Using plants to naturally deter bees from specific areas like patios or play spaces is a gentle approach to localized insect control. While bees are necessary for ecosystem health, people may want to encourage them to forage in other parts of a yard. Botanical deterrents work by confusing or overwhelming the bee’s sensitive sense of smell, which is how they locate nectar and pollen sources. This method allows for peaceful coexistence, ensuring pollinators remain active nearby, just not in unwanted gathering spots.
Identifying Repellent Plant Characteristics
The primary mechanism by which certain plants deter bees involves the release of specific airborne chemical compounds known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Bees rely heavily on their antennae to detect the subtle scent profiles of flowers to guide their foraging efforts. Repellent plants produce VOCs that are strong, pungent, or bitter, effectively masking the attractive floral aromas bees seek out.
Many of these deterrent scents are terpenoids, a large class of compounds that plants use as a defense mechanism against various insects. These include monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. These potent scents essentially create an overwhelming “static” in the air, making it difficult for the bee to home in on the floral cues needed for navigation.
Another factor in repellency is the plant’s flower structure or color, though scent is the dominant driver. Bees perceive colors in the ultraviolet, blue, and green spectrums, but they cannot see red. Plants that produce red flowers with little pollen or nectar, such as red geraniums, are less attractive because they do not register as a potential food source. Additionally, plants with minimal flowers or closed, complex shapes can physically limit a bee’s ability to access pollen and nectar.
Specific Plant Varieties That Deter Bees
Many common herbs and ornamental plants possess the strong scent profiles needed to deter bees, often due to high concentrations of volatile oils. The mint family is particularly effective, including peppermint and spearmint, which contain menthol that bees find unpleasant. Growing mint in containers is often recommended, as it is an aggressive grower and can quickly take over garden beds.
Marigolds are a popular choice for deterrence because they release a distinct, strong scent that many insects dislike. They may be more successful at deterring wasps than honeybees, so mass planting may be necessary for effectiveness. Another highly aromatic herb is basil, which contains compounds like eugenol that can overwhelm a bee’s sensitive olfactory system.
Citronella grass, known for its insect-repelling properties, contains the volatile oil citronellal, which creates a strong lemony scent that discourages bees and wasps. The Citronella Geranium releases a similar lemon-like fragrance when its leaves are brushed or crushed. It is worth noting that some plants, like lavender, have flowers that attract bees but an oil that repels them, meaning strategic placement is key.
Strategic Placement for Maximum Deterrence
The effectiveness of these repellent plants is directly related to how they are deployed within an outdoor space. To create a reliable aromatic barrier, plants should be clustered together in what is known as mass planting. A single pot may not produce enough VOCs to cover a large area, but several plants grouped closely together will concentrate the scent, making the space unappealing to foraging insects.
The most effective placement is to position the plants directly adjacent to the target area you wish to keep bee-free, such as seating arrangements, doorways, or play equipment. Using potted plants offers significant advantages, as they can be easily moved to cover different areas or brought indoors during colder months. For instance, a small hedge of potted basil or mint can be arranged around a patio table during outdoor dining.
Another method involves planting these deterrents at the borders of a garden to create a perimeter defense. This guides bees toward other, more attractive floral sources in the yard. The goal is to establish localized zones of high-intensity scent that cause bees to bypass a specific area, allowing for localized control without negatively impacting beneficial pollination activity elsewhere.