Bees, although essential pollinators and known to produce the best honey, can be a nuisance especially if they swarm, nest, or frequent your home. Nesting bees within your property, particularly if too close to your home or garden can pose a significant risk. That said, it would be advisable to take measures that would discourage bees from infesting and nesting in your home or close to residential areas. Although you might desperately want to get the bees off your house/property, don’t call the exterminators yet (unless absolutely necessary). Here are a few pest control for bees tips you should try first.
- Use Natural Repellents
Natural repellents provide a simple yet effective way to keep bees from nesting on your roof or too close to the house. Vinegar, peppermint oil, and dish soap contain properties that aren’t pleasant to bees, hence keeping them from swarming your home. You only need to mix equal parts of these with warm water, then spray the contents on areas bees are more likely to perch or swarm. It is especially advisable to spray peppermint oil and vinegar on your garden, around the fence, as well as in the attic to keep bees from making a home there. These household items and tricks will only make your home uncomfortable for bees and a few other insects, discouraging them from coming back altogether. - Use Citronella Candles
If you’ve had a bee infestation before, lighting a few candles at various points of the house can help flush out any bees looking to nest there. Citronella contains compounds that naturally repel bees and several other insects, making your home unfavourable for them. While citronella candles might be effective in deterring bees from approaching/nesting, don’t be tempted to place the candles too close to the nest, as this will only provoke them. Lighting these candles after every other day should help keep bees at bay. - Grow Bee-Repelling Plant
A little landscaping can go a long way in deterring bees from swarming your home. You however want to refrain from growing sweet-smelling plants and flowers that attract bees, but rather those that act as repellents. Think citronella, mint, neem, cloves, and eucalyptus for bee and insect control. Most of these plants (herbs) can be grown easily in pots around the house, or in a planter if there’s enough space. The better part of growing bee-repelling plants is that they require minimal maintenance – watering and a little tending might be all you have to do. Germanium and marigold are also known to be quite effective in keeping bees and wasps away. - Water Your Garden and Lawn Thoroughly
Vegetable gardens and unkept lawns are a magnet for most types of bees and insects. An unkempt lawn also makes the perfect ground for bees to nest. Mowing your lawn frequently and watering your garden well can also help keep bees from nesting on your property. The wet soil and disturbed grass/herbs make an unfavourable ground for bees to nest, hence fewer incidences of nesting bees. - Call A Beekeeper
A professional beekeeper is better placed to handle nesting bees, and also offer tips on how to keep them from your property, than an exterminator. Always engage a professional beekeeper if you’ve encountered nesting bees in your property or house before calling an exterminator. Some Exterminators are also well-equipped and experienced in removing bee nests, as well as relocating them to a safe location without harming the colony. They can also offer handy insights and tips on pest control for bees at home.