Are you familiar with the saying “It smells so bad it could make a bee fly away”? It turns out there are actually certain scents that can turn away bees, and that can come in very handy if you want to keep your house and yard free of these buzzing pests. Read on to find out more about smells that really do make bees flee!
1. The Sweet Aroma of Evasion: Exploring the Scents that Scare Bees
It should come as no great surprise that bees, with their highly sensitive olfactory system and sophisticated brains, are rather easily frightened. This means that when something unpleasant wafts their way, they’ll scatter and seek a refuge elsewhere. And while bees can easily detect a certain scent, they don’t necessarily understand the concept of odor in the same way humans do.
Getting started in evasion with scents
There are a number of scents that can be used to scare away bees, and these falls into two main categories:
- Insecticides like DEET
- Natural scents like cloves and mint
Insecticides are highly effective, but they can also be hazardous to humans and the environment. Natural scents, on the other hand, are much safer – and cheaper – though they must be applied at strategic moments to achieve the desired outcome.
The most effective natural scent to use for bee deterrence is citronella, a derivative of the lemon verbena plant. Mixing this with other bee-repelling scents like clove, eucalyptus, and mint, can help to create an even more powerful combination. Air spraying these ingredients periodically will stop those pesky little pollinators from coming anywhere near your home.
2. Going Beyond Citrus: Unconventional Repellents for Buzzing Visitors
If you’re looking for a new solution for those pesky insects, you’ll want to think beyond the citrus-based solutions. Traditional chemical solutions often contain a mix of worrisome ingredients, so it’s important to consider less conventional ways of turning away those unwanted visitors.
Explore plants for protection
The good news is that you can gradually reduce your reliance on chemical-based repellents, by looking at some of the more traditional types of plants that have evolved specifically to defend against bugs. Lavender and eucalyptus are just some of the varieties that come with an insect-repelling scent. Place them strategically around vulnerable entry points – like windows and doors – to create an invisible barrier that no bug can penetrate.
Say goodbye to boredom with homemade solutions
Some of the more creative solutions involve setting up interesting traps and deterrents of your own creation. Vacuuming ants and cockroaches is an oldie but goodie, while flypaper traps are great for zapping potentially invasive flying insects. You can also make your own repellent spray from white vinegar, lemon and lavender essential oil. Squeeze out the juice from one lemon into a spray bottle and combine with equal parts distilled white vinegar and lavender oil. Shake it up and let the solution sit for about a week – and voila, you’ve got your very own homemade insect repellent!
By trying some of these unconventional repellents, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done your part to protect the environment, save your family from potential chemical nasties, and more importantly – protect your home from buzzing visitors!
3. The Science Behind What Bees Fear: The Biology of Fragrance Barrier
The science behind the fragrances that bees are afraid of is rather fascinating. Bees in particular have a sophisticated senses that allow them to detect incredibly small concentrations of odor molecules and make decisions about the source of the odor.
- Bees are able to differentiate between fragrances with very little difference in their chemical composition.
- The level of complexity in their olfactory system allows them to be able to pick up on subtle differences in smells of different plant and animal species.
- The bees’ olfactory system is also highly sensitive to synthetic fragrances, a trait that has been utilized by people to create molecules to repel bees.
When a bee detects a combination of odor molecules that are familiar, it will instinctively fly away from the source. This is why synthetic fragrance barriers manufactured from mixtures of scents have been found to be effective at warding off bees. The exact molecular combination of these barriers is quite complex and often varies based on the type of bee and the environmental factors present at the time. This is why scientists are continuing to study and experiment with different synthetic fragrance barriers in order to find the most effective and protective forms of protection for bees.
4. Exploring the Stench of Repellence: Usable Scents that Annoy Bees
Learn what kind of scents are naturally irritating to bees, and can be used to keep away those pesky pollinators.
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella
- Mint
- Clove
You have probably encountered some of these scents before. For instance, eucalyptus is a sweetly fragrant oil that is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus tree. Citronella is an herb that is widely used in candles and mosquito repellents. Mint and cloves are spices commonly used for baking and for making tea. All of these ingredients are not only naturally irritating to bees, but also pleasant to the human nose.
If you choose to use scents to defend yourself while working around bees, make sure to choose the right ingredients. Essential oils are a popular choice and are readily available in most health food stores, so there is no need to hunt down and bother bees. Remember, it’s best to not provoke them, so be sure to use the right amounts. Having too much of these scents can be overpowering and unpleasant to the surrounding environment –– not to mention other creatures!
