Where Bugs Meet Their Maker
Where Bugs Meet Their Maker
In our environment, bees are essential pollinators, yet their stings can be uncomfortable and even harmful. Bumblebees and honey bees generally keep to themselves and won’t actively try to sting unless they feel threatened. However, most people prefer to stay away from bees and their more aggressive cousins, wasps. It is practically impossible to entirely avoid bees and keep them away, just like with any flying insects. You can take certain actions to keep bees at a safe distance, though.
1. Don’t grow flowers that are popular with bees.
Knowing what attracts bees is the first step toward avoiding them. Bees mostly rely on the nectar produced by flowering plants to survive. Bees are more drawn to specific types of plants than others. Bees are especially drawn to plants that contain flowers in shades of yellow, blue, red, or purple. Avoid flowering garden plants and shrubs on your land if you want to reduce the number of bees there.
Find out more about what draws bees.
2. Make sure you carpenter bee-proof your house.
Bees are typically less interested in homes and more interested in leftover food and flowering plants. Carpenter bees, however, are the sole exception. To lay their eggs, carpenter bees drill holes in wood. Carpenter bees may try to drill into your home if it has untreated wood siding or paneling.
3. At outdoor events, be cautious of open containers.
Bees consume nectar; therefore, they might be drawn to sweet foods and beverages. Try to keep beverages closed and food covered if you’re hosting or going to outdoor events like barbecues or picnics during the warmer months. You should make sure to clean up after your event and that all trash cans have lids.
4. Investigate bug repellents.
It’s typically a good idea to get some sort of bug repellent as the weather warms up. Drugstores carry many over-the-counter insect repellents that can occasionally keep bees away. There are many different forms and active ingredients for insect repellents. Many homes already have dryer sheets on hand, and some old wives’ tales claim that they make an effective repellent. Even while bees aren’t the best at being deterred by bug repellents, they can still prevent mosquito and tick attacks.
5. Natural repellents can perhaps deter insects, including bees, when applied to the skin.
Natural bee repellents may be the best option if you spend a lot of time outside and are sensitive to chemical repellents. Just keep in mind that these solutions, like any do-it-yourself remedy, may or may not work. Do not use the ingredients listed below if you have allergies to any of them or are not aware of any allergies you may have.
Try using essential oils. Some plants, including lemongrass, eucalyptus, citronella, and peppermint, may deter bees. When combined with water and witch hazel, essential oils can be used in a number of different ways. Some people prefer to use a rollerball, while others prefer to mix a few drops with water and apply their natural scent that way. Be sure to choose skin-safe essential oils if you decide to do so.
Try using fresh cucumber peels or crushed garlic. You can combine these two items or use them individually. The two materials can be combined to generate a paste that you can apply to your wrists and behind your ears, or you can soak the two items in water to create a water-based treatment.
When all else fails, seek professional assistance.
If your bee infestation is bad enough, you might be interested in learning how to completely get rid of bees. Just keep in mind that seeing a few bees here and there is very different from witnessing a bee colony or a beehive. In those circumstances, bee removal should be handled by The Bug’s End’s pest management specialists.
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