What Repels Bees

What Repels Bees: Natural Methods to Keep Bees Away

Bees are essential pollinators that play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. However, their presence can sometimes be unwelcome, especially when they become a nuisance around our homes and outdoor spaces. While it’s important to respect and protect bees, there are natural methods you can use to keep them at a safe distance.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various natural ways to repel bees, from using essential oils and plants to DIY sprays and home remedies. We’ll also discuss the importance of bees, the reasons why you might want to repel them, and when to call in professional help. Let’s dive in!

The Importance of Bees

Bees are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the world’s crops and wild plants. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), “cross-pollination helps at least 30% of the world’s crops and 90% of our wild plants to thrive. Without bees to spread seeds, many plants — including food crops — would die off.”Bees are also fascinating creatures with complex social structures and behaviors. They live in colonies and communicate with each other through intricate dances and pheromones. Bees are generally non-aggressive and only sting when they feel threatened or their hive is in danger.

Why Repel Bees?

While bees are essential to the ecosystem, there are several reasons why you might want to keep them at a safe distance:

1. Allergies: Some people have severe allergic reactions to bee stings, which can be life-threatening. Repelling bees can help protect those with allergies.
2. Damage to property: Certain species of bees, such as carpenter bees, can cause damage to wooden structures by burrowing into the wood.
3. Nuisance: Bees can be a nuisance when they swarm around outdoor areas, making it difficult to enjoy your space.
4. Safety: Large swarms of bees can be intimidating and pose a potential threat, especially for those with young children or pets.

Natural Methods to Repel Bees

1. Essential Oils

Essential oils are a highly effective and natural way to repel bees. Bees have a strong sense of smell, and certain oils are known to be particularly unpleasant to them. Here are some of the most effective essential oils for repelling bees:

• Peppermint oil: Bees dislike the strong, minty scent of peppermint. You can mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and mist areas where bees are present.
• Lemongrass oil: The citrusy aroma of lemongrass is another bee deterrent. You can use it in a similar way to peppermint oil.
• Cedarwood oil: Cedarwood oil has a woody, earthy scent that bees find unpleasant. Mix it with a carrier oil and dab it around your outdoor spaces.
• Citronella oil: Commonly used in candles to repel mosquitoes, citronella oil can also be effective against bees. Burn citronella candles or use the oil in a diffuser.

2. Bee-Repelling Plants

Certain plants naturally produce scents that bees find unpleasant. Planting these around your outdoor spaces can help keep bees at bay:

• Mint: Mint is a fast-growing herb with a strong, minty aroma that bees dislike. Plant mint in pots around your patio or garden.
• Marigolds: These bright flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that can repel bees and other insects.
• Basil: The pungent scent of basil is another bee deterrent. Grow basil in pots or plant it alongside your other herbs and vegetables.
• Lavender: The sweet, floral scent of lavender is pleasant to humans but unpleasant to bees. Grow lavender in your garden or use dried lavender in sachets around your outdoor spaces.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is a simple and effective natural bee repellent. The strong, acidic smell is unpleasant to bees and can help keep them away. Here’s how to use vinegar to repel bees:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the mixture around areas where bees are present, such as around windows, doors, and outdoor seating areas.
3. Reapply the vinegar solution after rain or if you notice bees returning.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another natural bee repellent that can be used to encourage bees to relocate their hive. If you have a beehive on your property and want to move it without harming the bees, try this method:

1. Sprinkle cinnamon generously around the entrance of the hive.
2. Reapply the cinnamon daily for about a week.
3. The strong scent of cinnamon will deter the bees and encourage them to find a new home.

5. Cucumber Peels

Cucumber peels can be an effective natural bee repellent due to a chemical reaction that occurs when they come into contact with aluminum. Here’s how to use cucumber peels to keep bees away:

1. Cut a fresh cucumber into slices and remove the peels.
2. Place the peels in a single layer on an aluminum pie plate or foil.
3. Place the plate in areas where bees are present, such as near your outdoor seating or picnic area.
4. The chemical reaction between the cucumber peels and aluminum will release a scent that bees find unpleasant, deterring them from the area.

6. DIY Bee Repellent Spray

You can create your own natural bee repellent spray using simple ingredients like soap, water, and essential oils. Here’s a recipe to try:Ingredients:

• 2-3 teaspoons of liquid soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap)
• Water
• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the liquid soap and water in a spray bottle, shaking gently to mix.
2. Add the peppermint essential oil, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
3. Shake the bottle well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Spray the mixture around areas where bees are present, such as around doors, windows, decks, and patios.
5. Reapply after rain or if you notice bees returning.

The soap creates a soapy mixture that can be safely sprayed on most surfaces, while the peppermint, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper provide a strong scent that deters bees.

When to Call a Professional

While natural methods can be effective in repelling bees, there are some situations where it’s best to call in professional help:

1. Large swarms or hives: If you have a large swarm of bees or a beehive on your property, it’s best to call a professional beekeeper or pest control expert to safely remove it.
2. Recurring issues: If you find that bees keep returning to your property despite your efforts to repel them, a professional can help identify the root cause and provide more long-term solutions.
3. Allergies: If you or someone in your household has severe allergies to bee stings, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional to handle any bee-related issues.

FAQ Section

What is the most effective natural bee repellent?

Some of the most effective natural bee repellents include essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella, as well as certain plants like mint, marigolds, and lavender.

Can vinegar really repel bees?

Yes, vinegar is a simple and effective natural bee repellent. The strong, acidic smell is unpleasant to bees and can help keep them away from your outdoor spaces.

How do I use cinnamon to get rid of bees?

To use cinnamon to encourage bees to relocate their hive, sprinkle cinnamon generously around the entrance of the hive and reapply daily for about a week. The strong scent of cinnamon will deter the bees and encourage them to find a new home.

Is it safe to spray bees with essential oils?

It’s generally not recommended to spray bees directly with essential oils, as it can be harmful to them. Instead, use essential oils in diffusers, candles, or sprays around your outdoor spaces to create an unpleasant environment for bees without directly targeting them.

When should I call a professional to remove bees?

If you have a large swarm of bees or a beehive on your property, it’s best to call a professional beekeeper or pest control expert to safely remove it. If you find that bees keep returning despite your efforts to repel them, or if you or someone in your household has severe allergies to bee stings, it’s also wise to call in professional help.For more information on natural pest control methods, you can visit the Earth911 page on natural bee repellents.