them.
By following these steps, you’ll help keep bees away from your home and garden. This can minimize or eliminate their negative impacts while still allowing them to play their essential role in nature.
7. Understanding the Links Between Smells and Insect Behavior
Insect behavior is heavily dependent on their sense of smell. Many plants have developed methods to use scent to attract pollinators, as well as defense compounds that work as deterrents for pests. Understanding the connections between scents and insect behavior can be essential for conservation and pest management.
Insects use smell receptors in their antennae, called olfactory organs, to detect scents in the air. These receptors can detect molecules at extremely low levels, making them highly-sensitive to even the faintest of odors. The smell receptors send signals to the insect brain, telling the insect to either investigate further or move away.
Insects can respond to smell in a myriad of ways. For example:
- Sexual Attraction: Scents produced by some plants, from vibrant blooms to savory leaves, can be attractive to mating partners.
- Food Attraction: Certain plant scents can draw insects to a food source. If a plant produces a sweet smell, it will be more likely to attract pollinators. Conversely, scents that are sour or pungent are often deterrents for pests.
- Warning: Many insect predators will emit pungent chemical signals when they detect prey. These signals alert nearby insects to stay away.
By understanding how odors spur insect behavior, protectors of the natural environment can make decisions that reduce harm to insect populations and the ecosystem at large.
8. What to Do If You Encounter a Swarm of Bees
If you come across a cluster of bees, try to remain calm and don’t panic! Swarming bees are generally only defensive – they will not pursue you unless disturbed. However, if provoked, they will sting as a defense mechanism.
Here are some practical tips on :
- Avoid making sudden movements. Stand still and don’t flail your arms around. If possible, stand or sit down, or move away slowly and calmly.
- Don’t swat at the bees. This will only agitate them and cause them to sting.
- Don’t run. While it is natural to feel alarmed, running will put you more at risk. As with making sudden movements, it may frighten the bees and cause them to sting.
- Cover your face. Use your clothing or the surrounding area to protect yourself.
If the bee swarm is near your home or a busy public place, consider calling a professional beekeeper or exterminator to have them safely removed. Don’t attempt to handle a bee swarm on your own as you may receive multiple stings or risk serious injury.
Bees might seem like pesky creatures, but they are essential for ensuring that flowers can reproduce, and help to balance the ecosystem by pollinating. Thankfully, these fragrant scents can help to keep them away without damaging the environment in any way. Now, you can enjoy a summer BBQ with your friends without having to worry about these buzzing bugs!
