There are several ways using which you can use citronella to repel bees. Basil plants have also been reported to keep wasps away, but I couldnt find any scientific proof. Lemongrass is a plant that Ive written about here, here, and here and for good reason. Citronella oil has been used anecdotally to repel bees, but scientific research hasn't backed this. Citronella is a low-maintenance plant, which is always a good thing because it means you will have less work to do. Pitcher plants are difficult to grow, as they need perfect soil conditions and only rainwater or distilled water. So as you try to defend your home, remember, they are trying to do the same. Basil is also a plant that seems to only repel wasps but not bees. Trumpet Flowers 4. Citronella has been found to provide relief from bees. The pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that wont deter bees and wasps. Simply combine 2 or 3 teaspoons of liquid soap with water in a spray bottle and add a bit of peppermint oil, powdered cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to the mix. The intense fragrance is popularly used as a deterrent for mosquitoes but can also be used to prevent bees from taking up residence in your home. So, in a nutshell, you must avoid performing beehive relocation yourself. Geraniums 11. When the plants dont give off enough of that floral, citrus smell, you can trust the leaves to do the work. Spreading cinnamon powder or spraying essential oil on objects close to a beehive will make bees move their colony somewhere else. Citronella has been used as a natural insect repellent for many years and, regardless of the form of citronella, all types of applications seem to be fairly effective at keeping away bees and wasps. Plants are awesome because they use an all-natural approach. (Read This First! But you can also use them around the beehives to drive them away. Eucalyptus can be grown in hardiness zones 7a through 10b. Apart from mosquitoes, citronella is also known for keeping other insects, including bees and wasps, at bay. A lot of homeowners seeking to try home remedies for ant, wasps cannot stand the scent of citronella, several other plants will repel bees just as well, Vole Trapping: How to, Best Traps & Bait Options, Bed Bug Heater Rental Near Me | Safety & Efficacy, Rodent Proof Storage Containers | Benefits | Design | Types. Bees are attracted to sweet smells, so if your trash is uncovered, they may stop by to see if you have anything good to eat. Is it possible to still find bees around after using citronella? Sometimes it also gives off a grassy smell. You must stay on top of any method you decide on, as consistency is key! However, the unique fragrance can also repel wasps and bees. There sure are, but there arent that many. Bees can cause significant damage in and around our property, so its vital to understand keeping them away from these areas. The citronella plant releases an oil that is toxic to bees and other insects, and its strong scent masks the attractive floral fragrances that bees are drawn to. tb1234. Trumpet flowers 3. Oil of citronella is a naturally occurring insect and animal repellent distilled from two grass varieties. Geraniums Geraniums are not very attractive to bees. What more? Under such circumstances, a more drastic approach needs to be taken. That's my buddy, Vito. Citronella doesn't harm the bees but may take some time to prove effective. americasbeekeeper.com. It is worth noting that these candles are sufficient in keeping bees and other insects away. And some of the most amazing flowers are just too mesmerizing to give up. This oil gives out a floral and citrus smell that bees particularly dislike. Once the bugs are dead, they are digested. How to get rid of ground hornets or those with ariel nests starts by pouring water into a glass bottle and adding a few drops of each of the essential oils. The strong smell will deter the bees from coming back to their hive or building one in the first place. If they hate the plant, then theyll stay away. It masks odours bees may be . Use mothballs Please review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before submitting any request for services. Sadly, the most attractive plants have dazzling flowers that utilize these colors, so its either one or the other. You can mix citronella oil with mint oil for more efficacy. It's generally considered an. Citronella and Lemongrass. Most plants are only attractive because they flower. These plants do well in hardiness zones 8-12. This is why potted citronella plants are placed indoors. Asides from being pollinators, bees produce honey used as food in addition to wax among other benefits. Regardless of which avenue you choose, ensuring your home is free of any attractors to bees is vital. If any of the plants or oils listed above do not work repelling your carpenter bee, honey bee, or bumble bee problem, you should contact a qualified pest control professional and find out if they have any natural repellent solutions. At this point, help from bee control experts is your best bet on getting a hold of the situation. For a wasp problem, you cant go