Bees are allies. Their advantages to the garden and ecosystem are obvious. Bee stings can be harmful for persons with severe allergies, so having a swarm can be problematic. Therefore, keeping away from bees is important for your and your family’s safety. But because bees are so important to maintaining the balance of nature, getting rid of them with chemicals or harsher methods (which could kill them) is not a good idea. As conscious citizens of Earth, we must make concerted efforts to preserve and protect bees.
On the contrary, on an individual level, being harangued by bees can be dangerous and requires immediate attention. Natural bee removal without harm is the easiest option. Want to know what repels bees naturally? Read ahead to find out!.
Spending time outdoors on your patio is one of life’s simple pleasures. Relaxing with a good book, hosting a barbecue, or just soaking up some sunshine on a nice day is what having an outdoor living space is all about. But nothing ruins patio time faster than pesky bees buzzing around your head.
While bees play an important role as pollinators in the environment, you don’t want them crashing your patio party. Keep reading to learn 10 safe simple solutions for keeping bees away from your patio area.
Why Bees Invade Patios
Before learning how to deter bees, it helps to understand what attracts them in the first place
Bees have a strong sense of smell and are drawn to sugary substances like soda, fruit juice, sweet treats, and anything containing pollen or nectar. They also see certain colors, especially blues, greens, and violets, very well.
Many patio decor items like cushions, umbrellas, and planters come in these shades, which can inadvertently attract bees. Finally, bees need water, so a nearby pond or fountain can be a magnet.
By identifying and removing these bee attractants, you can make your patio less enticing to them.
10 Simple Solutions for a Bee-Free Patio
Here are 10 easy, non-toxic methods to keep bees away from your patio and allow you to enjoy your outdoor space undisturbed:
-
Plant bee-repelling herbs like mint, thyme, lemongrass or basil in pots around the patio’s perimeter.
-
Spray vinegar diluted with water around the patio edges and furniture. The vinegar smell deters bees.
-
Apply non-toxic aromatherapy oils like lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree or citronella to repel bees.
-
Eliminate flowering plants, birdbaths and other water sources near the patio.
-
Set up a fan on low speed to disrupt bee flight patterns.
-
Install screened patio enclosures or curtains to create physical barriers.
-
Place bowls of lemon and orange peels around the patio since citrus repels bees.
-
Use yellow, white or red cushions and decor items instead of blues, violets and greens.
-
Avoid wearing sweet perfumes or lotions while on the patio.
-
Remove fallen fruit from trees ASAP so it doesn’t attract bees.
The key is using multiple deterrents together to create an inhospitable environment for bees. With some strategic planning, you can have a buzz-free patio again in no time.
5 Bee Safety Tips for Your Patio
While keeping bees away from your patio is the goal, you also want to do so safely and humanely. Here are five tips:
-
Always use non-toxic methods like aromatherapy oils instead of pesticides.
-
If you have a beehive on your property, call a professional to safely relocate it instead of spraying.
-
Avoid swatting at or trying to kill bees, which will only aggravate them.
-
Have an epinephrine auto-injector like an EpiPen on hand if someone is allergic to bee stings.
-
Wear light colors, avoid perfumes, and stay calm around bees. Don’t panic or flail your arms.
Enjoy Your Patio Bee-Free
Spending time in your yard should be relaxing and fun for everyone. By understanding what draws bees in and implementing strategic deterrents, you can reclaim your patio and still support these vital pollinators.
With a mix of aromatherapy oils, strategic plantings, screened enclosures, and more, you can keep your patio parties buzz-free and safe for all your friends and family.
FAQs About Deterring Bees on Patios
What scent keeps bees away from patios?
Strong aromatherapy oils like eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree make patios less appealing to bees. Citronella oil and candles also deter bees.
What kind of plants keep bees away from patios?
Mint, basil, thyme, lemongrass, lavender, marigolds, and other herbs/flowers with strong scents naturally repel bees. Plant them around the patio perimeter.
Should I call an exterminator for patio bees?
If possible, avoid using chemical pesticides. They can harm beneficial pollinators like bees. Try non-toxic deterrents first, or call a beekeeper to safely relocate hives.
What colors attract bees to patios?
Bees see blues, violets, greens, and yellows very well. Avoid using cushions, umbrellas, or decor in these hues, which can attract them. Opt for white, red, or orange instead.
Is a screened patio enclosure effective against bees?
Yes, screens offer a physical barrier that keeps bees out. Make sure any gaps are sealed so bees can’t sneak through openings.
Why Get Rid of Bees?
Yes, bees are important. But, you do not need to share your abode with them. For instance, some species of bees can cause damage to your home or even become hostile. Similarly, a concerning issue is that some individuals have allergies to bees or bee stings themselves. Some people are so allergic to bee stings that even one can be fatal. Therefore, to avoid such hassles, it is best to get rid of bees. But the big question is: Is there an organic bee repellent that is safe? Yes, there is!