How to Keep Bees Away: 25+ Proven Methods

Admin

3 Jun, 2025

Dealing with bees around your home can be concerning, especially if you have allergies or small children. The most effective ways to keep bees away include removing attractants like food sources and standing water, using natural repellents such as peppermint oil and vinegar, and creating physical barriers. While bees are essential pollinators, there are numerous safe and humane methods to deter them from areas where they pose a problem.

Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, but sometimes they venture too close to our living spaces for comfort. Whether you're dealing with bees around your patio, near your hummingbird feeders, or attempting to keep bees out of house areas, this comprehensive guide will provide you with proven, safe solutions that work without harming these important insects.

Understanding Bees: Know What You're Dealing With {understanding-bees}

Before learning how to keep bees away, it's essential to understand why they're attracted to your space and ensure you're actually dealing with bees rather than wasps or hornets.

Why Bees Are Attracted to Your Property

Bees are drawn to three main elements:

Food sources: Flowers, sugary substances, fruit, and even pet food
Water sources: Pools, birdbaths, leaky faucets, and standing water
Shelter: Eaves, hollow trees, wall cavities, and protected spaces

Identifying Bees vs. Wasps vs. Hornets

Many people confuse these insects, but the identification is crucial for choosing the right deterrent approach:

Honeybees:

Fuzzy, brownish bodies
Less aggressive unless threatened
Die after stinging once
Essential pollinators

Wasps:

Smooth, bright yellow and black stripes
More aggressive
Can sting multiple times
Less beneficial to plants

Hornets:

Larger than wasps
Brown and yellow coloring
Most aggressive of the three
Painful stings

Important: Honeybees are protected in many areas due to their critical role in pollination. Always prioritize deterrent methods over elimination.

General Strategies to Make Your Area Less Attractive {general-strategies}

The most effective long-term approach to keep bees away involves making your environment less appealing to them.

Remove Food Sources

Clean up spills immediately: Sugary drinks, fruit juices, and food crumbs attract bees
Secure garbage cans: Use tight-fitting lids and clean containers regularly
Store pet food indoors: Outdoor pet food bowls are major bee attractants
Harvest ripe fruit promptly: Fallen or overripe fruit draws bees from miles away

Manage Water Sources

Fix leaky faucets and hoses: Even small drips create attractive water sources
Eliminate standing water: Empty flower pot saucers, clogged gutters, and unused containers
Pool maintenance: Keep pool areas clean and consider bee-proof pool covers
Redirect sprinkler systems: Avoid creating muddy, consistently wet areas

Seal Entry Points

To keep bees out of house structures:

Inspect and seal cracks in siding, eaves, and foundations
Install screens over vents and openings
Repair damaged weatherstripping around doors and windows
Fill holes in decking and outdoor structures

Maintain Your Yard

Trim overgrown vegetation where bees might nest
Remove hollow logs or debris piles
Keep grass mowed and landscaping tidy
Prune tree branches that touch your home

Natural & Non-Lethal Bee Deterrents {natural-deterrents}

These natural bee repellent methods are safe for both your family and the environment while effectively discouraging bees.

Smell-Based Deterrents

Essential Oils

Essential oils are among the most effective natural bee deterrents:

Peppermint Oil:

Mix 10-15 drops with water in a spray bottle
Spray around doorways, windows, and outdoor seating areas
Reapply every few days or after rain
Effectiveness: Very high - bees strongly dislike the scent

Cinnamon Oil:

Use in the same concentration as peppermint
Particularly effective around nesting areas
Can be applied to cotton balls and placed strategically

Citronella Oil:

Natural insect repellent properties
Mix with carrier oil for longer-lasting effect
Excellent for outdoor dining areas

Eucalyptus Oil:

Strong scent that bees avoid
Can be diffused or applied topically to surfaces
Often combined with other oils for enhanced effectiveness

Vinegar Solutions

White vinegar spray: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar
Apple cider vinegar traps: Place bowls with a few drops of dish soap
Apply to surfaces where bees congregate
Reapply weekly for best results

Other Natural Scent Deterrents

Cucumber Peels:

Place fresh peels around outdoor areas
Replace every 2-3 days
Particularly effective on patios and decks

