How to Keep Bees Away

Bees are vital pollinators, playing a crucial role in plant growth and food production. However, when they settle too close to homes, they can pose a nuisance or even a safety risk—especially for those allergic to bee stings. At Budget Brothers Termite & Pest, we understand the balance between protecting the environment and keeping your home safe. Here’s everything you need to know about how to keep bees away while ensuring their conservation.

Why Do Bees Come Near Homes?

Bees don’t randomly show up on your property—they are attracted to specific elements, including:

• Food Sources: Bees seek nectar from flowers, but they are also drawn to sugary substances like soda, fruit, and food scraps.
• Water Sources: During hot months, bees look for water in pools, birdbaths, fountains, and even pet water bowls.
• Shelter for Nesting: Hollow walls, attics, trees, and sheds provide excellent nesting locations for certain bee species, such as honeybees and carpenter bees.

Understanding why bees are around is the first step in preventing them from becoming a problem.

How to Keep Bees Away from Your Home and Yard

If you want to minimize bee activity, here are some effective prevention methods:

1. Remove Food and Water Sources

• Keep garbage bins sealed and away from doorways.
• Clean up spills—especially sugary drinks—immediately.
• Remove standing water sources, such as pet bowls and birdbaths, or relocate them away from patios and doors.

2. Seal Openings Around Your Home

Bees can enter through small gaps and establish hives inside walls or attics. Prevent this by:

• Sealing cracks and crevices around windows, siding, and roof eaves.
• Installing fine mesh screens over attic vents and chimney openings.
• Repairing broken wood and openings that could allow bees inside.

3. Use Bee-Repelling Scents

Certain scents naturally deter bees without harming them:

• Citrus Peels: Placing lemon or orange peels in areas where bees gather.
• Cucumber Peels: A natural deterrent, particularly in outdoor seating areas.
• Essential Oils: Spraying peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella around doorways and windows.

4. Plant Bee-Repelling Plants

Some plants naturally discourage bees from settling near your home while adding greenery to your landscape. These include:

• Marigolds
• Eucalyptus
• Citronella
• Wormwood

5. Avoid Wearing Bright Colors & Strong Fragrances

• Bees are attracted to bright floral colors, so opt for neutral clothing when spending time outside.
• Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions, which can attract bees.

6. Use Natural Deterrents in High-Traffic Areas

• Cinnamon: Sprinkling it around patios or picnic areas makes bees think the area is inhospitable.
• Vinegar and Water Spray: A mixture of equal parts vinegar and water can deter bees from doorways and patios.

Related Article: Types of bees in Arizona and how to avoid them

How to Prevent Bees from Nesting on Your Property

While the occasional bee is harmless, a nest or hive near your home can become an issue. Prevent nesting before it starts by following these steps:

1. Inspect Your Property Regularly

Look for early signs of bee activity, including:

• Frequent buzzing near a particular location.
• Small amounts of wax or honey residue on walls.
• A group of bees hovering around a single area.

2. Remove Unused Wood & Debris

Carpenter bees burrow into untreated wood to create nests. To prevent this:

• Seal or paint exposed wood, particularly on decks and fences.
• Store firewood away from your home and off the ground.

3. Relocate Birdhouses or Outdoor Fixtures

Bees sometimes nest in birdhouses, tree stumps, or old furniture. Moving these items away from your home can deter nesting close to living spaces.

Related Article: 5 Signs of a Bee Infestation

What NOT to Do When Dealing with Bees

While it might be tempting to handle bees yourself, certain actions can be dangerous or ineffective:

❌ Do NOT swat at bees—this can provoke them, increasing the risk of stings.
❌ Do NOT attempt to remove a hive on your own—hives should always be relocated by professionals.
❌ Do NOT use harmful pesticides—many pesticides kill beneficial pollinators and can be harmful to other wildlife.

Related Article: Why Bee Removal Needs To Be Done by a Professional

Contact Us Today

If bees are becoming a problem, don’t wait—call Budget Brothers Termite & Pest for expert bee removal services.

📞 Call us at 602-493-7555
💻 Visit BudgetBrothersTermite.com