5. Hitting Below the Buzz: Home-made Batters to Discourage Bees
Do pesky bees keep hovering around you? If you are looking for a way to keep them at bay, you should consider making homemade batters that work as natural insect repellents. These batters rid you of irritating buzzing bugs without posing any danger to you, your family, and your pets. Here are some of the batters you can make in the comfort of your own homes.
Mint and Garlic Batters
- Take masticated garlic into a quart of water and let it sit for an hour
- Mince one cup of mint leaves, keeping the stems and veins intact
- Pour the mixture over the minced mint leaves and let it steep for another hour
- Strain the mixture and discarding the solids
- Spray the mixture onto surfaces where bees have been frequenting frequently
The scent of mint and garlic mixing together is sure to discourage bees from buzzing around you.
Egg and Chili Pepper Batters
- Take a quart of water in a large bowl
- Crack open four eggs in the water, including their shells
- Chop up two chili peppers and add it to the mixture
- Allow the mixture to steep for about an hour
- Strain the mixture and discard the solids
- Spray the mixture onto surfaces that you wish to protect from bees
The odor of eggs and chili pepper is sure to repel bees from the vicinity. Best of all, this mixture also works against other bugs like ants and mosquitoes.
6. Getting Creative with Odors: Everyday Objects Tied to Bee Deterrence
In the fight against bees, odors can be incredibly helpful. We’ve outlined some everyday items that might just do the trick when it comes to deterring them from your living space:
- Lemongrass: Not only does its lemony scent bring cakes to life, it is also a powerful bee deterrent. Simply add some drops of lemongrass oil to a cloth and hang it near your windowsills to prevent bee’s entry into your home.
- Mint: Aromatic mint is a powerful repellent. Add essential mint oil to warm water and spray it on your doors and windowsill.
- Camphor: This with its strong, pungent smell is a known bug-deterrent. For a budget-friendly, natural choice, simply place a few pieces of camphor in an open container near entrances.
- Vinegar: Yes, you heard it right! Vinegar really does repel bees. Simply take a spray bottle and add one part vinegar and four parts of water. Spray the mixture near entrances for an effective solution.
These simple items may not have much of a pleasant smell but don’t forget that smell is in the nose of the beholder. So, with these everyday items, you can be creative and keep away pesky bees from your living space.
7. Aromatic Anarchy: Combinations of Scents that Force a Bee Exodus
Aromatic Anarchy: Combinations of Scents that Force a Bee Exodus
Bees are attracted to the nectar of flowers; the bolder the scent, the better. But when you mix up a combination of scents, it can confuse a bee’s natural attraction. And in some cases, it’ll drive them away!
These complex mixtures of aromas can be used to clear a space of bees without the need for sprays or other chemical deterrents. Here are some of the combinations of scents that can drive bees away:
- Mint and Eucalyptus – This classic combination of smells will send a swarm of bees flying off in seconds.
- Lavender and Ginger – Be careful with this one, as it can cause a bee that stays too long to get dizzy.
- Clove and Tea Tree – This pungent surprise will make bees rethink their presence around your home.
An aromatic anarchy can help create a bee-free area without the need for chemical deterrents. Experimenting with different scents can allow you to find the perfect balance of smells that’ll drive away the buzzing pollinators.
8. Bee Aware: Knowing When to Wave the White Flag of Fragrance
If the buzzing gets too much in your space, it’s time to call in the reinforcements – and we’re not talking about reinforcements of the honeybee kind. Instead, you’ll want to commit to a bit of knowledge-based warfare – and here’s how to get started:
1. Keep Fragrance Availability In Check:
Avoid over-treating the air with too much scent or scent enhancers. Bees are attracted to these things and definitely should not be invited to take part in the party.
2. Reduce Visible Sources of Pollen:
Flower gardens are a layup for bees, so it’s important to think ahead when planting in areas where bees are a regular presence. It may be helpful to opt for plants that either produce little or no pollen, or that produce pollen that bees don’t find attractive. Consider investing in native varieties of plants, as they tend to be more bee-friendly.
Other Tips:
- Be aware of the fragrances that bees are attracted to, including perfumes and cleaning products, and avoid using them in close proximity to beehives.
- Keep the area around your beehives free from any trash or waste. Be sure to clean up any spills that might arise.
- If possible, don’t put any fragranced products in or near the hive.
Don’t be too intimidated by the presence of bees in your outdoor space. With a bit of knowledge and some due diligence, you can ensure a peaceful coexistence with the buzzing beauties.
The scent of lemon is a great way to keep bees away as long as it is freshly applied, but it’s not the only thing that can make pesky bees flee! So, find a great, edible alternative to keep your backyard and garden bee-free — and your nose happy too!
