Many of us enjoy being outdoors during the summer months, but for some of us, this can bring an unwelcome guest — bees. While bees are necessary for the environment, they can sometimes be an irritant and even a hazard. Luckily, there are ways to keep the bees away while still enjoying a day spent soaking up the sun. One such way is to utilize scents that scare away the bees. In this article, we will discuss what scents are most effective in protecting against visits from those pesky insects. So grab your sunscreen and read on to find out how you can keep the bees away with the power of smell.
1. Aromatic Solutions for the Bee Worrier
When it comes to those hairy little flying nuisances plaguing your outdoor space, look no further! Aromatic solutions give the perfect peaceful reprieve to bee worriers everywhere. Here are a few tricks that you can employ to to keep the bees away without hurting them:
- Soapy Water – Fill a spray bottle with a soapy and water mixture and spray it on the bees whenever they arrive to scare them away. Just one spray should do the trick!
- Citrus Oils – Citrus oils work great to help keep away pesky bees. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of lemon, lime, and orange essential oils. Most bees don’t like the smell—and it’s a great natural aromatherapy spray for you!
- Mint Tea Bags – Place mint tea bags around the edge of your garden or patio; the mint will keep the bees away from your outdoor areas while also providing a pleasant smell.
- Herbs – Plant herbs such en thyme, rosemary, or mint around your outdoor spaces. Not only will they lure pests away, but you can also use these herbs in cooking and tea!
These aromatic solutions will help send the bees on their merry way and help you enjoy your outdoor spa in peace. Whether you’re trying to relax on a summer day, or host a backyard party without buzzing visitors, these solutions offer an effective way to keep the bees away.
2. An Olfactory Odyssey into Bee Banishment
The sight of bees is often associated with cheerful images of gorgeous summer days, however this idyll is far from the truth. Bees are often viewed as a nuisance, and so measures may have to be taken in order to banish them from your home. With that in mind, here is :
- Utilize potent scents. The strong smell of peppermint oil, lemon grass, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil are all believed to naturally deter bees. Even if the smell isn’t pungent enough to keep them away, it may at least draw the bug’s attention away from the desired target.
- Incorporate certain plants. Planting certain flowers or herbs such as lavender, marigolds, or mint can either act as a bee repellent, or in some cases, act as an attractant and deter them from other areas of your home.
- Make use of chemical repellents. If more natural means of banishing bees seem ineffective, certain home-grade chemical repellents work well in deterring them away.
Keeping an area free of bees doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With the proper blend of natural and chemical repellents, your home can quickly become a bee-free zone.
3. Uncovering the Aromatic Insect Repellent
Smell of Success
Most of us have fond memories of summers spent outdoors – enjoying barbecues, trips to the beach, and garden parties. But with the great outdoors comes buzzing intruders in the form of mosquitoes and other insects. To keep these pests away, many of us have used widely available insect repellents.
But have you ever wondered what exactly makes up an insect repellent? The answer is simple: a group of chemicals called aromatic hydrocarbons, which work by masking the scents our bodies naturally emit. When these hydrocarbons are used in a repellent, our natural scents are blocked and the pesky insects are held at bay, all thanks to a whiff of one of these compounds.
Aromatic insect repellents come in many different forms – sprays, lotions, candles, and more. Here are just some of the scents commonly found in insect repellents:
- Lemongrass
- Citronella
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
- Lavender
These plant-based smells are combined with the repellent chemicals to create a pleasing scent while providing the desired repellency against insects. Next time you reach for insect repellent, take a moment to appreciate the science behind making sure your summer is pest-free!
4. The Different Aroma-active Essential Oils
Essential oils are some of the most versatile and varied ingredients in the world of aromatherapy and have a range of aroma-active effects that can be used for various purposes. Essential oils can bring an aroma to any space, rejuvenate or relax us, and even treat certain health issues in certain contexts. With so many different varieties of essential oils out there, this guide will zero in on the four standouts that are sure to make any room feel cozy and welcoming.
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Citronella
- Peppermint
Starting off with lavender oil, it has a flowery and slightly sweet scent that will calm and soothe. Studies have shown that it can reduce pain, help with insomnia, and lift moods. Rosemary oil has a sharper, more medicinal scent that’s perfect for restoring energy and mental focus. It’s been known to improve memory, reduce depression, and aid in digestion.
Citronella oil is an excellent way of introducing a pleasant lemony aroma to any space, while also naturally deterring mosquitos and other insects. It can even aid in digestion and reduce inflammation. Finally, peppermint oil has a powerful menthol aroma that will wake you up from feeling sluggish to alert and energized. It’s a natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and stress reducer.
5. Fragrant and Fearful: Essential Oils to Repel Bees
As the summer months approach, bees become increasingly active. But fear not – there are several essential oils that can help keep these pesky creatures away. Here are some of the most fragrant and fearsome to deter the swarm:
- Lemon Balm: This citrusy scent has traditionally been used to keep bees away from gardens and other outdoor areas. It is also known to be an effective repellent against aphids, ants, and other insects.
