As any passionate gardener knows, attracting bees to your garden is usually a great sign! Bees are essential pollinators that help flowers thrive, fruits grow, and vegetables flourish. However, there are times when gardeners may wish to keep bees away from specific plants or areas. In this blog, we’ll explore the various flowers, plants, and methods that can help you keep bees away without harming the environment.
Understanding the Role of Bees in Your Garden
Before diving into the methods for keeping bees at bay, it’s worth remembering why they’re so crucial. Bees pollinate around 70% of flowering plants, which accounts for about 30% of the food we consume. If you’re a vegetable gardener, you’ll appreciate that bees are essential for pollinating crops like cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans. Even fruit trees, from apples to cherries, rely on bees for pollination.
Yet, while we want to encourage bees in certain parts of the garden, there are also situations where you might prefer to have a bee-free zone—especially near seating areas, play zones, or patios.
How Do Bees Find Plants?
Bees are incredibly smart creatures when it comes to locating their favorite flowers. They are primarily attracted to plants that have:
Bright Colors: Bees are especially drawn to vibrant colors, particularly blue, purple, and yellow. They see colors differently than humans, so they are attracted to what appears to them as the richest hues.
Sweet Scents: Bees love flowers that produce a sweet aroma. The stronger and sweeter the fragrance, the more likely a bee will be attracted to it.
Open, Accessible Flower Structures: Flowers that are easy for bees to land on and access their nectar are more likely to catch a bee’s attention.
If you’re trying to keep bees away from your garden or specific areas, avoiding plants with these characteristics can be a helpful first step. But what about taking more direct action? That’s where sprays come in!
What to Spray on Plants to Keep Bees Away
When it comes to repelling bees, the idea isn’t to harm them—it’s simply to discourage them from frequenting your garden. There are a few natural sprays and methods you can use to keep your plants bee-free.
1. Essential Oils Spray
Essential oils are a safe and natural way to repel bees without causing them harm. Many bees dislike certain scents, so blending the right oils can deter them from visiting your plants. Here’s a simple recipe for an essential oil bee-repellent spray:
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 1 tablespoon of castile soap (acts as an emulsifier)
- 1 liter of water
Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray this solution on the leaves and stems of the plants you want to keep bee-free. Both peppermint and eucalyptus oils have strong scents that bees find off-putting. Plus, they’re both natural and safe for the plants you’re trying to protect!
2. Garlic Spray
Garlic is another smell that bees dislike. A garlic spray can work wonders for keeping bees away from specific areas. Here’s how you can make one at home:
3-4 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 liter of water
Soak the crushed garlic in water overnight, then strain it into a spray bottle the next day. Spray the mixture lightly on the plants, particularly the flowers, where bees tend to hover. The strong odor will keep the bees from making your garden their home.
3. Cucumber Spray
Did you know that bees tend to avoid cucumbers? The chemical compounds found in cucumbers are actually irritating to bees. A cucumber spray is an easy and eco-friendly way to repel them.
1 cucumber (grated)
1 liter of water
Grate the cucumber and mix it with water, then strain it into a spray bottle. The scent of the cucumber is enough to deter bees from landing on your plants.
4. Citronella Oil Spray
Citronella is well-known for keeping mosquitoes away, but it can also act as a repellent for bees. Bees don’t particularly like the strong, citrus-like scent of citronella. You can buy citronella oil or use it in the form of candles, but if you prefer a spray solution:
10-20 drops of citronella essential oil
1 tablespoon of witch hazel (optional)
1 liter of water
Mix the ingredients and spray it on your plants to keep the bees away. Citronella has a light, refreshing scent that humans find pleasant but bees are not fans of.
Plants to Keep Bees Away
In addition to sprays, certain plants are naturally repellent to bees, which you can incorporate into your garden layout to reduce bee activity around certain areas. These plants may still attract some insects, but they are far less likely to draw in bees.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a great choice for creating a bee-free zone. Their strong, pungent aroma repels bees, along with many other pests. Plant them around the areas you want to keep bees out of, and they’ll form a natural barrier. Marigolds are also known for being easy to grow, making them a gardener’s favorite.
2. Mint
Mint is another herb that is known to deter bees. It has a strong aroma that bees don’t particularly like, and it grows quickly, making it a natural barrier around your garden. Keep in mind that mint can be invasive, so plant it in pots or control its spread if you’re not looking to have it take over.
3. Wormwood
Wormwood has a bitter, medicinal scent that bees avoid. It’s a hardy plant, thriving in both sun and partial shade. If you have a problem with bees around your garden seating areas or flower beds, wormwood can help create a bee-free zone.
4. Cucumber Plants
Interestingly, cucumber plants themselves can help keep bees away. Not only are cucumbers effective in sprays, but the plants themselves also emit compounds that are not favorable to bees. If you’re growing cucumbers in your garden, you may notice fewer bees nearby.
Additional Tips for Bee-Free Zones
Beyond using sprays and planting bee-repelling plants, there are other strategies you can use to keep bees away from your favorite spots.
Timing Matters: Bees are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If you want to spend time in your garden without worrying about bees, aim for midday when they tend to be less active.
Water Features: Bees are attracted to water sources. If you have a fountain or birdbath, consider relocating it away from the areas you want to protect.
Physical Barriers: You can use fine mesh netting or a simple tent around your seating area to keep bees away. This is a great option if you want to sit outside in peace without worrying about stings.
Conclusion
While bees are vital to a healthy garden ecosystem, there are definitely times when we need to keep them away from specific areas. Whether it’s for personal comfort or safety, natural sprays made from essential oils, garlic, and cucumbers can help you deter bees in a way that’s safe for both your plants and the environment. Additionally, planting bee-repellent flowers like marigolds and mint, and using clever gardening strategies, can help ensure that your space remains bee-free. By taking these steps, you can continue to nurture a thriving garden while keeping your space comfortable for everyone!