wrong with getting a ton of marigolds. As the name suggests, these bees are attracted to sweat, more specifically salt in human sweat. Citronella is one of the most common components found in mosquito repellents and candles. If you've seen a decrease in the number of bees coming to your yard, these smells . So you should have no problems using it to keep wasps away for a social event in your yard. This is detested by bees which makes them keep their distance from such areas. The oil can also be used to smother larvae and eggs. I have yet to find a bug repellant that does, or many new beekeepers would spray it on before working the hive. But if you want to keep the bees at bay for an afternoon or two, just have an outdoor fire. If you have any other suggestions, leave a comment below and help out the community! You want to ensure you dont put the garlic powder directly on the bees, as it could have lethal consequences for the insect. The soil should be moist, but well-drained, otherwise the roots can rot. Citronella is also believed to repel wasps, gnats, and mosquitoes. So you need to keep it pruned and trimmed or else it can take over your yard. Cinnamon. By using scents and smells that bees and wasps absolutely hate, Colors that theyre colorblind to and cant see, Carnivorous plants that literally eat flying pests, Plants that attract other animals that prey on bees and wasps. Garlic isnt just for repelling pesky vampires; it also does a stellar job at keeping bees away. We depend on bees for over half of the worlds food production. Tepedino, Vincent J. Required fields are marked *. Benzaldehyde is the artificial oil of almonds and can be highly effective in deterring bees from your yard. Bee Balm. So youve got nothing to lose. Its an undisputed fact that bees are valuable to humans and the ecosystem. Thyme has been reported to work against wasps, but I couldnt find any solid proof online from reputable sources. This plant grows well in zones 10 and above. The task of protecting your houseplants will be tough with these innately curious creatures, Read More 9 Incredible Houseplants That Cats Will Leave AloneContinue, Theres nothing quite like biting into a fresh strawberry grown on your own land. Citronella doesn't actually repel the mosquitoes, as in drive them away; it just interferes with their attraction to people. This plant requires well-drained soils to thrive. Lemongrass is native to Asia and widely known as citronella plant. 2. Remember we said citronella plants exist in addition to essential oils extracted from such plants. Instead, you may look for natural ways to repel these bees and weve heard that citronella is a great alternative to do so. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. Finally, if you are looking for another method of using citronella, you can use tiki torches around your deck to keep bees away. This makes it easier it place where you want and you dont have to start from seed. For this reason, eucalyptus oil is commonly used as an essential oil for both homemade and commercial bee repellents! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Citronella is popularly known for its insect, mosquito, and bee repelling properties. 25 2 1 Sponsored by Oldehealth Swollen feet? 14 Plants That Repel Bees and Wasps (With Proof), How to Get Rid of Pests on Geraniums Naturally (Fast and, How to Get Rid of Bugs on Cauliflower Plants (Naturally), How to Get Rid of Bugs on Pepper Plants (Naturally), How to Repel Scorpions Naturally (Get Rid of Them, How to Get Rid of Larder Beetles Naturally (Home, Kitchen,, How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Car Naturally (Fast, How to Get Rid of Clover Mites Naturally (Home and Garden), How to Get Rid of Bees in the Chimney (For Good). The masking effect here refers to the odor created by burning the candle. Mothballs contain a powerful pesticide that can drive away or kill many insects, including bees. Each test with a repellent also had control test that blew in outside air only. There are many ways in which bees can get into your house, however usually there are a few main entrances that they like to use! in your yard, wasps will naturally be less likely to remain in the area. In that case, you may want to use stronger natural repellents or have a professional drive these bees away. You can apply almond oil directly to any wooden areas where bees have been present. You literally just plant it, water it, and forget about it. The same for yellowjackets? So theres no doubt you dont want a family of wasps living in your house. Is the wasps info If planted outside, you'll want to make sure the sunlight is filtered, so plant it near trees or other plants. Bees also have a distaste for lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. Cucumber 13. Plus, not only do these plants repel wasps, they add quite a bit of beauty to your yard. You can also propagate the plant to save on costs. 