How to keep bees away naturally: 5 safe methods and 4 mistakes to avoid

Published May 14, 2025 • Updated November 18, 2025
Reviewed by Julie Miller, BA in Language Arts, Editorial Lead, Dr. Killigan’s

TL;DR: You can keep bees away naturally by removing attractants, using gentle scent-based deterrents like garlic or mint and choosing the right plants around outdoor areas. Vinegar may deter bees slightly, but it is not a reliable solution and harsh chemicals should always be avoided. When bees need to be removed, a local beekeeper is the safest and most responsible option.

Already dealing with bees inside or around your home? Our guide on how to get rid of bees walks through safe, responsible removal options.

Buzzing around your patio. Circling near your drink. Hovering a little too close for comfort. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep bees away without harming them, you’re not alone. Homeowners often search for natural, safe ways to redirect bees from high-traffic areas while still respecting their role as essential pollinators.

The good news is that most bees are simply exploring for food or shelter and can be guided away with gentle, non-lethal deterrents. Understanding what attracts them—and what repels them—helps you create outdoor spaces that feel calm and comfortable without disrupting the balance of your yard.

In this guide, we’ll walk through five safe methods that can help keep bees at a distance, four common mistakes to avoid and when it’s time to call a local beekeeper for responsible relocation.

What keeps bees away naturally?

At a basic level, bees are less likely to linger where there is little food, fewer strong floral signals and scents they find unpleasant. Cleaning up food and drink residues, sealing trash, choosing low-attraction plants near seating areas and using gentle scent-based deterrents like garlic can all help guide bees toward other parts of the yard without harming them.

1. Vinegar: a limited and temporary deterrent

Vinegar is one of the most searched household remedies for keeping bees away, but its reputation is often overstated. While the sharp scent of vinegar can make an area less appealing to bees, it does not reliably repel them and should never be used to harm them.

Does vinegar repel bees?

Vinegar’s strong odor can discourage bees from landing or exploring a space for a short time. Homeowners sometimes spray diluted vinegar around outdoor eating areas or wipe surfaces with it to reduce lingering food scents. This may help for a brief window, but the effect fades quickly as the smell dissipates.

Does vinegar kill bees?

No. Household vinegar is not a lethal bee control method. When diluted in typical home mixes, it becomes even less likely to affect bees at all. Online claims that vinegar “kills bees instantly” are inaccurate and can lead to harmful misuse. Bees may avoid the scent, but vinegar is not a safe or reliable solution if you need to remove bees from an area.

Did you know? Household vinegar may smell strong to us, but its acidity is similar to substances bees already encounter in nature, so it is not the instant bee killer some sources claim.

Spraying vinegar directly onto bees or mixing it with other agents, like dish soap, can stress or harm them and is not recommended. If bees are too close for comfort, it is always better to redirect them with scent and habitat changes or call a local beekeeper for help.

Better ways to use vinegar

If you choose to use vinegar, think of it as a scent reset, not a repellent:

• Wipe outdoor tables to remove sweet residues
• Spray on surfaces, not on bees
• Use between meals, not during active bee foraging
• Combine with other gentle strategies, like mint or marigolds

Vinegar can help reduce bee interest in certain spots, but it is rarely effective on its own and should be part of a broader, non-harmful approach.

2. Plant-based repellents: what plants help keep bees away

Some plants naturally discourage bees from visiting certain areas, either because of their scent, their low pollen output or the visual cues they offer. While these plants won’t eliminate bee activity entirely, they can help guide bees away from patios, seating areas and high-traffic outdoor spaces.

How plants can help redirect bees

Bees follow scent, color and nectar availability. By choosing plants that offer little pollen or that carry aromas bees tend to avoid, you can gently steer their attention elsewhere without disrupting their role in the ecosystem.

This approach is most effective when you pair bee-deterring plants near gathering spots and place nectar-rich flowers farther from doors, decks and dining areas.

Top plants that help keep bees away

• Marigolds— Offer low pollen and a strong scent that many bees avoid
• Wormwood— Produces aromatic compounds that naturally deter many insects
• Mint— Releases a sharp aroma that can make bees less interested in nearby areas
• Geraniums— Provide bright red blooms that bees tend to ignore because they do not see that color well
• Eucalyptus— Gives off a strong fragrance that can discourage bees when planted near walkways or seating areas

These plants are not a bee repellent in the traditional sense, but they can help guide bees away from high-traffic areas.

