Natural Ways to Repel Bees and Prevent Stings

Bees play an important role in pollinating plants, but their stings can be downright frightening and even life-threatening for some. While swatting at bees or using toxic sprays isn’t ideal, there are several natural repellents and techniques to deter bees from buzzing around you.

Why Bees Sting

Before learning how to repel bees, it helps to understand what triggers them to sting in the first place:

• Defending Their Hive – Bees are very protective of their hive and colony. Disturbing a nest will activate their defense mechanisms

• Feeling Threatened – Quick motions, swatting, and squashing can make bees feel threatened and lead to stinging.

• Smells – Strong perfumes, cosmetics, sunscreens, and scented soaps can also provoke stinging when bees perceive the smells as a threat

• Colors – Bees are attracted to bright or dark colors like yellow, black, and red. Wearing these colors, especially floral patterns, increases chances of stings.

• Vibrations – Loud noises, vehicles, or walking barefoot across the lawn can anger bees as they sense the vibrations.

How to Repel Bees Naturally

Using these tips can help deter bees and prevent painful stings:

• Avoid floral prints – Stick to wearing solid light colors like white, beige or khaki when outdoors

• Eliminate sweet smells – Perfume, scented lotions, and sugary foods or drinks can attract bees.

• Cover skin – Wear shoes, long sleeves and pants to protect exposed skin.

• Use natural repellents – Dab areaes of skin with oils like peppermint, citronella, tea tree or eucalyptus which bees dislike.

• Remain calm and still – If a bee approaches, avoid sudden movements. Slowly walk away without flailing.

• Use noise – The vibrations from electric fans, hairdryers or leafblowers can deter bees.

• Remove attractants – Pick up food scraps, soda cans, or anything with sugary residue that draws bees near.

• Avoid peak times – Bees are most active midday when flowers bloom and nectar flows.

• Keep off the grass – Walk on paved areas and avoid going barefoot on the lawn when bees are foraging.

• Inspect area – Check for hives or nests and relocate outdoor furniture away from them.

• Hire bee removal – Have a professional inspect and safely remove hives on the property.

• Use repellent plants – Grow marigolds, wormwood, eucalyptus or other plants bees dislike to deter them from yards.

• Install screens – Make sure window and door screens are intact to keep bees from entering homes.

Homemade Bee Repellents

Commercial products with harsh chemicals like DEET can be irritating to skin. Natural do-it-yourself repellents provide a safer option:

Essential Oils

Oils like peppermint, lemon eucalyptus, citronella, tea tree, and neem contain compounds that effectively repel bees yet are gentle on skin. Try this recipe:

• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut or almond oil
• Spray bottle filled with water

Mix ingredients together in the spray bottle. Mist over exposed skin when outdoors. Reapply every few hours.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Wiping skin with a solution of 1 part apple cider vinegar diluted in 2 parts water can help mask human scents that attract bees.

Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract has a sweet scent pleasant to humans but repulsive to bees. Dab a few drops directly onto pulse points.

Vodka

Rubbing skin with vodka helps block sweat and body odors that draw bees. The alcohol content also repels.

Listerine

The thymol and eucalyptol in original Listerine give it both antiseptic and repellent properties. Mist it on hands, arms and legs.

Smoke

Bees dislike smoke and will avoid it. Lighting citronella candles, tiki torches, or standing near smoke from grills or firepits provides protection.

What To Do After a Bee Sting

If stung by a bee:

• Use tweezers to remove the stinger immediately by pulling it out sideways. Avoid squeezing the venom sac.

• Wash the area with soap and cool water. Apply a cold pack or cloth to reduce swelling.

• Use hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines like Benadryl to ease pain, itching and swelling.

• Monitor the area for signs of infection like redness, warmth or pus. Seek medical treatment if concerned.

• For severe reactions like difficulty breathing, use an epinephrine auto-injector like an EpiPen if prescribed and go straight to an emergency room.

When to Call a Professional

Seeking professional bee removal services is advisable when:

• A hive with a large swarm is spotted on the property.

• Bees appear very aggressive and defensive.

• Family members have bee allergies.

• Bees keep returning after attempting DIY removal.

• The species is Africanized or “killer” bees which are especially dangerous.

Avoid attempting to spray bee nests yourself as this can anger them and prompt mass swarming. Licensed exterminators have proper protective gear and expertise to relocate or eliminate hives safely.

While bees serve an important ecological purpose, taking precautions is necessary to prevent painful stings. With some knowledge of bee behaviors and using natural repellents, you can steer clear of their typical stinging habitats and enjoy the outdoors more comfortably. Staying alert and moving carefully when bees are present will help keep them at bay as well.