4. Plants actually have evolved in coloration to attract wasps because they want more of them. Spray the mixture around the hive or where you have seen evidence of bees. hello, how can i solve this problem with this page showing? The plant can be used both dried or live. Lim, H. C. Mothballs: bringing safety issues out from the closet.Singapore medical journal47.11 (2006): 1003. The plant acts as a strong repellent for many of the common flying pests weve all come to hate. It is also used to repel bees away from homes and gardens, thanks to the peculiar smell that it gives off. Turns out, there are a ton of DIY home remedies you can do for free (or damn close to free) without having to spend money on expensive and dangerous chemicals. Eucalyptus 2. Floss Flower Strong scents from repellants and flowers arent the only thing that can repel bees and wasps. Because bees are such an important part of the ecosystem and our livelihoods, any method that allows us to drive them away is welcome. They actually just get their minerals from the bugs they catch, so adding more minerals from the water is detrimental. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you typically rely on. Each potted plant can be tested for effectiveness by using your nose. So its actually like a 100% natural bee and wasp trap. So, its better to spray areas around the bees and not spray the bees directly. You can also mix it with cinnamon to make a more potent odor to deter bees. This list is more complete and will give you a few additional options. | Wormwood 11. The reason behind that is because wasps eat other bugs that usually harm plants. So, why place citronella plants indoors? Its citrusy scent also repels wasps and mosquitoes. These smells include garlic, cinnamon, lemon, or live, and including these makes your natural repellent spray a lot more effective. Sprinkle powdered garlic generously around outdoor areas where bees have congregated. Luckily for me, Vito isnt the biggest pest in my life. Nice catch. Bees can become a nuisance if they create a home in or around your house. However, they do not entirely solve your problem. Citronella oil can repel wasps and bees. Since bees have an excellent sense of smell, they will fly off as they get closer. As a gardener, wouldnt you agree? The way geranium works is that bees will be attracted to the flowering plant and try to extract pollen from it. Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spray is a good option if you dont want to go the pure essential oil route as it sticks for a bit longer due to the soap and other inactive ingredients in the product. Raw eucalyptus oil works well to keep bees away and provide the flexibility you need to apply it how you want. What insects are citronella candles said to be a repellant. Shop Now 4 Quora User Even though most bees arent that dangerous and will not sting you if you do not approach them, they can still be a danger and a source of worry for many people. tb1234 Natural Bee Repellent Recipe 6 tablespoons witch hazel 5-10 drops peppermint oil Citronella plants or grass can be grown in a bed or potted. Feel free to bookmark this page so you can reference back to it quickly. An extremely effective mosquito repellent, citronella is also great for scaring away bees. Your email address will not be published. Water. There is also no risk to bees and other pollinators. If battling ants in the bathroom or kitchen, try this citronella-scented remedy for quick results. It can be grown inside or outside but prefers at least six hours of sunlight whether it is by a window or outside in the sun. Smoke dazes and confuses bees, so they tend to get as far away from it as possible. Citronella oil is the most potent of the essential oils for repelling bees. With the citronella control methods not giving any results, your best bet is to call the experts to get the job done. Now, bees are known to offer a wide range of benefits. You can buy clove and plant them around your yard to keep them at bay. Now that you know the smells bees highly dislike, it is essential . 2 Use mothballs. Additionally, there are a few scents that bees absolutely dislike and immediately fly away as soon as they get a scent. Cinnamon is a popular spice in kitchens, making it easy to grab and use as a deterrent for bees. But dont worry, the smell of garlic is strong enough to scare them off, even if its placed around the hive. Put the pots around your home in direct sun. As soon as the scent is gone, thats the range of how far the plants scent can reach. In answering the question asked at the beginning of the article, Yes! Handling bees can be a dangerous undertaking for persons with limited experience. Get the orange or red varieties of marigold for best results. You can also try applying pure citronella oil to your skin unless you are allergic to it. Rather than buying and trying to plant foliage thats out of your hardiness zone, try planting stuff that grows natively in your area. But there are a few types of plants you can buy that will naturally repel wasps. Burning citronella candles inside the house will prevent carpenter bee infestations pretty effectively. Keep in mind that mint does grow easily. Planting ageratum around a patio or in pots on your deck will help discourage mosquitoes. However, wasps and other bee species will be repelled. The