- Lavender: Aside from having a wonderful, calming scent, lavender is also very effective in keeping bees away. It is one of the most popular essential oils for repelling insects and is grown in many parts of the world.
Other essential oils that can be used to repel bees include catnip, citronella, and eucalyptus. Consider using these scents when outdoors to keep bees away. Although these fragrances may have a pleasant aroma for humans, they can be just as potent and fearsome for bees.
When using essential oils to repel bees, it is best to start with a small amount, and then increase depending on the number of bees in the vicinity. Consider spraying them on vegetation around your garden, as bees are naturally drawn to its colors and smells. Remember to also fill any gaps in your windows or doors to ensure bees don’t still find a way indoors.
6. Citronella: The Big Bee Repellent
Citronella has been known for centuries as the go-to natural way to keep those pesky bees away from your outdoor hangouts. Known for its unique lemony scent, this oil does the trick of not only keeping the bees away but also making the air smell pleasant.
From plants to candles, citronella is prevalent and available in many forms. Oils and candles require the burning of citronella to emit its signature scent. If not into burning the oil, you can choose from a variety of plants that naturally contain the oils. Certain varieties of geranium, Satureja, and some varieties of lavender are among the few plants that may do the trick. Planting these in the right spots around your outdoor hangouts can make bee guard duty more manageable.
One of the advantages of using citronella for bug-repelling is that it is known to be safer and more environmentally friendly than chemical repellants. While using citronella requires some effort, it has fewer to no side effects than many chemical sprays. Additionally, this natural way of repeling bees is said to be just as effective as chemical repellants.
If you want to give citronella a try for the bees, here are some things to remember:
- Check the wind direction: Quit a few metres away from the area you want protected. Otherwise the wind might blow the scent away from where you want to protect.
- Plant wisely: Not all plant with lemon smelling oils will actually repel the bees. Research the right plants to grow so your effort to protect your area is efficient.
- Maintain the sight: Keep the citronella plant sight well-maintained to ensure the bees stay away. Regularly trimming the dead leaves or cutting off the seedlings will ensure the success of the tactic.
7. Ponderous Peppermint: The Subtle Bee Swayer
The humble Ponderous Peppermint is a rare breed. A master in the field of persuasion, this diminutive bee knows how to get its way.
Appearance: The Ponderous Peppermint is small in size, just a few millimeters long at most. But it more than makes up for its compact frame with its bold stripes of bright yellow and black. Its wings are tinged with a hue of blue, making the bee appear as if it’s wearing a dashing cape.
Behaviour: Alluring to other bees, the Ponderous Peppermint has an air of confidence that draws them in. It will flit about, showcasing its remarkable wings in a gentle, yet firm manner. Its antics are persuasive and it quickly gains the admiration of other bees and, more often than not, the approval of the hive.
Unforgettable Puzzlement: The real power of the Ponderous Peppermint lies in its ability to leave other bees utterly bewildered, yet still sway their decision-making. Whether it’s the sudden appearance of a new hive or the introduction of a new honey recipe, the Ponderous Peppermint can leave other confused, yet somehow still feeling content.
The Ponderous Peppermint’s methods may not be intuitive, but one thing is certain; its effects are undeniable.
8. A Spicy Repellent: Red Chili & Clove’s Pungent Power
For pest prevention and deterrence, many would turn to toxic chemicals or costly repellents. Did you know that an ingredient blend of red chili and clove has long been known to pack a powerful punch against creeping critters?
As a natural repellent, these two ingredients are capable of providing protection from annoying insects such as mosquitoes, ants, and even cockroaches. Not only are they pungent and spicy, but they emit a strong smell that is hard to miss.
The preparation of this repellent is simple. Start by heating up some red-chili flakes or powder and fresh cloves together using a pan. The smell of the spices sizzling in the pan will already begin to ward off unwelcome interruptions. Once done, spread the powder mixture along doorways, entryways, windows, and other areas inside and outside your home.
- The Strong Smell – Strong odors such as those emitted by the red chili and cloves will keep away pests.
- The Spicy Power – The spices have natural pest-repelling properties. The combination creates a powerful combination.
- The Cost-Effective Solution – This all-natural DIY solution is more cost-effective than chemical pesticides.
It is a no-brainer to use spices as a natural repellent for the household. Not only do the ingredients possess an impressive pungency, but they are also highly effective in deterring unwanted intruders so you can stay safe and protected.
Whether you are getting ready for a picnic or trying to keep pests away, understanding which scents you can use to repel bees can be a helpful tool. For any occasion, the right scent could be key to keeping the bees out of your event!
This article has helped shed light on which scents are effective. Armed with this knowledge, you can now face the bee season with newfound confidence.