Garlic Spray:

Blend garlic cloves with water
Strain and spray around problem areas
Strong odor deters most insects

Mothballs ⚠️:

Effective but use with extreme caution
Toxic to pets and children
Only use in well-ventilated, inaccessible areas

Dryer Sheets:

Popular myth with limited evidence
Some anecdotal success with fabric softener sheets
Not scientifically proven but harmless to try

Plant-Based Deterrents

Strategic planting can create a natural barrier against bees:

Plants Bees Typically Avoid:

Marigolds: Strong scent, easy to grow
Mint: Very effective but can spread aggressively
Pennyroyal: Potent natural repellent
Geraniums: Beautiful and functional
Wormwood: Bitter scent deters many insects
Basil: Dual-purpose herb and deterrent
Thyme: Subtle but effective

Strategic Planting Tips:

Plant deterrent herbs near outdoor seating areas
Create borders around vulnerable spaces
Combine multiple deterrent plants for enhanced effect
Ensure plants are appropriate for your climate zone

Physical and Visual Deterrents

Fake Nest Decoys

Brown paper bags: Crumple and hang to mimic wasp nests
Commercial fake nests: More durable, weather-resistant options
Placement: Hang 8-10 feet high in visible locations
Theory: Bees avoid areas with established colonies

Reflective Objects

Hang old CDs, aluminum pie plates, or reflective tape
Limited scientific evidence but commonly reported success
May work by creating confusing light patterns
Best used in combination with other methods

Sound and Motion Deterrents

Ultrasonic Repellers:

Scientific evidence is mixed
Most studies show minimal effectiveness on bees
May work better on other insects
Consider as supplementary, not primary, deterrent

Specific Problem Areas & Targeted Solutions {specific-solutions}

Different situations require tailored approaches to effectively keep bees away.

How to Keep Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders

To keep bees away from hummingbird feeders, use saucer-style feeders with bee guards, avoid yellow colors on the feeder, and ensure your nectar solution doesn't contain honey.

Detailed Solutions:

Choose saucer-style feeders: Bees can't reach nectar as easily
Install bee guards: Small mesh or plastic guards over feeding ports
Avoid yellow feeders: Red feeders are less attractive to bees
Perfect nectar recipe: 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar (never honey)
Strategic placement: Move feeders frequently to confuse bees
Create bee moats: Water-filled barriers around feeder hangers

Keeping Bees Away From Patios and Outdoor Seating

Use citronella candles or torches during outdoor dining
Install outdoor fans (bees struggle to fly in moving air)
Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns
Keep food and drinks covered
Place decoy food sources away from seating areas

Pool Area Bee Management

Provide alternative water sources away from the pool
Use pool covers when not in use
Install floating bee escape devices
Maintain proper chlorine levels (too low attracts bees)
Consider bee-deterrent plants around pool perimeter

BBQ and Picnic Protection

Keep all food covered until serving
Clean grills immediately after use
Use fans to create air circulation
Set up "bee buffets" with sugar water far from dining areas
Choose bee-repelling tablecloths or decorations

Preventing Home and Structure Nesting

For General Prevention:

Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or mesh
Install chimney caps and vent covers
Remove old nests during winter months
Apply essential oil deterrents to potential nesting sites

Carpenter Bee Specific Advice:

Paint or varnish all exposed wood surfaces
Fill existing holes with steel wool and wood putty
Use hardwood alternatives when building
Apply almond oil to vulnerable wood areas

What NOT To Do: Critical Safety Guidelines {what-not-to-do}

Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for both safety and bee conservation:

Never Swat at Bees

Swatting triggers defensive behavior
Increases likelihood of multiple stings
Releases alarm pheromones that attract more bees
If approached by a bee: Move slowly and calmly away

Avoid Broad-Spectrum Pesticides

Harmful to beneficial insects and pollinators
Can contaminate soil and water sources
Often ineffective as a long-term solution
Legal restrictions in many areas for bee-toxic chemicals

Don't Ignore Large Nests

Small problems can quickly become large ones
Established colonies are harder to deter
Poses increased risk, especially for allergic individuals
Professional removal is safer and more effective

