As they flutter around and collect nectar, bees are usually associated with the sweet smell of honey. But these industrious little creatures are actually very sensitive to other scents, too – and some odors may be especially unpleasant to them. Read on to learn more about the unpleasant aromas that bees despise.
1. Unpleasant Scents in the Bee World
Some of the scents in the bee world aren’t exactly pleasant. Below you will find a list of some of the worst offenders:
- Bee Sting: While a bee sting is a natural, instinctive defense mechanism, it can be extremely unpleasant. The sting itself is said to have a burning, stinging odor.
- Honeycomb Smoke: This smell can be a by-product of smoke used to help calm the hive before and during hive manipulation. Many beekeepers use it to keep the bees from swarming.
- Propolis: A sticky, resinous substance secreted by bees, propolis is used by bees as a building material and even as an antiseptic! It also has a distinctive, not-so-sweet smell.
On the other hand, there are some scents that bees find to be pleasant and calming, such as the smell of wildflowers and other pollinators. One of the greatest advantages to being in the beekeeping world is being able to experience both the good and the bad!.
While the smell of a bee sting or propolis may not be the most pleasant, these are the scents of bees simply doing their thing in the world. It may not smell great, but it is the natural order of things. Beekeeping offers an opportunity to observe and learn from nature, no matter the smell!
2. Putrid Perfumes that Bees Can’t Stand
When it comes to choosing which fragrance to use, we naturally lean towards ones that are pleasing to our senses. However, some flowers and plants come with a not-so-savory olfactory side effect. Those guilty of overwhelming bees with their stench can be of surprisingly likely and unexpected culprits.
Take a look at these four putrid perfumes that are despised by bees:
- Lavender
- Monkshood
- Tiger Lily
- Hellebore
It turns out the bees don’t like the smell of Lavender as much as we do. The strong scent of the plant apparently deters foraging bees, so if you’re looking to make your garden bees-friendly, you’d better steer away from it. Monkshood, which has a very pungent odor and an intense blue hue, is also a definite no-no. It’s been known to yield a scent so strong it’s sometimes been mistaken for that of a skunk!
A subtler offender, Tiger Lily, may come off as an innocent, sweet-smelling flower on the outside, but in essence, it’s anything but. The flower emits an aroma completely unappealing to bees. Last but not least, Hellebore is a bouquet of many colors, but the smell accompanying it is anything but appealing. Happily for bees, its scent is quite fleeting so as long as it’s not in proximity, there are no sensitivities aroused.
3. Aromas that Buzz Off the Buzz
The range of aromas that exist in the world is staggering. Although we often associate certain scents with drinks, food, or even people, there are some that are meant to be reserved for a special occasion.
Here are some less-than-obvious aromas that can truly buzz you off:
- Lavender – Lavender is an incredibly calming scent that can truly relax one’s mind and body. This flowery scent also has a deep connection to ancient Greek mythologies and its healing powers.
- Bulgarian Rose – Bulgarian rose is a powerful fragrance that is known for its subtle complexity. It has an adoring, somewhat graceful aroma that can truly enhance your senses.
- Amber – Amber is an incredibly warm and woody scent that can really make one feel comfortable. Amber has a deep connection to the natural world and the soothing properties it can provide.
- Musk – Musk has been used in perfumes for centuries, and its distinct scent is attributed to its earthy, spicy aroma. It has a dignified and professional smell, yet contains a hint of sweetness that can create an enchanting, soothing atmosphere.
These aromas, while subtle, can greatly enhance any experience. Whether it’s in the form of incense, essential oils, or burning a candle, having the right aroma in the right space can make all the difference.
4. Offensive Odors and Bees’ Reactions
Many bees have incredibly sensitive senses of smell, and they can detect certain scents from farther away than we might think. Unpleasant odors, like smoke, chemicals, and exhaust fumes, can actually disrupt their behavior, as well as other animals. Bees won’t fly towards places that are strong with offensive odors, and this makes them more vulnerable to predators and other threats in the environment.
Consequences of Offensive Odors
- Potentially avoiding important resources, like food and flowers.
- Increased risk of predation from birds and other animals.
- Bees can experience neurological changes, such as memory impairment.
The effects of offensive odors on bees can be especially disturbing. Exposure to offensive odors can interfere with their ability to find food and flowers, which is a prerequisite for their survival. Additionally, because their flight paths are impaired, they are more easily caught by predators, such as birds.
Unfortunately, the effects of offensive odors do not stop there. Bees exposed to these smells may experience neurological changes, such as memory impairment. This can have disastrous implications for the colony, as the bee’s navigational and communication abilities are greatly reduced.
