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It’s summer in the South. The days are sunny and hot. Flowers and trees are in full bloom. Picnics and barbecues are on the calendar. What you may not know is that all of these are as attractive to wasps and bees as they are to humans. Wish there was a way to repel bees and wasps without using a bug spray that repels you too? Read on to learn three all natural techniques to repel bees and wasps.
Plants That Repel Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps are repelled by the following plants, most of which have strong herb or mint smells:
- Basil
- Citronella
- Eucalyptus
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Thyme
- Wormwood
If you don’t mind their strong scents, consider adding some of these near the outdoor spaces you use regularly at your home to help act as a natural bee repellent and keep stinging insects away.
Plants That Attract Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps are pollinators, so they like flowering plants. However, there are some flowers they’re particularly drawn to, including:
- Black-eyed Susan
- Honeysuckle
- Lantana
- Lilacs
- Perennial Yarrow
- Poppies
- Pale Purple Coneflower
- Sweet Fennel
- Wisteria
- Queen Anne’s Lace
- Sedum
- Snapdragon
- Sunflowers
If any of these flowers are growing near your home, especially if they’re near a deck, porch, patio or other outdoor space, consider replanting them further away if you can. Additionally, knowing more about the preferred nesting sites can help you plan your garden better to avoid attracting wasps. For more detailed information on typical nesting spots and how to manage them, check out our guide on where do wasps nest.
Bees and Wasps are Attracted to Food
Humans aren’t the only species to enjoy our picnics, barbecues and outdoor meals in the summer. Stinging insects are also attracted to our food and drinks. To reduce the chance of uninvited stinging guests crashing your cookout, follow these tips:
- As much as possible, don’t leave food out. Clean up as soon as you’re done eating.
- When you throw away food or food-related trash, make sure the trash can lid is sealed.
- Wasps are attracted to sugary drinks so keep your soda or lemonade closed or covered.
As is the case with plants, there are some food items that repel stinging insects, including:
- Bay Leaves
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Cayenne Pepper
- Garlic
- Sliced Cucumber
- Vinegar
You can use these grocery items as all-natural bee and wasp repellents. Slice up some garlic or cucumber and leave it on a plate on your patio. Pour some vinegar in a jug and place it near a hammock. Place a line of some cinnamon sticks along your deck railing, etc.
Repel Bees & Wasps with Essential Oils
Another all-natural way to keep stinging insects away is by making a bee repellent spray using essential oils. Bees and wasps dislike the smell of these essential oils:
- Citronella oil
- Clove oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Geranium oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary oil
To make an all-natural pest repellent spray, simply combine one or more of these essential oils with water. Use a ratio of two drops of essential oil per one ounce of water.
Your Local Bee and Wasp Removal Experts
As you can see, there are several DIY ways to repel wasps and bees naturally. However, these approaches may not be enough. If you need to hire a company for bee & wasp removal to get rid of stinging insects on your property, look to Bug Out. Our Integrated Pest Management approach helps get rid of pests while still being eco-friendly. Contact us today for your free estimate!
FAQs
Citronella is commonly believed to repel insects like mosquitoes, but it’s not as effective for bees. Bees are generally more attracted to flowers and sweet scents. To deter bees, consider using other methods like sealing entry points and removing attractants such as uncovered food and sugary drinks.