7 Chemical-Free Hacks For Keeping Bees Away

Updated on July 15, 2018 at 3:20 PM

While pool parties, picnics, backyard fun, and BBQs ramp up during warmer months, so does bee exposure. Whether you consider their curious buzzing and attraction to food, smells, and water a slight nuisance or live in fear of you or your child being stung, there are safe and easy ways to reduce your exposure. Since honeybees are crucial for plant pollination, knowing how to distance yourself from them rather than killing them unnecessarily is a win-win. Check out these all-natural and safe tips for avoiding stings and reclaiming outdoor fun.

Sprinkle Coffee Grounds

Instead of dumping used coffee grounds, use this fragrant compost as a natural bee repellent that can also double as a plant fertilizer. You can even change the color of hydrangea flowers by adding coffee grounds to your soil.

Plant Mint

Mint also naturally deters bees but smells great to humans. Try mixing up this DIY essential oil bee repellent for a fresh, minty spray you can spritz during Summer.

Wear Vanilla Extract

While bees are attracted to many floral smells, there are other sweet scents that they avoid. Instead of reaching for a floral perfume, try mixing a tablespoon of vanilla extract with a cup of water to scent your skin.

Keep Food Covered

Bees are drawn to the smell of food, which is why they swarm incessantly during BBQs and picnics. Keep them away by serving food in containers with lids so that you can seal off food in between servings.

Put Out Cinnamon Sticks

Another sweet smell bees aren't fans of? Cinnamon. Place cinnamon sticks on your picnic table and to keep bees at bay.

Make a Bee Bowl

Instead of repelling them, you can try the opposite tactic of attracting them to a designated spot (away from people) by creating a bee bowl. Just pour flat soda, fruit juice, maple syrup, or sugar water into a bowl and place it a few yards away from your picnic.

Avoid Bright Florals

Wearing bright colors and floral prints isn't the best fashion choice if you want to avoid bees. Instead of making yourself look like a giant flower for them to pollinate, wear lighter, muted colors instead.