Is that pesky bee invading your summer picnics, making a home in your shed, or causing destruction in your garden? Why not try scents that bees hate? Nature has equipped these pollinating insects with an acute sense of smell – so why not take advantage of it? Unlock the secret to a bee free day with our guide to stay out of trouble and which scents bees hate.
1. Keep Bees at Bay with Scents They Dislike
The good news is, there are easy and natural ways to keep bees away from your outdoor gatherings. The bad news is, you can’t just wish them away! Scents that bees dislike can be used to help keep them at bay. And here’s the best part—you don’t need to go out and get any sprays. All you need are some common items in your pantry!
- Peppermint: Grind up some peppermint leaves and sprinkle them in areas within your home’s vicinity. Peppermint has a strong and pungent smell that bees find exceptionally unpleasant.
- Citronella: Pour some citronella oil near windows and doorways. The scent is incredibly irritable to bees and is one of the best remedies for driving them away.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is an age-old repellent for bees. Place a few drops of vinegar on a cloth and wipe it around your windows and doors. The scent will send the bees flying away!
You can also make scented bouquets with flowers like lavender, rosemary, and basil—bees dislike these smells as well. Hang these bouquets near your outdoor areas and the scent will hang heavy on the air and ward the bees off.
Keep in mind that these scents will only work for a short period of time, and only act as a temporary fix. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you’ll have to invest in insect screens for your windows and doors.
2. Common Scents You Can Use to Deter Bees
Bees are a tough insect to deter because of their significance to nature and the environment. If you’re looking for natural alternatives to keep them away from you or your property, here are some scents to try:
- Eucalyptus oil: This essential oil can be used as a spray or a few drops around the area where you want to deter the bees. It has a strong odor, making it suitable to repel not only bees but other insects as well.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint has a strong, minty scent that bees tend to stay away from. You can spray the oil around the area or mix it with a little water and spray the solution. You can also make a peppermint oil solution and soak cotton balls in it and position them around the area of concern.
- Clove oil: Clove oil has a sweet yet potent smell that bees don’t like. You can put a few drops of oil around the area of concern and/or spray it in the area lightly. Additionally, you can also apply the oil to trees and plants in your garden.
- Citronella oil: This essential oil is well-known for being used as a mosquito repellent, but it’s just as effective against bees. You can spray a solution of citronella oil in the area or mix the oil in an atomizer with a little bit of water and spray the solution.
Most of the essential oils mentioned are readily available at most stores and online. You can purchase them in small sizes or larger containers. Aside from using essential oils to repel bees, you could opt for other natural deterrents such as hanging shiny objects, using netting, and planting certain plants like marigolds to help keep them away.
3. Tips and Tricks for Using Scents to Repel Bees
Bees are essential to the environment, but they can pose a danger when flying near people and pets, making it important to know how to deter them. One option for doing so is using scents to repel bees. Here are some :
- Lavender, peppermint, and citronella are some of the most popular scents for deterring bees.
- If you include these scents in a small sachet or spray, you can use them directly on areas where you don’t want bees to go.
- You can also place dried herbs, such as basil and eucalyptus, near areas where bees are likely to come.
- You can also mix several drops of essential oils and water in a spray bottle, then spray it in areas where you don’t want bees.
Important: Be sure to avoid using scents in areas where bees may be attracted, such as near flowers or in gardens. Additionally, be aware that while scents may repel bees, they may also attract other insects like mosquitoes.
Using scents to repel bees is a great way to keep them away from areas where you don’t want them. By following these tips and tricks, you can help to reduce the risk of bee stings in your home or garden.
4. How to Apply Scents to Improve Protection
Insect repellents come in a variety of scents, from natural citrus and floral smells to odd chemical-like odors. It’s no wonder that many people choose to rely on the aroma of certain scents to deter bugs. It turns out that there is actually a science to utilizing certain fragrances to improve your protection level against bugs.
Tips for Applying Scents:
- Purchase essential oils with insect-repelling properties such as citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus.
- Mix 3 – 5 drops of essential oil with 1 – 2 cups of water and pour it into a spray bottle. Make sure to shake it before you begin spraying in order for the mixture to be distributed evenly.
- The oil and water mix should be slightly diluted so that it does not irritate your skin, but strong enough to disperse the scent and create a barrier. Test the mixture by spraying a small amount onto your hands or arms first and observe if any irritation or redness arise.
- Spray the mixture onto yourself and any other items you are taking with you, such as clothing and hats, in order to add a layer of insect-deterring protection.
- If you do not have time to mix your own essential oil repellent mix, you can buy several ready made sprays and application forms such as wipes, sticks, and roll-ons. These are usually a bit more expensive, but they are also more concentrated and effective.
By using the power of scents, you can help protect yourself from pesky bugs. Invest in a few good essential oils, test out their scent and effectiveness, and you’ll be ready to repel any insect you may come across.
