5 ways to deter bees (and 4 things not to do)

Are you searching for ways to keep bees (and even wasps) at a safe distance from your home and garden without resorting to harmful methods? Many people share your concern, especially as we aim to protect these essential pollinators while maintaining our comfort and safety. 

This guide will delve into scientifically-backed, eco-friendly strategies for deterring bees and debunk some common myths.

What deters bees and how to apply these methods effectively

Understanding what deters bees is the first step toward effectively managing their presence around your home. 

Let’s explore five actionable and humane methods to keep bees at bay without disrupting the ecosystem.

1. Vinegar: A limited deterrent for bees

Vinegar is often touted as a natural deterrent or even a lethal solution for bees due to its high acetic acid content. However, its actual effectiveness in killing bees is more limited than many might expect.

Does vinegar kill bees?

While vinegar can create an unfavorable environment for bees, it is unlikely to kill them directly unless used in very high concentrations. The notion that household vinegar, which typically has a pH of around 2.5, can instantly kill bees is largely overstated. This level of acidity is less potent than many substances bees naturally encounter—such as the more acidic varieties of honey or the chemicals used in beekeeping like oxalic and formic acids.

When vinegar is diluted for typical home use—often significantly reducing its acidity—it becomes even less effective as a lethal agent against bees. Instead, its primary utility may lie in its ability to temporarily hinder bees by creating an unpleasant environment, rather than outright killing them.

• Spray solutions: Spraying a diluted vinegar solution may temporarily impede bees by wetting their wings, but it does not lead to their demise unless combined with other agents, such as dish soap, which acts as a surfactant.
• Vinegar traps: Setting traps with vinegar might attract bees due to its scent, mimicking fermenting fruit. However, it's the design of the traps, not the acidity of vinegar, that could lead to bees drowning if they cannot escape.

Vinegar can be part of a strategy to manage bee presence, making certain areas less attractive to them. However, it should not be seen as a standalone solution for significant bee infestations. For those seeking to deter bees without harming them, combining vinegar with other non-lethal methods may offer a more humane and environmentally friendly approach.

2. Plant-based repellents: What plants keep bees away

Nature provides its mechanisms for bee deterrence through certain plants that naturally repel them. This natural defense employs visual tricks and unattractive scents to keep bees at bay. Despite their attraction to vibrant colors, bees are often misled by red flowers, such as marigolds and eucalyptus, which they mistakenly believe contain pollen. However, these plants contain little to no pollen and emit scents that bees find offensive, effectively keeping them away.

Pitcher plants also serve as natural bee exterminators. These carnivorous plants lure insects with their intriguing pitcher-like structures, only to trap and digest them. If you're planning your garden, research which bee-repelling plants are easiest to grow in your area, particularly if you're constrained by space or are dealing with bee infestations in tight spots.

Additionally, to maximize the effectiveness of these plant-based repellents, consider removing or relocating bee-attracting plants to the farthest corners of your property. Replacing them with more leafy foliage that does not offer nectar can further discourage bees from congregating in areas you frequent, while still preserving the ecological benefits they offer.

3. Garlic spray: Spicy and effective

Garlic is more than just a staple for cooking; it also acts as a formidable natural repellent against bees. Its strong, pungent aroma is particularly offensive to bees, effectively deterring them from areas where it is applied. According to research documented by the University of Rhode Island, garlic-based products are considered organic-approved pesticides that pose minimal risks to bees when used appropriately. These products exploit garlic's natural properties to repel bees without harming them, making it an environmentally friendly choice for bee control.

How to create an effective garlic spray

To make your garlic spray, begin by mincing two full heads of garlic. Place the minced garlic into a half cup of just-boiled water and steep it overnight. (This process allows the active compounds of the garlic to infuse the water, creating a potent repellent). Strain the mixture into a spray bottle the following day, discarding the solid garlic pieces. For a stronger repellent, add a few chili flakes or a splash of hot pepper sauce to the solution. Adding a small amount of dish soap can enhance the mixture's ability to coat and smother bee eggs and larvae.

Once prepared, this garlic spray can be deployed in areas where bee activity is problematic. Apply the spray around entry points or near bee hotspots.

4. Powder dust: Using Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder responsibly

For those seeking a more direct control method over bee populations without causing harm, Dust to Dust can be a considerate choice when used cautiously. Formulated with nano-sized essential oil particles and fine silica, Dust to Dust penetrates the waxy outer layer of insects, attacking their nervous systems. With its blend of peppermint and rosemary oils encapsulated within silica particles, Dust to Dust offers a controlled release that stabilizes volatile compounds for longer-lasting efficacy.

Understanding the interaction of Dust to Dust with bees

Bees have natural advantages that reduce their vulnerability to Dust to Dust:

• Flying capability: Bees are predominantly flying insects, which minimizes their contact with Dust to Dust treated surfaces that are more accessible to crawling insects like ants or cockroaches.
• Behavioral adaptations: According to Tui Rose, author of Going Green Using Diatomaceous Earth How-to Tips, bees tend to avoid treated blossoms. If bees make contact with Dust to Dust or diatomaceous earth, as both products have silica as an ingredient, their bodies are equipped with slick hairs that help protect against dehydration. They can remove Dust to Dust by vibrating their wings vigorously to shake off the powder.

