Ways to Naturally Repel Bees and Wasps

If you live inUp close, face to face with a bee the Baton Rouge area, bugs are a part of life, particularly in the summer. And despite the heat, there are still plenty of barbecues, festivals and picnics going on outside in the summer. These outdoor events can put stinging insects and people on a collision course. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help keep bees and wasps away, naturally. Keep reading to learn more!

Plants That Attract Wasps and Bees

Bees and wasps are attracted to many types of flowers because they’re pollinators. Here are some flowers that bees and/or wasps particularly like: 

  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Honeysuckle
  • Lantana
  • Lilacs
  • Perennial Yarrow
  • Poppies
  • Pale Purple Coneflower
  • Sweet Fennel
  • Wisteria
  • Queen Anne’s Lace
  • Sedum
  • Snapdragon
  • Sunflowers

If you see a large number of bees and wasps flying around your home but you can’t find a nest, it may be because you have some of these plants on the property. If you have some of these plants near outdoor areas that you use often, like decks, patios or porches, consider relocating them.

Plants That Repel Wasps and Bees

Wasps and bees may be pollinators, but they’re not attracted to all plants. The scent of the following plants are strong natural repellents for bees and/or wasps:

  • Basil
  • Citronella
  • Geraniums
  • Marigolds
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Thyme
  • Wormwood

Do you need to move any of the plants that bees and wasps are highly attracted to away from your outdoor spaces? If so, these would be excellent plants to replace them with. Even if you don’t need to replace any plants, potting a few of these near your outdoor spaces will still help keep stinging insects away. 

They’re Attracted to Your Food

Barbecues, picnics, ice cream cones – eating outside is an essential part of summer. But outdoor meals and treats also attract wasps and bees. To help reduce the risk that stinging insects will ruin your outdoor dining experience:

  • Clean up right away after your picnic or barbecue; throw out trash and pack up leftovers.
  • Speaking of trash, make sure after you use a trash can that the lid is closed tightly.
  • Unattended drinks should be closed or covered because wasps love sugary beverages.

Bees and wasps are attracted to many plants but dislike others. Well, it’s the same thing with food. They like many types of human food but some foods and ingredients repel them, including: 

  • Bay Leaves
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Garlic
  • Sliced Cucumber
  • Vinegar

Since these can be found in most grocery stores and are inexpensive (often less expensive than a store-bought insect spray), they make a practical all-natural pest repellent. Just pour, slice or sprinkle them into a container and keep it near you or your outdoor space.

Make a Natural Bug Repellent with Essential Oils

The previous methods are fine for keeping stinging insects away when you’re relaxing by a patio table. If you want a pest repellent that’s more portable and less passive, you can make one using essential oils. Stinging insects are repelled by these essential oils:

  • Citronella oil
  • Clove oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Geranium oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Rosemary oil

Just combine two drops of essential oil per ounce of water and pour into a spray bottle for a portable, all-natural pest repellent.

Top Bee and Wasp Exterminators in Baton Rouge LA

There are several natural, DIY ways to keep wasps and bees away. However, these techniques may not be enough. If you’re in Southern Louisiana and you need to get rid of persistent bees and wasps on your property, call us! Our approach helps get rid of stinging insects while still being eco-friendly. Contact us for a free estimate!