5. How to Find Alternative Ways to Protect Yourself From Bees
1. Wearing Thick Clothes
One of the simplest and most effective ways of keeping bees away is to use clothing as a shield. Wearing thick fabrics such as jeans, jackets, and long sleeves can provide a barrier between you and an approaching bee. This form of protection is great for outdoor activities like gardening or picnics, as you’ll still be able to enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe. Additionally, covering your head with a broad-brimmed hat can offer a layer of protection as well.
2. Essential Oils and Smells
Essential oils from plants, such as peppermint, lavender, and spearmint, not only give off pleasing smells but can also be used to pest-proof your outdoor area. Bees are drawn to sweet scents, so using fragrances like lavender or spearmint can help deter them. You can use sprays or diffuse essential oils in your outside area to create an unappealing aroma for bees.
3. Move Away Gradually
Sometimes the best way to protect yourself from a bee is to calmly move away from it. Bees can be territorial, so when one threatens you, simply move away in a slow and steady manner. If you walk too quickly or make sudden movements, it may further agitate the bee and escalate the situation.
4. Use Insect Repellents
Insect repellents, such as those containing DEET and Icaridin, are designed to help repel a variety of insects, including bees. Insect repellents may be applied to your clothing or skin, but take care to read the instructions to avoid any adverse reactions. Additionally, research the types of repellent that are right for your environment and safe to use.
6. Planting Tips Still Keep Bees Away
No matter how hard you try to keep bees away, they always seem to come back. To prevent them from returning, there are some planting tips to keep them at bay. Here are 6 simple ideas that you can easily incorporate into your garden:
- Citrus Trees: Planting lemon, orange, and other citrus trees near your home can help keep bees away. The strong scent of citrus is off-putting for bees. Plant a variety of citrus trees in planters or flower beds to ensure a strong scent and full protection.
- Herbs: Many herbs are known for their protective properties, including mint, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Plant these herbs within your garden, in pots, or by doorways to successfully ward off bees.
- Lavender: Lavender has a strong scent that bees are averse to. Growing lavender around entryways, on balconies, and in gardens can work wonders in keeping bees away.
In addition to planting helpful plants, you can also make your garden less inviting for bees by removing any standing water and avoiding excessive water use. Without access to water, bees are far less likely to stick around. Additionally, you can clean up any food, limiting bee access to potential food sources.
If you can keep your garden clean and smell nice, you can help keep bees away and prevent them from returning.
7. Additions to Your Home Garden to Send Bees Packing
It’s no secret that bees are essential to maintaining a vibrant and healthy environment. Unfortunately, they can also cause a great deal of havoc in your garden. Here are 7 additions to your home garden that can help send those pests packing.
- Tomatoes: Planting certain varieties of tomatoes in your garden can act as a natural insect repellent, getting rid of any bees that come near it.
- Mint: Not only does mint smell great, but it can also send bees away from your garden. Plant a few in your garden and be sure to keep it in check by regularly pruning it over the summer months.
- Marigolds: Planting a few marigolds around your garden will help to repel bees and other pests. They also come in a variety of colors and are great for adding a burst of color to any garden.
Other Tips:
- Avoid fragrant flowers: Bees are extremely attracted to fragrant flowers, so try to avoid planting them in your garden to stay bee-free.
- No puddles: Puddles are great breeding grounds for bees and other insects, so try to avoid leaving standing water in your garden.
- Avoid wearing strong fragrances: Bees can be attracted to certain fragrances, so try to avoid wearing overly perfumed lotions or sprays when you’re in your garden.
By making these simple additions to your home garden and taking a few extra precautions, you’ll be sure to keep those pesky bees away from your garden.
8. Why Skipping Out on Aromatic Repellents Just Might Save Your Day
You may have grown up with the belief that using aromatic repellents is the only way to ward off bugs and critters, but the truth of the matter is that it isn’t your only option. Without a doubt, some flavor repellents have their place and can work very well in certain situations, but for the most part, aroma repellents only work for a short time and are nowhere near as effective as their non-aromatic alternatives.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider skipping out on aromatic repellents and searching for an alternative:
- Aromatic repellents are typically short-lived – what works for a few hours at the picnic might not be so effective for an entire night outdoors.
- Less protection – aroma repellents are less effective than non-aromatic alternatives at keeping bugs and critters at bay.
- The smell can be overpowering – depending on the strength of the repellent, the aroma can be strong and unpleasant even to your nose.
Fortunately, there are several non-aromatic alternatives that you can turn to – such as sprays and granules – to keep down the population of bugs and other critters. By using these alternatives, you can keep your home, lawn, and garden free of disease-carrying pests without having to worry about the strong lingering odors of aromatic repellents. Not only will your garden and home environment be better off when you switch to non-aromatic options, but you won’t have to worry about having your guests overpowered with the smell of your repellent.
It may seem like something from a fairytale, but using certain scents to keep bees away and out of your spaces can be an incredibly effective way to ensure your safety. So, the next time bees come a buzzin’, make sure to whip out your honeycomb-scented incense and shoo away those pests with a sprinkle of protection.
