As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered many situations where people want to keep bees away from their outdoor spaces. While bees are vital for our ecosystem and should generally be encouraged, there are times when their presence can be unwanted, such as during outdoor events or if someone is allergic to bee stings. In such cases, there are several methods you can use to keep bees away.
1. Topical Defenses:
Bees have a distaste for certain scents, and you can utilize this to your advantage. Lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime are all natural substances that bees dislike. Mixing a few drops of these oils with water and applying it to your skin can act as a deterrent for bees. However, it’s worth noting that these scents may also repel other beneficial insects, so use them sparingly and only when necessary.
2. Keep Your Outdoor Space Clean:
Bees are attracted to food and sweet scents, so it’s important to keep your outdoor space clean and free of any food debris or sugary substances. Make sure to clean up spills promptly and dispose of garbage properly. By eliminating potential food sources, you can reduce the likelihood of attracting bees to your area.
3. Avoid Bright Colors and Floral Patterns:
Bees are naturally attracted to bright colors and floral patterns, as they associate them with potential food sources. If you want to keep bees away, consider wearing clothing in neutral colors or patterns that don’t resemble flowers. This can help minimize their interest in you.
4. Minimize Flowery Plants:
While bees are beneficial pollinators, having an abundance of flowering plants in close proximity to your outdoor space may attract more bees than you desire. Consider planting fewer flowers or choosing varieties that are less attractive to bees. Opt for plants with less vibrant colors or those that have a more subtle fragrance. This can help reduce bee activity around your area.
5. Provide Alternative Water Sources:
Bees are often attracted to water sources, especially in hot and dry weather. To keep them away from your outdoor space, provide an alternative water source away from the areas you want to keep bee-free. This can be a small birdbath or a shallow dish filled with water and stones for them to land on. By offering a separate water source, you can redirect their attention away from your desired locations.
6. Seek Professional Help:
If you have a serious issue with bees that poses a threat to you or others, it’s best to seek professional help. Local beekeepers or pest control services can assist in relocating beehives or implementing safe measures to deter bees without harming them. They have the expertise and experience to handle such situations effectively and ethically.
While bees are vital for pollination and the overall health of our environment, there are times when we may want to keep them away from certain areas. By utilizing topical defenses, keeping your outdoor space clean, avoiding bright colors and floral patterns, minimizing flowery plants, providing alternative water sources, and seeking professional help if needed, you can effectively deter bees from your desired locations. Remember to always respect and appreciate these valuable pollinators while finding ways to coexist peacefully.