A quick tip: Plant-based repellents work best when paired with habitat adjustments, like sealing attractants and keeping food areas clean. Think of them as one component of a gentle, natural strategy.

3. Garlic: a strong scent bees tend to avoid 

Garlic is one of the simplest scent-based ways to make certain areas less appealing to bees. Its pungent aroma can encourage bees to explore somewhere else, especially when used around seating areas, doorways or other high-traffic spots.

Some garden and organic programs use garlic-based sprays as part of their overall pest management because the smell is unpleasant to many insects, yet breaks down naturally over time. The key is to use garlic spray to redirect bees, not to spray it directly on them or on flowers they visit.

How to make a gentle garlic spray

1. Mince 2 full heads of garlic
2. Place in a heat-safe container and cover with 1/2 cup just-boiled water
3. Let steep overnight, then strain out the garlic pieces
4. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and top up with water to dilute

Steeping the mixture overnight allows the active compounds in the garlic to infuse the water, creating a strong-smelling solution that can help guide bees away from specific spots.

For better coverage on hard surfaces, you can add a small drop of mild liquid soap to the bottle. This helps the spray cling to railings, fences and patio furniture more evenly. Avoid spraying flowers or plants that bees visit for nectar.

Some extension and organic programs have also reviewed garlic-based products and found that, when used correctly, they pose minimal risk to bees and other pollinators. These formulas rely on garlic’s natural compounds to create an unpleasant scent rather than harm, which fits well with a gentle, non-toxic approach to managing insect activity.

Where and how to use garlic spray

Use garlic spray as a boundary, not a weapon:

1. Mist lightly around outdoor tables and railings before a meal
2. Spray along the edges of decks, steps and patio borders
3. Reapply after heavy rain or frequent use of the area

This can be especially helpful if you want to keep bees away from your house entrances or patio areas.

A quick tip: If you notice bees still visiting, pair garlic spray with plant choices and good outdoor sanitation (like sealing trash and quickly cleaning spills).

4. Powder dust: how to use Dust to Dust responsibly around pollinators

Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder is designed for use against crawling household insects, not flying pollinators like bees. Still, many homeowners want to understand how to use any powder-based product responsibly in outdoor spaces where bees may be active. The goal is always the same: manage unwanted pests while protecting the health of beneficial insects in the yard.

How bees typically interact with powder products

Bees naturally avoid most treated surfaces because:

• They spend little time on the ground, so they are less likely to come into contact with powder placed along foundations, cracks or entry points.
• Their bodies carry dense, slick hairs, which can help them shed small amounts of dust and reduce moisture loss, as writers like Tui Rose have noted when discussing silica-based powders and pollinators.
• They prefer flowers and nectar sources, not non-flowering areas where powder is typically applied. 
• Bees can also vibrate their wings to shake off particles that may land on their bodies during normal activity.

How to use Dust to Dust safely outdoors

These practices help ensure you protect pollinators while still managing other unwanted insects:

• Avoid applying on or near blossoms. Never place powder where bees gather for nectar or pollen. 
• Apply only to non-flowering areas such as cracks, structural gaps, foundations, wall void openings and other places bees are not active. 
• Use early morning or late evening, where bee activity is naturally minimal. 
• Skip windy days. Wind can carry any fine powder into the air, increasing the chance of accidental drift toward flowers or bee flight paths. 
• Avoid applying directly to bees or to hives. Powder products should never be used for this purpose. 
• Keep applications low and targeted. Light, precise placement is safer and more effective than broad dusting. 

Where Dust to Dust can be helpful

Use Dust to Dust in places where crawling insects enter your home:

• Along baseboards or thresholds
• Around utility openings or pipe penetrations
• Beneath sinks or appliances
• In gaps where ants, roaches or earwigs tend to travel

A reminder about using powders around bees

Bees play an essential role in every yard. Using any powder product thoughtfully, away from blossoms and flight paths, protects that role. The objective is never to target bees, but to manage other pests in a way that respects the broader ecosystem.

