Bees are very important to us; it’s not hyperbole to say that we could not live without them. Without them and other essential pollinators, 90% of the world’s food would cease to exist. One-third of the world’s food production depends on bees alone! And because of all the pesticides used in lawn care and gardening, bees’ health is in danger every day. This is just one of the many reasons why Bath Garden Center focuses on natural, organic gardening. Find out more about how to help bees and other pollinators by planting native plants that attract pollinators!.
There are times when bees can be dangerous, even though they are very important to our lives. There are ways to avoid bees, or rather, ways to help them avoid you! This is useful if you want to keep an unsightly or dangerous beehive away from your home, or if you want to keep yourself or a loved one safe from a sting that could cause a severe allergic reaction.
Bees can be a nuisance when you’re enjoying the outdoors. Getting stung is painful and for some people even dangerous. Luckily there are several things you can do to avoid bee attention and get them to leave you alone.
Avoid Scents That Attract Bees
Bees have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to certain scents. Avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, or any other fragrance when spending time outside The fragrances in these products smell sweet to bees and will draw them to you Even shampoos and soaps with added scents can make you more appealing to bees. Stick to unscented hair and skin products when you’ll be near bees.
Similarly, refrain from eating fragrant foods outdoors. The smells from foods, especially sweet items, can attract curious bees. Have picnics in areas away from beehives and nests to limit visits from the insects. If you do dine al fresco, keep foods covered when not eating to block scents.
Use Insect Repellents
Insect repellents designed for mosquitoes and other bugs will also help repel bees, Spray exposed skin and clothing with the repellent before going outside Reapply as needed if you’ll be out for extended periods
Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone. Always follow label instructions for proper usage. Natural insect repellents utilize plant oils like citronella, lemon grass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree to deter insects. These can be good options if you want to avoid chemicals.
Wear Protective Clothing
Cover up as much exposed skin as possible when bees are active. Opt for long sleeves, long pants, socks, and closed toe shoes. Bees can still sting through thin fabrics, so thicker materials provide better protection. Khaki, tan, or light blue clothing is less appealing to bees than bright colors and bold patterns.
Accessories like gloves and hats also minimize available sting sites. If spending extended time near hives or nests, beekeeper suits provide the ultimate defense against stings. Just make sure clothing fits snugly, since bees can sneak in under loose-fitting garments.
Use Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets contain trace amounts of fabric softener that bugs find distasteful. Tuck a sheet into your pocket or waistband when going outside. You can also rub one over exposed skin. For picnics and other outdoor activities, place sheets under blankets, tablecloths, towels, and anywhere else bees may land. As the sheets warm in the sun, they’ll emit the repellent scent.
Avoid Areas Bees Inhabit
Be observant of your surroundings to identify nests, hives, and areas of frequent bee traffic. Steer clear of these zones or any location you see multiple bees buzzing about. Stay away from flowering plants, compost piles, trash cans, and other sites bees frequent in search of food. Keep a safe distance from pools, ponds, and birdbaths where bees look for water.
Watch for bees entering or exiting a single spot, a telltale sign that their nest is nearby. If you find a nest on your property, call a professional removal service to relocate it. Never try removing it yourself.
Remain Calm Around Bees
Bees are less likely to sting when they do not perceive a threat. Avoid sudden movements if a bee lands on you. Blow gently on the bee or use a notecard to brush it off. Screaming, flailing, or slapping at the insect will aggravate it. If a bee bumps into you mid-flight, resist the urge to swat it away and remain still until it moves on.
Leave Area Quickly if a Bee Stings
In the event you are stung, calmly move away from the area immediately. The bee releases a chemical when it stings that signals other bees to attack. Seek shelter indoors or in a closed vehicle until the tingling and pain subside. Apply ice to reduce swelling and wash the wound with soap and water once you are in a safe place.
Seek Emergency Care for Allergic Reactions
Call 911 if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction following a sting such as: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat, nausea, dizziness, or hives. People who know they have venom allergies should carry epinephrine injectors when outdoors. Seek emergency medical care right away if you are stung and fall into anaphylactic shock.
Be Extra Cautious Around Certain Areas
Take additional precautions around bee-friendly zones like gardens blooming with pollen-rich flowers. Areas where people drink sweet beverages or eat messy foods also attract more bees. Places that use power tools stir up bees residing nearby. And bodies of water draw thirsty bees during dry conditions. Avoid these spots when possible or take steps to minimize bee interactions.
With some advance planning and care around bees, you can co-exist with minimal contact. Follow these tips to deter bees so you can relish the outdoors sting-free. Let the bees stick to flitting between blossoms while you savor summer days in peace.
When To Leave the Bee’s Alone
Here are several factors to consider before taking action. Being that bees play such an important role, it is important to think about the environment. There are times when letting the bees stay is the best thing to do, even though they might sting you.
Are Attractions Nearby?
If you have flowers that seem to attract a lot of bees planted near areas that people often use, this could be dangerous because the more often you are near bees, the more likely it is that you will get stung by one by accident. In this case, finding some way to attract bees away from highly trafficked areas may be in order. If there aren’t many interesting plants nearby or if there aren’t many bees hanging out near your patio, it might be best to just leave them alone.
How to Get Rid Of Bees Quick & Easy | DIY
FAQ
How to get a bee to stop bothering you?
How do you make bees ignore you?
How do you force bees to leave?
How do I stop bees from following me?
Will bees leave me alone if I leave them alone?
Most bees will leave you alone if you leave them alone. Just because they’re stinging insects doesn’t mean they’re out to get you. Bees usually reserve stinging for when they feel directly threatened, such as if you’re poking around their nest. And not only that:
How do you keep bees away from your home?
These plants should keep bees from even visiting your home. Some of the most common and effective methods to repel bees are citronella, neem, mint, eucalyptus, cloves, germanium, and marigold. They don’t need a lot of maintenance and are also easy to grow in pots. Peppermint has a very strong scent that honey bees don’t like.
How to make bees abandon their hive naturally?
The bees might also be aggressive, which can be a risk for people with bee allergies. Let’s talk about the ways to make bees abandon their hive naturally. In order to make bees abandon their hive naturally, you can use citronella, mothballs, cinnamon, bee-repelling plants, vinegar, and the services of a beekeeper.
Should I remove a bee nest?
That is why the following factors need to be considered before you remove a nest: Danger – If no one in your family is allergic to bees, it may not be worth removing. Yes, the pain from a sting can be painful, but unless there is a danger to the nest the most you are at risk for is a single sting.
How to get rid of bees?
The best course of action if you want to get rid of bees is to call a beekeeper. Honeybees are among the most crucial pollinators, which are responsible for the growth of crops and food. Therefore, it is in your best interest to get rid of bees in an ethical manner without harming them. Give them a chance to live, for them to find another location.
How can I get rid of bees in my yard?
If bees are nesting in or around your home, it’s best to leave them alone. You can try using almond oil around your doors, porches, or other areas where bees are attracted to as a deterrent. Alternatively, contact a local beekeeper who can safely relocate the colony away from your home.