5. The Scent of Disdain for Bees
Seeing an Unpleasant Siting
Bees are so integral to our planet’s eco-system. Yet, there are times when we feel an instinctive dampening or opposition to their presence. It’s quite natural to feel fear when bees seem too near, but this article will offer tips to keep you safe.
Dealing with the Dreaded Buzz
First of all, allow yourself to simply observe the hovering or scariest part – the buzzing. For most species it’s actually quite low in volume. Do not start swatting around. If a bee is too close, just walk away.
The Recent Scourge
It’s thought that the increased prevalence of certain bee species is due to the destruction of the planet’s natural ecosystems and the introduction of certain pesticides. Bees are being forced to stay close and forage for food in more urban areas – leading to unease among some of us.
Starting to Revert
So, what can we do? Firstly, we can continue to invest in bee friendly initiatives, plant bee-friendly wildflowers, or even create a home for solitary bees in your garden. All these measures support bees and encourage natural growth away from populated areas.
6. Common Putrid Smells That Bees Avoid
When it comes to stinky smells, the humble bee naturally avoids whatever it deems as not agreeable – after all, it is their sense of smell that guides them in and out of flowers, roles in pollination and the big player in beekeeping.
Fortunately, the bee has an aversion to a range of pungent odours that we humans might think of as less than desirable – here’s a list of what you should be keeping away from them:
- Garlic. Fittingly, garlic has a particularly pungent smell for humans and bees alike, so it’s best to leave it out of the beehive altogether.
- Onions. The same goes for onions – the strong smell won’t appeal to the bees, either.
- Rancid Fats. Any sort of expired, rancid fats are truly objectionable to bees, and should be avoided at all costs.
- Feces. Both animal and human feces carry a foul odour that will not be agreeable to the bees.
- Rotten Vegetables Rotten vegetables, like any other food item, will release an unpleasant smell that may drive away the bees.
To boost the health of a beehive, it is recommended that you keep the environment clean and not let it become overly fragranced with pungent scents. Doing so will help keep the bees comfortable and the hive healthy and functioning as it should.
In order to be a successful beekeeper and have a healthy beehive, it is important to get a good handle on the things that make bees uncomfortable, like the smells listed above.
7. Olfactory Offenders to the Bee Palate
It doesn’t take a bee connoisseur to know the garden smells that attract the honey makers to their nectar-filled bliss. But while some scents can be considered bee-pleasing delights, others are downright offensive. Here are 7 that bees would like to never have to smell again.
- Perfume: That strong rose-lavender combination that’s so popular with humans? Not so much the bees.
- Gasoline: Bees loathe the overwhelming odor of gasoline that might come from a mower or auto repair shop.
- Fragrant Grass: Many people enjoy the perfume-like scent that freshly mowed grass sends out, but it a huge no-no for bees, since the odor can really irritate their receptors.
Ultimately, when it comes to what should and should not appeal to bees’ sense of smell, it’s best best to defer to their judgement. Odors that bring you pleasure? Don’t be too offended if the bees aren’t as taken with them as you are.
In addition, there are also fragrances that have been known to be particularly detrimental to bee behavior. These include the smells emitted by paint, bleach, and other cleaning agents. Not to mention the putrid scent of cigarette smoke that can cause bees to head in the opposite direction.
8. Preventing Pungent Aromas in Your Garden
Your garden is home to a bevy of beautiful aromas, from freshly cut grass and soil to the blooms of petals and the sweet nectar of fruits. Sadly, when competing odours, like cigarette smoke and car pollution, enter the mix things can get pretty pungent. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to keep your garden smelling fresh and fragrant.
- Minimize Movement In Your Garden: Keep your garden area adjoined as much as possible by enclosing it with plants or a fence. This will stop outside odors seeping in and help restrict any unpleasant breeze.
- Carefully Select Your Floor Covering: Whilst grasses and other organic flooring help your garden look its best, they can contain unpleasant odors. Try and select hard floors like slates and stones- they provide stability and durability and don’t carry any bad scents.
- Take Control of Your Plants: If you are growing vegetables or other smelly plants, try and restrict their growth and ensure they aren’t too close to your garden entrance. This will help keeps smells centralized in one area and ensure your garden remains fragrant.
Remember, if living in a busy community, like apartments and busy residential homes, the chances of pesky smells entering your garden are higher. To combat this, employ air purifiers and increase the amount of floral plantations and shrubs to help keep things smelling fine and fresh.
Keeping your garden smelling sweet and savory is achievable – all you need to do is employ the right tools and diligence.
Not surprisingly, bees have preferences for what odors they like and don’t like. Armed with this knowledge, you can ensure that potentially harmful fragrances do not interfere with your relationship with these hardworking winged pollinators. Together, let’s keep our world in a sweet-smelling balance!