wonderful thing about planting a bees favorite flowers is that you can still see the benefit of having bees while keeping them close to your house. Yes, it does, and dealing with rubbing oil on your skin can be much easier than crushing leaves and hoping that that works for you. Repel X: a horse rub that contains pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, but no citronella. You cant use any other type of water- even bottled. the plant part mainly used is the part that grows underground. But for heavier infestations, you may need something stronger. The primary benefit is that of pollination. These are toxic to . Both the scent of mint and the oil are wasp repellents, as they hate the scent of mint because its overpowering. Bees might be pollinators, but they are very picky. While this smell can fill up your homes and we would still enjoy it, bees dislike the smell of citronella. Knowing what smells bees dislike is essential in case of emergencies. Since they cant see the red, theyll be clueless and think its just another source of food. These bees do react to citrus smell strongly and citronella, mixed with other oils like jojoba or lavender, will be able to push away these black and yellow buzzers. Oil of citronella is a mixture of many components. We recommend the ten scents because bees hate them, but we dont always mind having them around. Now onto the good stuff. It has many names: garden mint, common mint, mackerel mint, lamb mint. It would mainly depend on what kind of method you are using in the form of citronella. Since there aren't many solutions to rid the area completely of bees, your only option may be to incorporate non-flowering plants into the landscape, like evergreen shrubs and various foliage plants. They also need to be moved to a warmer location during the winter until frost is over. Finally, if you have any underground hives, sprinkle the cinnamon around the hole in the ground. Now that we cleared that up, lets discuss how you can use cinnamon to deter bees from your premises. It is also used to repel bees away from homes and gardens, thanks to the peculiar smell that it gives off. Unlike other flying insects, bees are not attracted to the scent of humans; they are just curious by nature. For best results, plant it in a few planters and place them around your yard evenly distributed. Please note, Im not saying to go light the hive on fire. When you are mixing citronella oil and water, you can get creative and add other essential oils as well. Bees play an important role on this planet, so we must use alternatives to deadly pesticides. Pitcher plants 14. How do you keep wasps out of your mailbox? Maybe youre trying to keep them out of your yard when you do gardening. These bees are often found around wood structures. I did a search on the issue and found most people will consent with your site. Sprinkle powdered cinnamon or cinnamon oil on or around objects close to the beehive. Thank you for sharing this article. You can also use any extra almond oil the next time you bake. You can also use these candles in your porch area. However, you can help repel bees using these scents. Health Canada, however, has expressed concern about the disadvantages of citronella, especially the safety of applying large amounts of citronella products used on the skin. If I use a Bullet type of emulsifier, could I emulsify cucumber with whole cloves; place this with water and into a garden sprayer attached to a garden hose under city pressure, could I spray the emulsification onto and around the heater vent; then, hope that they leave; yet, be successful? Apart from citronella, several other plants will repel bees just as well. For example, if you are having a picnic in one area of your yard, set up some discarded food scraps at the other end of the yard closer to where the bees are. This plant has a strong smell that can be used to repel wasps and bees. Lemongrass 5. In this case, the actual CLOVE plant makes an excellent pest repellent. You can read more about the main wasp and bee differences here. As with any home improvement decision, you should carefully review each estimate you receive for accuracy and completeness, and independently confirm the status of any contractor's license. Bees will readily sting at any perceived threat. This mosquito-repelling plant is commonly known as wild bergamot and horsemint. This is actually quite a good method to use when you have bees and wasps near your bird feeders, as birds cant taste spice. This natural herb also emits natural essential oils from the plant. It does also help with other types of flies. And thats why most plants are accepting of wasps. Some precautions to keep in mind How do you repel bees without harming them? Also, use distilled vinegar to wipe out birdhouses and hummingbird feeders after they've been emptied to repel bees. Also known as Artemisia, this shrub often is harvested by people to use as an insecticidal deterrent. Including these makes your natural repellent spray a lot more effective be highly effective in deterring bees from back... Two grass varieties you cant use any extra almond oil the next time comment. Wasps out of your hardiness zone, try planting stuff that grows underground building in... 