How to Get Rid of Bees | 8 Remedies that Work

For those who didn’t know, bees are beneficial to our existence. They are an integral part of our natural ecosystem, meaning we must co-exist with them. While it’s one thing to appraise their contributions, having to live with them nearby is an entirely different thing.

Although they help us human beings in multiple ways, we also can’t deny that getting stung by a bee is no joke. It’s painful and leads to inflammation and discomfort that no one ever wants to experience.

This guide will walk you through a list of all the potential hacks you can follow when it comes to how to get rid of bees.

Also read: How to Get Rid of Sweat Bees? | Try These 8 Methods

What are the Different Types of Bees?

When you think of bees, you need to consider the types of bees available around. Typically, the one we are mostly acquainted with is a honey bee. We commonly spot these around our homes and in our gardens.

However, there are a few different varieties of bees that we don’t have an idea about. Some of the top types of bees include:

• Honey Bees
• Yellowjackets
• Paper Wasps
• Carpenter Bees
• European Hornet

Depending on where you live, you are more likely to experience the infestation of one or multiple of these types of bees.

Where & What to Look for in a Bee Infestation?

Let’s assume you are witnessing a swarm of bees around your house. And you are sitting there confused, “Where did they come from?” 

Ideally, if your home or garden is infested with bees, chances are there is a nest somewhere you aren’t even aware of. That’s the first thing you have to look for. The frequency of the nest will vary, depending on how many bees are around in the colony and how many you can witness around your house.

We recommend keeping an eye out for the bees and noticing where they go. In most cases, the bees will fly around, finish their work, and return to their nest. Staying vigilant is your easiest way out of this situation.

List of Ways to Get Rid of a Bee Infestation

Getting rid of a bee infestation is more complex than you think. Firstly, as we discussed before, bees are integral to our existence. We need bees to survive on this planet. So, when it comes to eliminating bee infestation, remember that the last thing you want to do is kill them.

We have sorted out some of the most effective techniques to help you. Like most extermination techniques, even bees require much work and patience. Following are some of the most effective techniques to try out.

1. Using a Spray to Get Rid of the Nest

When removing bees from your property, your first step is to spot the nest. That’s where the problems arise. If you can spot the nest, the next step is eliminating it for good.

Getting rid of the nest doesn’t mean you will charge it with a wooden stick and beat it until the bees fly out. It’s dangerous and not effective at all.

Instead, you need to spray a nest spray directly on the nest. Ensure that the spray will destabilize the nest’s nervous system, triggering the bees to leave and fly away. This technique does result in some casualties, which you have to be ready for.

Also, when using nest spray, ensure that you wear protective clothing to protect yourself from the bees that fly out of the nest.

2. Use Citronella Candles

Although not the most effective or used method, citronella effectively eliminates the bees from the area they have infested in your home.

Instead of using concentrated citronella oil, a good alternative is using citronella candles. You need to find the nest’s location and light the candle nearby.

What’s great about using citronella candles is the multiple benefits. It will keep the bees out of your property and mosquitoes and other pests out of your home.

3. Using Garlic

As unusual as it sounds, garlic is a potent and effective way to eliminate bees from your home. Garlic has a very pungent smell and effect, which bees aren’t fond of. So, we can say that garlic is an excellent bee repellent.

Since bees aren’t fond of the smell of garlic, one trick you can use to get rid of bees is to sprinkle garlic powder around the house and especially around the area where the nest is.

You can also sprinkle garlic powder in the areas where the bees frequent the most. The pungent smell will repel them and keep them away.

4. Use Smoke

If you safely want to remove the honey bees from your home without killing them, smoke is a great technique you can check out. Honey bees are susceptible to smoke, and any traces of it near their nest will suffocate them and force them to fly out of their nest.

Once all the bees exit their nest, take a rod and break down the nest entirely. Ensure that you are being safe when taking down the nest. There could be a few bees inside who can panic when you are destroying their nest.

5. Using Vinegar

Another natural remedy to eliminate bees from your home is by using vinegar. This is particularly important for people who don’t want to use harsh chemical repellents.

To make a vinegar solution:

1. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Swirl around the liquid and then spray it directly on the nest.
3. Ensure that you wear protective clothing since the moment the vinegar solution hits the nest, the bees will come swarming out of the nest.

6. Use Plants that Repel Bees

Only a few people know this, but certain plants can help you repel bees and keep bees out of your home’s premises.

Some of the most effective options for these plants include eucalyptus, cucumber plants, peppermint, citronella, and cloves. Most of these plants are aromatics, emitting potent fumes, so they act as fantastic bee repellents.

7. Use Citrus

Like vinegar sprays, even citrus sprays effectively eliminate bees from your home. If you are 100% sure that the bees have built themselves a nest in your home, we’d recommend using a citrus spray to sort things out for yourself.

Preparing a citrus spray can take a little time. Take a massive pot of water, add different types of citrus peels, and boil it until the water reduces by half. This is where the essential oils from the citrus seep into the boiling water, making a good concoction.

Once the liquid cools down, transfer the solution into a spray bottle. Use that to spray on the bee nest to get rid of it.

8. Use Cinnamon

Another strong smell that works as a natural repellent is cinnamon. It’s not a good smell that the bees love indulging in. So, if you want to eliminate bees from your property, a natural and effective remedy is using cinnamon.

You can take concentrated cinnamon oil and spray it around areas mostly infested with bees. It will take some time for the bees to be eliminated, so we’d recommend repeating the process daily.

Eliminating bees from your home is easier than you think. If you follow the steps mentioned, you should be able to get rid of the bees effectively within a few months. Just ensure that you are practicing safety when practicing any of the methods to get rid of bees naturally from the perimeter of your home.

Also read: How To Get Rid of Hoverflies? | 9 Effective Ways

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