As a car owner, there’s nothing more annoying than finding your vehicle covered in bee poop. Those bothersome bees seem to love leaving their droppings all over your nice clean paintwork. But don’t panic there are ways to deter bees and prevent poop buildup on your car.
Why Do Bees Poop on Cars?
Before we get into solutions, let’s first understand why bees are drawn to poop on cars in the first place.
Foraging Bees
Bees spend a good chunk of their time foraging for food. As they fly from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they often need to relieve themselves mid-flight. Unfortunately, your car parked below serves as an all-too-convenient landing and pooping spot.
Honeydew Deposits
Bees are attracted to sugary honeydew secreted by sap-sucking insects like aphids After feasting on honeydew, bee waste contains remnants of the sticky stuff, which can end up splattered on your car.
Bee Gut Bacteria
Here’s an icky fact – bee poop contains gut bacteria that help them digest pollen and nectar. So those smelly splats on your car also include digestive bacteria from bee intestines. Gross!
The Impact of Bee Poop
Bee droppings may seem harmless, but over time the accumulation can actually damage your car’s exterior.
Paint Damage
The acidic compounds in bee poop can eat away at your car’s clear coat and paint. This can lead to discoloration, fading, and erosion of the paint surface.
Corrosion
The acid in bee droppings accelerates oxidation, leading to rust formation on metal components like chrome trim and door hinges.
Stains and Discoloration
Dried poop stuck to your car’s surface results in stubborn stains. The poop’s yellowish pigment can also cause unsightly discoloration on paint and fabric seats.
How to Prevent Bees from Pooping
Now let’s get into some smart techniques to proactively deter bees from pooping on your prized possession.
Regular Car Washes
Wash your car frequently to remove fresh bee droppings before they have a chance to dry and stick. Use a mild soap and soft sponge to safely clean the exterior.
Waxing and Sealants
Applying wax or ceramic coating creates a smooth barrier that makes it harder for poop to cling to your car. It also makes the cleanup easier when droppings do occur.
Park Away From Flowers
Since bees forage on blooming flowers, avoid parking near gardens, orchards, or landscaping with lots of blossoms. Pick a shady spot away from their favorite feeding grounds.
Use Odor Repellents
Some odor repellents like garlic spray or essential oils disorient bees and prevent them from landing on your car. Apply these non-toxic solutions regularly for effective bee diversion.
How to Remove Dried Bee Poop
If you’re too late and find dried poop stuck to your car, try these removal techniques:
Gently Wash with Soap
Use a soft sponge and mild soap to lightly scrub the affected area. Let the soap solution sit for a few minutes to help loosen the poop.
Clay Bar Treatment
For stubborn stains, use a clay bar kit to safely lift off bonded particulates without damaging the clear coat.
Bug and Tar Remover Sprays
These specialty spray products are designed to dissolve bug guts, tree sap, and other sticky buildup like bee poop without harming your paint.
Steam Cleaning
For heavy poop deposits on fabric car seats, a handheld steam cleaner can safely lift the stains. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area first.
Preventing Bee Poop is Better Than Cleaning It
While bee droppings can be aggravating, try to take solace in the fact that these busy pollinators are vital to our environment and food supply. By taking proactive steps to deter pooping, you can keep your car clean and avoid using harmful methods like pesticides. With some clever prevention habits and elbow grease, you can conquer the bee poop dilemma.
What Are Those Yellow Spots On My Car? It’s Bee Poop! – Chemical Guys Car Wash
FAQ
How to keep bees off your car?
How to get bee poop off car?
What scent keeps bees away?
How do I prevent bee poop on my car?
One of the most effective ways to prevent bee poop on your car is to park it away from flowering plants. Bees are naturally attracted to flowers as a source of food, and parking your car near these plants increases the likelihood of bee activity on your vehicle.
Do bees poop on car paint?
A safer solution is to protect the surface of your ride before the bees start flying. A great wax job or a ceramic coating, like Ceramic Pro, will protect your paint while making the bee poop easier to remove. You’ll need to wax your car regularly, while a ceramic coating may only need to be reapplied annually.
Do you need a car wash to protect your car from Bee poop?
Regular car washes are an essential part of preventing and protecting your vehicle from bee poop. Bees are attracted to the bright colors of cars, mistaking them for flowers. As they forage for nectar and pollen, they often leave behind droppings on the surface of the car.
Can bee poop ruin a car?
Bee poop can leave behind stubborn marks on your car’s surface, especially if it’s left to dry under the sun. These stains can be difficult to remove and may require special cleaning techniques or products. Additionally, the pigments in bee droppings can cause discoloration, altering the appearance of your vehicle.
How do you prevent bee poop on car paint?
Use a gentle car wash solution and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the paint surface. Applying a layer of wax or sealant to your car’s exterior can provide an additional barrier of protection against bee poop. Wax creates a smooth surface that makes it harder for droppings to adhere to the paintwork.
How to prevent bees from entering your car?
Keeping your windows closed is the most straightforward and effective way to prevent bees from entering your car. Bees are small creatures that can easily find their way through even the tiniest openings. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all windows are tightly closed before leaving your vehicle unattended or while driving.