How to use Dust to Dust to deter bees responsibly

• Avoid direct application on bees: Dust to Dust should never be directly applied to bees or within their hives. Instead, use it in areas where bees are not active to prevent accidental contact.
• Strategic placement: Apply Dust to Dust around the perimeter of your property or near potential entry points to your home. This creates a barrier that deters bees without directly harming them. Ensure that the application sites are away from flower beds or plants that attract bees.
• Timing is crucial: To reduce the risk to bees, apply Dust to Dust early in the morning or late in the evening when bee activity is minimal. This practice helps prevent bees from coming into contact with freshly applied Dust to Dust.
• Consider wind conditions: On windy days, avoid applying Dust to Dust as it can easily become airborne and spread to areas frequented by bees. Use it on calm days and consider watering it slightly to keep it in place.
• Protective measures for plants: If you need to apply Dust to Dust near plants, focus only on the stems and non-flowering parts. Avoid any application on blossoms or the immediate foliage around them to protect foraging bees.

By employing these guidelines, you can use Dust to Dust as a deterrent to help manage bee presence around your home without significant harm. The silica in Dust to Dust can strengthen the cell walls of plants, enhancing their health and vitality. This approach respects the ecological role of bees while addressing your pest control needs. Remember, the objective is to deter bees, not eliminate them, preserving their crucial role in our ecosystem.

5. Contacting a beekeeper: A safe and responsible solution

If you're facing a problematic bee presence and want a humane approach, contacting a professional beekeeper can offer an ideal solution. Beekeepers are skilled in safely relocating bees, allowing them to thrive in a new environment while effectively resolving your bee issues. This approach removes the bees safely from your property and contributes to preserving bee populations, which are crucial for pollination. Beekeepers possess the expertise to handle and transfer bees without causing them stress or harm, ensuring their continued role in pollinating plants and crops. 

The process typically involves an initial assessment to determine the best removal strategy, followed by the careful extraction of bees. These bees are then placed into portable hives and transported to rural farms or floral-rich fields, where they can contribute positively to the local ecosystem. Some beekeepers might also offer follow-up services to ensure the bees adapt well to their new home and to confirm that they haven't returned to your property. Opting for a beekeeper is a win-win solution for both you and the bees.

​​Additional tips to keep bees (and wasps) away

While the individual methods described above offer great strategies for managing bees, keeping wasps at bay often requires similar attention. Here are some targeted tips to effectively deter both bees (and wasps), enhancing your outdoor comfort and safety:

• Maintain clean outdoor areas: Keeping your outdoor eating and recreational areas clean minimizes attractions for bees and wasps. Ensure that food remnants, especially sweet substances, are promptly cleaned up and that garbage bins are tightly sealed.
• Seal entry points: Regularly inspect and seal cracks, crevices and other potential entry points around your home. This prevents bees and wasps from entering and establishing nests inside or near your living spaces.
• Avoid floral patterns in outdoor decor: Bees and wasps are attracted to bright floral patterns. Choose plain or non-floral patterns for outdoor furniture and decorations to avoid drawing their attention.

By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your routine, you can reduce the presence of bees and wasps around your home.

4 common bee control mistakes to avoid

While there are many effective strategies to deter bees, here are 4 practices that are detrimental and should be avoided:

1. Soft drinks: Placing soft drinks to attract and trap bees might seem clever, but it’s more likely to invite more bees and other pests to your vicinity.
2. Bee spray with strong chemicals: Chemical sprays can harm more than just the targeted pests, affecting beneficial insects and the surrounding environment.
3. Mothballs: Often considered a pest deterrent, mothballs are toxic to pests, humans and pets due to their chemical composition (paradichlorobenzene).
4. Relying on chickens: While chickens can occasionally eat bees, they are not a dependable method for controlling bee populations. Chickens primarily consume bees opportunistically; they do not significantly impact bee numbers due to their random foraging behavior. Chickens are more likely to focus on other insects and food scraps, making them an unreliable solution for bee management. 

Final thoughts on bee deterrence strategies

Successfully managing bees involves a delicate balance between effective deterrents and ecological responsibility. By adopting these five methods and steering clear of four detrimental practices, you can enjoy a bee-free environment while supporting broader environmental health. The key is to deter, not harm, these crucial pollinators.

Discover more and take action: Visit our website to access detailed guides on safely getting rid of bees and delve into our informative articles, such as the prolific nature of queen bees, the differences between honey bees and yellow jackets, fascinating facts about bees' wings, and insights into bee and wasp stings. Explore our range of eco-friendly pest control solutions, designed not just to manage pests but to do so with minimal impact on the environment.

We are committed to helping you create a healthier, pest-free environment. Join us in our efforts to protect both your home and our planet's vital ecosystems. Your participation is crucial in shaping a sustainable future where both humans and pollinators thrive.