What do bees hate most?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with bees and have learned a few things about what they dislike the most. Bees are generally curious insects and not attracted to the scent of humans like other flying insects. However, there are certain scents and substances that bees tend to avoid, and incorporating them into your outdoor routine can help keep them away.

One of the most effective natural remedies to repel bees is lavender oil. Bees have a distaste for the strong scent of lavender oil, making it an excellent topical defense. You can apply a few drops of lavender oil to your skin or clothing to keep bees at bay. Not only does lavender oil repel bees, but it also has a calming effect on humans, making it a win-win solution.

Citronella oil is another scent that bees tend to dislike. This essential oil, commonly used in candles and insect repellents, has a strong citrusy scent that repels not only bees but also mosquitoes and other flying insects. Applying citronella oil to your skin or using citronella-based products can help deter bees from approaching you.

If you’re looking for a more natural option, olive oil and vegetable oil can also be effective in repelling bees. These oils create a slippery surface on your skin, making it difficult for bees to land and sting. Simply apply a thin layer of olive oil or vegetable oil to exposed areas of your skin to create a barrier that bees will be less inclined to cross.

In addition to oils, certain citrus fruits such as lemon and lime can repel bees. Bees find the acidic scent of these fruits unpleasant and are less likely to approach areas where these scents are present. You can squeeze the juice of a lemon or lime onto a cloth and rub it on your skin or place slices of these fruits around your outdoor space to help keep bees away.

It’s important to note that while these natural remedies can help deter bees, they are not foolproof and may not work in all situations. Bees are incredibly important pollinators and play a vital role in our ecosystem, so it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals or methods that may harm them. If you find yourself in a situation where bees are present and causing concern, it’s always best to contact a local beekeeper or pest control professional who can safely relocate the bees without causing harm to them or the environment.

Bees have a distaste for certain scents and substances such as lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. These natural remedies can be applied topically to your skin or used in your outdoor space to help keep bees away. However, it’s important to remember the importance of bees in our ecosystem and to handle any bee-related concerns in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.