Warm weather means barbecues, pool parties, and lazy afternoons on the lawn, but it also means bee season.We have compiled some of the best, most effective tips for keeping bees away so you can focus on enjoying the nice weather and sunshine this summer.
Step 1: The areas that attract bees should be avoided.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't have a picnic near a bee hive, whether it's located in a tree or on the ground.Don't set up near other places where bees gather.There are trash cans.The tall grass often has ground nests.There are vacant sheds.The playground was old and unused.
If you are planning on having a patio dinner, make sure the tablecloth is non-floral and has a neutral color.Even if there is an artificial flower, bees will still be attracted to it.
Step 3: There are flowers near the dining area.
Since bees are natural pollinators, they will gather near large flowers.Before a party or social gathering, remove potted flowers from your patio.If you choose a location for a picnic, avoid eating near large displays of flowers, whether they are planted or not.Some flowers attract bees more than others.They are most likely to look at wildflowers, along with goldenrod, and lavender.The bees like several herbs.
Step 4: Food should be kept sealed.
The bees will be able to smell food and investigate it.Food should be covered as much as possible to avoid attracting bees.If you serve a full meal, keep the food in sealed Tupperware containers or dishes covered in plastic wrap.All of the food should be kept inside.Asking guests to fill their plates inside and then step outside will decrease the number of bees you encounter.
Step 5: Don't serve food that is sweet or stinky.
Many foods that humans find pleasant smelling will also smell good to bees.If you want to avoid drawing bees to your event, try to eat mostly bland foods.Unfortunately, this means that you will need to avoid some of your favorite picnic and patio-dinner foods.Salmon.Fried chicken.There is soda.
Step 6: Throw the trash away.
The smell of food and garbage attracts bees.Garbage should be thrown away as soon as possible if you are having a picnic.Place it in a trash can or dumpster that has a lock on it.You are all but guaranteed to attract bees if you leave bags of garbage within a few feet of your meal.
Step 7: Cucumber peels can be used to deter bees.
Cucumber has an acid that scares off bees.You can peel 2 or 3 cucumbers and leave the peelings around the patio.Cucumbers can be spread around your picnic blanket or left on an outdoor table if you are not at a house.Cucumber plants can be planted in a garden near your house if you want to keep bees away from your home.
Step 8: Deter bees with flowers.
The bright flowers of marigolds will keep bees away from your activities.If you want to keep bees out of the area you are hosting a large social event in, try setting up half a dozen marigold plants.If you want to keep bees out of your house for many summers, try planting flowers on your patio, deck, or windowsill.
Step 9: Common herbs can be used to repel bees.
Bees are deterred by a number of common herbs, and will not come near areas where these herbs are present.Bee-deterring herbs include garlic and cinnamon.Put a few plants around your patio or picnic area.If you want to keep bees away, you can chop up a clove of garlic and put it in a glass of water for a few days.When you are outside, place a glass of garlic water nearby.
Step 10: A bowl of bait.
To keep bees away from you and your guests, use a bowl of sweet-smelling liquid.A generous amount of soda, maple syrup, orange juice, or fruit juice should be placed in a bowl about 5 yards away from your picnic or dinner location.You and your guests should gather outside about 20 minutes before the bait is set.
Step 11: Do not wear bright colors or floral patterns.
Colorful clothing like red, yellow, purple, and green are often confused with flowers by bees.The bees will be attracted to clothing that has a floral pattern.Dressing in subdued tones will draw fewer bees.
Step 12: Do not wear scented cosmetics.
Bees are drawn to areas based on how they smell.If the products have been applied in large quantities, they will attract bees.If you know you will be outside for a lot of the day, skip the perfume or cologne and use un-scented hair products.
Step 13: Don't rely on bug spray to keep bees away.
It's great to keep insects away from your skin.Most insect sprays don't work to deter bees.Similar to insect-repellant candles, bees probably won't be kept away either.The bees don't mind the smell of candles.