Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
The bees! These cute but annoying insects like to come out of hiding in early spring, so if you think you’ll be looking for bee removal options sooner rather than later, then this guide is for you. We’ve outlined some safe and humane ways to help rid your home or yard of brightly colored flying stingers.
Most bees tend to be attracted to sweet things: food, drinks, flower nectar, all that good stuff. Your garden may summon honey bees or carpenter bees, the latter of which are likely to nest in nearby trees or wooden structures. So if you have an indoor bee problem, you may want to look for a hidden carpenter bee nest.
But how exactly do you go about getting rid of bees ethically? Unless you have a beekeeper friend, in which case why are you reading this? — you might be confused. Before you call your local pest control company, here are some easy and breezy methods to eliminate bees that you can try at home.
How to get rid of bees
Once you suspect a bee infestation in the home, there are a few things you need to do up front. Your first task is to make absolutely certain you have bees; Other pests like wasps, yellow jackets and hornets look like bees and can easily be confused with the little yellow flying men.
How to differentiate bees from other flying insects? If you notice any of the insects inhabiting your home, look for certain visual signs. Wasps and hornets are generally narrow-waisted and hairless, while bees are plumper and fluffy. Wasps are also brighter in color with distinct yellow bands around their abdomen, while bees may have a less bright brown or yellowish color. Hornets and yellow jackets are generally larger, brighter and more aggressive than bees.
Your next task is to find the source of the problem. A bee infestation could mean a bee nest nearby: check dark, sheltered areas like tree hollows, under porches or under eaves. If you can’t find a nest, so much the better! It’s one less thing to worry about and you can read on to learn about methods to repel and get rid of bees that can’t resist visiting your home or garden in warm weather.
If you find a nest, remember to keep a safe distance so as not to annoy the insects and risk getting bitten. Keep pets and small children away from the nest. Then consider finding a local beekeeper to come and move the nest safely. Bee Culture has a nifty search tool for finding beekeepers across the United States, but many states also have an online directory you can consult, such as the New York State Beekeeper Club Directory.
Remember, bees are an important part of our ecosystem, so safe disposal options should be your top priority.
Domestic solutions to permanently chase away bees
Want an easy way to get rid of bees with something that’s probably in your house right now? One thing bees hate is vinegar, making it a good, safe alternative to store-bought or professional-grade chemical deterrents. Consider filling an empty spray bottle with a homemade vinegar solution made of equal parts water and vinegar to instantly deter bees. Spray it in areas where you frequently see flying insects to keep them away.
Vinegar isn’t the only substance that bees don’t like. Lavender oil, lemongrass oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon and lime are all substances that bees will avoid. You can apply these oils as a topical to repel bees when you are outside.
Some easier bee deterrents include peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, and thyme. Bees don’t like these strong scents, so if you have another empty spray bottle lying around, fill it with a mixture of one of these herbs and water or essential oils for yet another convenient solution for the bees.
Should you call a bee pest control company?
If you don’t want to deal with a bee infestation yourself – or if you’re stuck with an unsightly hive or nest without a beekeeper nearby – a pest control company can help. Many pest control companies offer harmless bee elimination services in addition to more traditional means like chemical treatments, just be sure to ask. Orkin, for example, offers safe relocation services for bees.
Grub5