5. A beekeeper: a safe and responsible solution

If you are dealing with a recurring bee presence or a nest close to your home, the safest and most responsible option is to contact a local beekeeper or bee-friendly removal service. Beekeepers are trained to relocate bees rather than destroy them, allowing the colony to survive and continue its role in pollination.

A typical visit begins with a quick assessment of where the bees are nesting and how active the colony is. From there, the keeper chooses a removal method that protects both the bees and the structure. The bees are gently collected, placed into a hive box and transported to a more suitable location, such as an apiary, farm or area with abundant flowers.

Many beekeepers also offer basic guidance after removal, such as how to seal gaps or remove attractants so the bees are less likely to return. Choosing a beekeeper is a true win-win: your property becomes safer and more comfortable, and the bees are given a chance to thrive somewhere they are wanted and needed.

Additional tips to keep bees (and wasps) away

Here are some simple ways to make your outdoor spaces less attractive to both bees and wasps while still respecting their role in the environment.

Maintain clean outdoor areas: Food and drink residues are major attractants. Wipe down tables after meals, rinse sticky cups and bottles and keep trash or compost bins tightly sealed. The less sugar and protein left out, the fewer visits you will see.

Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps and small openings around eaves, siding, vents and utility lines. Sealing these spaces helps prevent bees and wasps from exploring wall voids or building nests near living areas.

Choose low-attraction decor: Bright floral patterns and bold, flower-like colors can catch the attention of bees and wasps. For furniture, cushions and umbrellas, choose solid or muted tones rather than large floral prints to keep visual signals to a minimum.

Small adjustments like these, paired with good food and waste management, go a long way toward reducing unwanted insect traffic around your home.

How to keep bees away from you while outdoors

If you are spending time outside and want to lower the chances of close bee encounters, a few simple habits can help.

• Avoid floral-scented perfumes, lotions and body sprays
• Move calmly and avoid swatting or sudden arm movements
• Tie back long hair or wear a hat so bees are less likely to get caught near your face
• Wear light-colored, solid clothing instead of dark or bright floral patterns
  

These steps do not remove bees from the environment, but they make it less likely that bees will mistake you for a flower or feel threatened by your movements.

4 common bee control mistakes to avoid

While there are many effective ways to deter bees gently, some common “quick fixes” can cause more problems than they solve. These four approaches are best avoided.

1. Using soft drinks or sugary baits as traps: Setting out open soda cans or sweet liquids to lure bees can actually attract more bees and other pests to the area. It also increases the risk of accidental stings if someone picks up a container with a bee inside.
2. Spraying harsh chemical bee killers: Strong chemical sprays may harm more than just the insects you are targeting. They can affect beneficial pollinators, contaminate nearby plants and pose risks to people and pets if used improperly. For outdoor spaces, focus on prevention, gentle deterrents and professional help when needed.
3. Using mothballs indoors: Mothballs contain chemicals that can be toxic to pests, humans and pets. They are not intended for open-air use in gardens or yards and can release fumes into areas where people and animals spend time. They are not a safe or appropriate option for deterring bees.
4. Relying on chickens to "control" bees: Chickens may eat a bee occasionally, but they do not reliably reduce bee populations. They forage randomly and focus on a wide variety of foods, so they are not a practical or humane strategy for managing bee activity.

Avoiding these mistakes keeps your approach aligned with the goal of deterring bees, not harming them, and supports a healthier environment for both people and pollinators.

Final thoughts: deterring bees without disrupting nature

Managing bees is not about clearing them from your world. It is about gently guiding them away from the spaces where you eat, gather and relax, while still respecting the work they do as pollinators. By using these five methods and avoiding the common mistakes we covered, you can make your outdoor areas more comfortable without harming the bees that keep gardens and crops thriving.

The goal is always the same: deter, not harm.

At Dr. Killigan’s, we believe in solutions that respect the natural world while helping you feel more at ease in and around your home. If you are looking for non-toxic, plant-powered products to manage other household pests in a way that is gentle on the environment when used as directed, you can explore our collection anytime. Our aim is to help you create more Confidence, Peace and Control in your space, while leaving room for pollinators to do their important work.