Avoid These Common "Home Remedies"

Soap and water sprays on live bees: Harmful and often ineffective
Gasoline or other petroleum products: Dangerous and toxic
Bright lights at night: May attract rather than repel
Loud noises: Generally ineffective and disturbing to neighbors

When to Call a Professional {professional-help}

Certain situations require expert intervention for safety and effectiveness:

Large or Established Nests

Colonies with thousands of bees
Nests that have been active for months
Multiple nests on the same property
Signs of aggressive defending behavior

Dangerous or Inaccessible Locations

Nests inside wall cavities
High locations requiring ladders
Areas near electrical equipment
Structural damage caused by nesting

Allergy and Health Concerns

Anyone in the household with bee sting allergies
Previous severe reactions to bee stings
Young children or elderly residents at risk
Medical conditions that complicate sting reactions

Signs of Aggressive Colonies

Bees following people for extended distances
Multiple stings occurring regularly
Bees becoming active at unusual times
Visible signs of colony stress or disease

Frequently Asked Questions {faq}

What is the best natural bee repellent?

Peppermint oil, citronella, and cucumber peels are effective natural bee repellents when used correctly. Essential oils should be reapplied regularly, while physical deterrents like cucumber peels need frequent replacement.

How do I keep bees away from my house permanently?

Long-term bee deterrence requires addressing attractants (food, water, shelter), sealing entry points, using multiple deterrent methods simultaneously, and maintaining these practices consistently throughout bee season.

Do coffee grounds repel bees?

Coffee grounds have limited effectiveness as a bee deterrent. While some people report success, scientific evidence is minimal. They're better used as a soil amendment than a primary bee repellent.

Will vinegar kill bees or just repel them?

Pure vinegar can harm bees, but diluted vinegar solutions (50% water) primarily act as a deterrent through scent. Always use diluted solutions and avoid spraying directly on bees.

How long do natural bee repellents last?

Most natural repellents need reapplication every 3-7 days, depending on weather conditions. Rain, wind, and sun exposure reduce effectiveness. Essential oil treatments typically last longer than plant-based deterrents.

Can I use multiple bee deterrent methods together?

Yes, combining methods often increases effectiveness. Use scent-based deterrents with physical barriers and environmental modifications for comprehensive bee management.

What attracts bees to my yard in the first place?

Bees are primarily attracted to flowering plants, water sources, and potential nesting sites. Gardens with diverse blooms, bird baths, compost piles, and structural gaps are particularly appealing.

Are there plants that attract bees I should avoid?

If you want to minimize bee activity, avoid planting lavender, sunflowers, bee balm, salvia, and fruit trees near high-traffic areas. Instead, plant these bee favorites in distant corners of your property.

How can I tell if I have a bee problem or just normal bee activity?

Normal activity involves occasional individual bees foraging. A problem includes consistent swarms, aggressive behavior, visible nesting, or bees inside your home regularly.

Is it legal to remove bee nests myself?

Laws vary by location, but many areas protect honeybees and require professional removal. Check local regulations before attempting nest removal, and consider the ecological impact of your actions.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways {#conclusion}

Successfully learning how to keep bees away requires a multi-faceted approach that balances effectiveness with environmental responsibility. The most successful strategies combine:

Immediate Actions:

Remove food and water attractants
Apply natural repellents like peppermint oil
Seal entry points to prevent nesting

Long-term Solutions:

Strategic landscaping with deterrent plants
Regular maintenance and monitoring
Professional intervention when necessary

Remember the Golden Rules:

Prevention is easier than removal - address attractants before problems develop
Natural methods are safer - for your family, pets, and the environment
Multiple methods work better - combine different deterrent strategies
Consistency is crucial - regular reapplication and maintenance ensure success
When in doubt, call professionals - especially for large nests or safety concerns

By implementing these proven methods, you can create a comfortable outdoor environment while respecting the important ecological role bees play in our ecosystem. Share this guide with neighbors and friends who might be facing similar challenges, and remember that successful bee management is about coexistence, not elimination.

Have you tried any of these methods? Share your experiences in the comments below and help others learn from your success stories!

Table of Contents