Bees are recognized globally as highly effective pollinators. While their presence is beneficial to the ecosystem, their proximity to human activity, such as patios or outdoor dining areas, can cause concern. The goal of deterring bees is not to eliminate them but to gently guide them away from specific, high-traffic locations using non-lethal, natural methods. Understanding the difference between generally docile bees and more aggressive insects like wasps or yellow jackets is the first step toward a peaceful resolution.
Identifying What Attracts Bees
Bees are primarily drawn to areas by the presence of easily accessible food and water sources. Sugary substances are a major attractant, as they mimic the nectar bees seek from flowers. This includes spilled sodas, fruit juices, open containers of sweet foods, and residue left on recycling bins or outdoor surfaces.
Certain personal care products, such as perfumes, lotions, or hairsprays with sweet or floral fragrances, can confuse foraging bees searching for nectar. Bees are also attracted to specific visual cues, particularly colors in the ultraviolet, blue, and yellow spectrums, which are common to many nectar-rich flowers. Furthermore, standing water sources, like leaky faucets, bird baths, or pet bowls, provide a necessary resource for hydration and cooling their nests.
Removing these attractants is the most effective initial method of deterrence because it eliminates the primary reasons the bees are visiting the area. Simply covering food and drinks, or cleaning up spills immediately, can significantly reduce the number of curious foragers. This passive approach sets the foundation for more active repellent strategies.
Repelling Bees With Specific Scents
Bees rely heavily on their antennae to sense the chemical environment, and certain strong aromas can disrupt their foraging behavior, making an area undesirable. This method works by masking attractive scents or irritating the bees’ sensory organs. Essential oils are a powerful tool for this purpose, with peppermint oil being a highly effective repellent due to its potent, sharp aroma. A simple spray can be created by mixing 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil per cup of water and applying it to non-flowering surfaces like table edges or window frames.
Other essential oils that deter bees include clove, eucalyptus, and citronella, all of which possess strong, pungent fragrances. These can be diffused in an outdoor area or used to saturate cotton balls placed strategically near entry points or gathering spaces. For a longer-lasting solution, consider incorporating specific herbs and spices into the environment.
Planting natural herbs like basil, mint, or lemon balm near seating areas creates an aromatic barrier. The strong, minty scent of these plants encourages bees to forage elsewhere. Dried spices can also be used; sprinkling cinnamon powder around the perimeter of a space or placing bay leaves in covered dishes can create a scent wall. Garlic, either in powdered form or as a diluted spray, offers another strong, natural aroma that acts as a gentle deterrent.
Environmental Deterrence and Exclusion Methods
Physical modifications to the environment and changes in human behavior provide effective non-scent-based methods for managing bee interactions. Covering all food and beverages during outdoor events is one of the quickest ways to exclude foraging bees from the area. This simple action removes the primary temptation and prevents bees from lingering around a picnic or barbecue.
Maintaining strict waste management practices is another structural deterrent, as bees are drawn to the residual sugars left in garbage. All outdoor trash and recycling containers should be equipped with tight-fitting, secure lids to seal off odors. Regularly rinsing out containers that held sweet drinks or fruit before disposal helps eliminate the scent cues that attract the insects.
For properties where bees are frequently drawn to a specific water source, a diversion strategy can be employed. Providing a designated, alternative water source, such as a shallow dish of water with pebbles or marbles for landing, placed far away from human activity, can redirect their attention. This provides bees with the water they need while encouraging them to hydrate in a location that does not conflict with use of a deck or patio. Finally, inspecting the exterior of a home for small openings, cracks, or gaps and sealing them prevents bees from establishing nests in unwanted structural spaces.