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Those pesky bees! They like to come out of hiding in the early spring, so it’s likely that they’re already out and about now that it’s summer. You may already be struggling to keep these cute little bumbling things out of your garden or home. If so, read on for some safe and humane ideas.
Look around before calling a pest control service. You might be able to fix the problem yourself. You might be able to save time and money by doing it yourself, but the best pest control companies also know safe ways to get rid of or move bees.
But how do you get rid of bees in a moral way? If you don’t have a friend who keeps bees, then why are you reading this? Before you call a pest control company, try these simple, quick ways to get rid of bees at home.
Nothing ruins an outdoor barbecue or pool party faster than uninvited guests in the form of angry bees or wasps. Getting stung can be quite painful, and some people suffer severe allergic reactions, making bee and wasp control a priority. But before grabbing a can of pesticide spray, it’s wise to explore safer, more environmentally-friendly methods to repel these unwanted visitors. This article covers techniques for deterring bees and wasps without harming pollinators or pets in the process.
Understanding Bees vs. Wasps
While bees and wasps belong to the same insect order, they have key differences that inform control strategies:
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Bees – Mostly solitary docile plant pollinators that become defensive near colonies. They are fat, fuzzy, and identified by black and yellow banding.
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Wasps – Lean smooth and commonly black and white. Wasps are predators with large colonies that viciously protect nests.
So bees, except for Africanized hybrids, only attack when provoked near hives. But aggressive swarms of wasps will seek out and sting perceived threats.
Effective Bee and Wasp Repellents
Here are some safe products and techniques you can use as bee and wasp repellents
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Essential Oils – There are several essential oils you can use to safely and effectively repel wasps. Peppermint, clove, citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme oils confuse wasps and deter them from building nests. Mix a few drops into water and spray.
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Wasp Traps – Lure wasps into empty soda bottles or purchased traps with fruit juice or vinegar baits. Adding soap makes them unable to fly out. Place traps away from human activity.
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Soap and Water – A mild solution of dish soap and water kills wasps on contact by dissolving oily outer layers and drowning them. Spray nests after dark when wasps are docile.
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Insect-Repelling Plants – Many garden plants like mint, garlic, basil, and marigolds naturally repel bees and wasps with their scents. Plant them around patios and walkways.
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Patch up Cracks & Make Repairs – Seal openings in walls, attics, and eaves that allow bees and wasps to enter and build hidden nests. Fix torn screens that let them inside.
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Dispose of Waste Properly – Be sure to tightly lid trash cans and promptly clean fallen fruit, soda spills, and food messes that attract bees and wasps.
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Aerial Nets – Drape fine netting over patios, picnic areas, and doorways to physically block bee and wasp access.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
In some cases, professional pest control may be warranted:
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If you have a severe infestation of multiple hives or large wasp nests.
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If problem nests are located high up or hard to access.
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If you are allergic to stings and at higher risk.
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If stinging incidents pose an unacceptable liability risk for your business.
Reputable pest pros have specialized equipment, insecticides, and safety gear to remove hives and nests without harm to people or property. They also know how to safely relocate bee colonies rather than exterminate them.
Preventing Future Bee and Wasp Issues
Along with control methods, taking preventive measures can reduce bee and wasp problems long-term:
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Avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions outdoors.
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Stay calm and move slowly if bees or wasps approach. Don’t flail or swat at them.
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Cover food and drinks and wipe up spills right away to remove attractants.
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Fill small gaps in siding, roof eaves, and window frames that allow access.
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Inspect property regularly for signs of nests and treat them early before colonies grow large.
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Install door and window screens to keep bees and wasps outside.
Coexisting Safely with Bees
Except for eliminating nests directly adjacent to human activity, it’s best to leave bee colonies alone whenever feasible. We rely on bees for pollination of crops and wild plants. So let them forage peacefully in gardens and woodland settings where stings are unlikely. A live-and-let-live approach allows us to benefit from the ecological contributions of bees while protecting people from unwanted encounters.
By using natural repellents, preventing food sources, and sealing access points, you can maintain a safe, bee-free space in your outdoor living areas. Your family can relax outdoors all season long once bees and wasps get the message that they are not welcome guests around your home.
Household solutions to shooing away bees for good
If you want to get rid of bees quickly and easily, you probably already have vinegar in your home. Bees hate vinegar, so it can be used instead of store-bought or professional-grade chemical repellents. For a quick way to keep bees away, fill an empty spray bottle with a homemade vinegar solution made of equal parts water and vinegar. Spray this in areas where you frequently see the flying insects to keep them away.
Vinegar isnt the only substance that bees dislike. Bees will stay away from things like basil oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. You can apply these oils like a topical to keep bees away while outside.
A few more easy bee deterrents include peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, and thyme. That’s why bees don’t like these strong scents. If you have an extra empty spray bottle, mix one of these herbs with water or essential oils to make another useful bee-getting spray.
How to get rid of bees
Honey, drinks, food, and nectar from flowers are all things that most bees like because they are sweet. Honey bees and carpenter bees may come to your garden. Carpenter bees will probably build their nests in nearby trees or wooden structures. If you have a bee problem inside, you might want to look for a hidden carpenter bee nest.
If you think there are bees in your home, there are a few things you should do right away. The first thing you need to do is make sure you have bees. Other pests, like wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, look a lot like bees and are easy to mistake for the flying yellow guys.
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FAQ
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How do I get rid of wasps?
Another effective and easy way to get rid of wasps is with a store-bought wasp nest spray. If you go this route, Williams recommends wearing protective clothing and spraying the area on a cool morning when wasps tend to be less active. Was this page helpful?
Can one wash a bee sting site with water and hand soap?
Yes, washing a bee sting site with water and hand soap is a recommended first aid measure. When a bee stings, it leaves behind a venomous substance that can cause pain, swelling, and irritation. Washing the area with water and hand soap helps to remove any venom residue, dirt, or bacteria from the skin, reducing the risk of infection and minimizing the sting’s effects. After washing the area, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If there is any sign of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat, seek immediate medical attention.
Do wasps eat bees?
Wasps, such as yellow jackets or hornets, are pesky to have in your yard or house. Their stings are painful, the nests are unsightly, and they multiply very quickly. However, the pesticides in many wasp sprays are strong enough to kill your pets if they eat the dead bees. Luckily, though, there are many ways to get rid of wasps naturally.
How do you prevent Wasps in your yard?
Keeping your yard clean is one of the most important aspects of wasp prevention. “Wasps, like yellow jackets, are drawn to areas that have large amounts of food waste, garbage, and recycled containers that are poorly washed,” Williams says. “Keep food covered before and after cooking, and keep sweet drinks covered or in a clear container.”
How do you get rid of a wasp nest?
Mix a few drops of one of the oils, two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, and two cups of water in a spray bottle. This solution can be sprayed on visible nests or places you have seen nests in the past to discourage wasps from returning. Wasp in the House? Be calm and move slowly. Try opening a door or window and hope the wasp flies out.
How do you exterminate a wasp?
You can try to exterminate them in similar ways, but it’s useful to determine which wasp species you’re dealing with to know what to expect. For example, paper wasps can be eliminated in the daytime, whereas hornets and yellow jackets are notoriously aggressive and should be approached with treatment only at night.