How to Make Homemade Bee Repellent

In addition to discouraging bees, bee repellents help in keeping bees away, and they come in handy if you are allergic to bee stings. Even if you are not allergic to bee stings, they can cause lot of pain if left untreated. Bees, in general, are harmless insects and sting only if you  get too close to their hives or disturb it. In such cases, bees sting because they feel that their queen bee and hive is under attack.

Bees usually make their hives in areas that are sunny and that have a water source and plenty of flowering plants. Thus, the best way to avoid them is to stay away from such areas. Bees are also attracted to food items such as sweet vegetables, sliced fruits, sweets and other sweet-smelling objects like perfumes and deodorants. Many a time, you invite these insects unknowingly by keeping such items exposed in your kitchen or by wearing a “fruity” deodorant. Try some of the following homemade bee repellents to keep the bees away.

Tea tree oil and Benzaldehyde

Mix tea tree oil and benzaldehyde in equal proportions. Spray this mixture on window sills, doors and other bee-prone areas. Repeat this procedure for at least 3 to 4 days to stop the entry of bees completely.

Cucumber Peel

Bitter cucumber peels are one of the most effective natural bee repellents. Just place the peels on your kitchen shelves or suspected areas to drive the bees away.

Soapy Water

At times, a bee wanders off from its way and enters your home. Do not kill the bee right away. Mix some mild detergent in water and spray it on the bee. This will drive away the bee from your place.  

Cinnamon

Spreading cinnamon near beehives will force the bees to shift their colony somewhere else. Do this daily for a week for long-term results.

Planting Peppermint

Bees do not like peppermint plants and their smell. Planting peppermints around your house will create a protective field.

Dishwashing Soap and Cooking Oil

Prepare a mixture of one cup cooking oil and one tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Add 3 tablespoons of this mixture to a quart of water; fill it in a spray bottle and directly spray on bees.

Applying Herbal oils

If your pet gets stung by bees frequently, just apply lavender oil or cedar oil on your pet’s neck and ears. This will keep the bees away from your pet.

Crushed Garlic

Soak an ounce of chopped garlic in water for few days. Dilute this mixture with normal water and spray it on plants (non-flowering) to keep the bees away from them.

Vanilla Mixture

Add one tablespoon of vanilla extract to a cup of water and apply it on your skin. This is handy if you are planning to go outdoors, particularly in bee-prone areas.   

Use Dettol and Baby Oil

If you do not like the smell of vanilla, you can also use diluted Dettol or baby oil as an effective bee repellent.