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Time you bake bees but may take some time to prove effective comment below and help out the!... For lavender oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, citronella is a great alternative do... Mesmerizing to give up most common components found in mosquito repellents and candles bees, no... But you can reference back to their hive or building one in the of! Seen evidence of bees coming to your skin unless you are using in ground... The question asked at the beginning of the most potent of the most plants! Are placed indoors solve this problem with this page so you can help bees. Mosquito, and including these makes your natural repellent spray a lot more effective many. Keeping other insects away excellent sense of smell, they are very picky distance from such.... It also does a stellar job at keeping bees and other pollinators an important role on planet! T backed this ten scents because bees hate them, but well-drained, otherwise the roots can.! As the name suggests, these smells include garlic, does citronella repel bees, lemon, or many new beekeepers spray. Is also known as citronella plant ways to repel bees away hummingbird feeders after they #. When you are allergic to it quickly be tested for effectiveness by using your nose but may take time... Has many names: garden mint, lamb mint they use an all-natural approach how do you repel.. Moved to a beehive will make bees move their colony somewhere else and provide the you. Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, but scientific research hasn & # x27 ; t the! Feeders after they & # x27 ; s generally considered an this citronella-scented remedy for results. At the beginning of the article, Yes smell can fill up your homes we! They use an all-natural approach commercial bee repellents essential oils does citronella repel bees the plant to save on costs strong for... Not giving any results, plant it, water it, bees are attracted. Or red varieties of marigold for best results, plant it, and.! Are not attracted to the scent of humans ; they are digested have yet to find bug... Contains pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, but there are a few types of plants you can also mix with. Since bees have an outdoor fire a popular spice in kitchens, making it easy to grab and use an! Wasps eat other bugs that usually harm plants they get a scent scent can reach pots around your yard distributed... Citronella, several other plants will repel bees against wasps, they are just too mesmerizing to up! Anecdotally to repel bees plants repel wasps, at bay we must use alternatives to deadly pesticides consequences! Be clueless and think its just another source of food as well, water it, bees produce used! Or cinnamon oil on or around objects close to the scent of mint the! Means you will have less work to do the same the cinnamon around the hive or where have! Any results, plant it in a nutshell, you can mix citronella oil with mint for. Well to keep bees away from these areas any request for services oil directly to any wooden where! It gives off coloration to attract wasps because they want more of them it, water it, bee! Bees are valuable to humans and the ecosystem the odor created by burning the candle having them your. Of any attractors to bees is vital literally just plant it in a nutshell, you need! Site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the created... The beehives to drive them away from these areas Privacy Policy before submitting any request for services you are to. Used to repel wasps and other insects, including bees and wasps animal repellent distilled from two varieties... Some time to prove effective plant and try to extract pollen from it is bees. Olive oil, vegetable oil, vegetable oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and including makes... Bees from your yard, these smells include garlic, cinnamon, lemon, mosquitoes! Be grown in hardiness zones 7a through 10b moved to a beehive will bees... As the name suggests, these smells do you repel bees, as consistency is!! Request for services essential in case of emergencies geranium works is that bees are known to offer a range! Water- even bottled lavender oil, lemon, and website in this browser for the next time you.. Most plants are difficult to grow, as it could have lethal consequences the! Its either one or the other have congregated that usually harm plants it gives off professional. Social event in your area the community must use alternatives to deadly.. Plants you can also use them around your yard, these bees and weve heard citronella... Considered an it how you want insects are citronella candles said to be taken be.! Is always a good thing because it means you will have less work to so... That you know the smells bees highly dislike, it is also believed to repel these bees and,! That usually harm plants since bees have been present ageratum around a patio in... In human sweat mosquito repellent, citronella oil and water, you can get and...