How to Get Rid of Bees: 10 Genius Ways to Safely Remove Them in 2024
Bees are vital to the planet’s health. But if they arrive uninvited at your home, they can be a nuisance or a threat to your family. Learning how to get rid of bees safely is essential, whether it’s small swarms in your yard, a hive in your attic, or ground bees in your lawn. This guide has step-by-step instructions on how to get rid of bees effectively, prevent future infestations, and handle them humanely when possible.
Understanding the Importance of Bees
Bee pollinators are vital. They fertilize plants that produce our food. Bees are vital to our food and beauty. We rely on them for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In fact, it is thought that one-third of our food supply is pollinated by bees. Bees are beneficial to nature, but they can be pests when they make nests or hives too close to human dwellings. Understanding how to get rid of bees without harming them is important for maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
A bee sting can hurt, and some people have very severe allergic reactions to a bee sting. That’s why it’s essential to know how to get rid of bees from your property, especially if there’s an infestation. The catch is how to do this safely and efficiently—without harming your family or the bees.
Pro Tip: If you can avoid killing the bees, do so. Bees face population declines. Their role in nature is too important to risk harm. Consider hiring a beekeeper to safely relocate them.
Why Bees Invade Your Property
Some features of your property will attract bees to nest or forage. Understanding these factors can help you prevent infestations before they start, allowing you to avoid needing to figure out how to get rid of bees.
- Access to Food Sources: Bees are constantly looking for nectar or pollen from flowers. Bees will make their way to your garden if you have flowering plants, fruit trees, or even bird feeders.
- Water Availability: Hydration and hive temperature regulation are the reasons bees need water. Birdbaths, fountains, or standing water from pools will attract bees to your yard.
- Sheltered Spaces for Nests: Beehives like to hide from predators and the weather. These include wall cavities, roof eaves, attics, tree hollows, or sheds.
- Unsealed Trash or Food Waste: Bees searching for sweet bits like soda cans and fruit peels will be attracted to open garbage cans or compost piles.
Types of Bees You Might Encounter
Not all bees are the same, nor do all species of bees behave in the same way. Identifying the type of bee is the first step in learning how to get rid of bees from your property.
Honey Bees
Honey bees are social insects and almost form colonies en masse. The exception is when their hive is threatened, as they are usually non-aggressive. But if you see honey bees swarming around, they could be scouting a new place for a hive. Honeybees are superb pollinators. They often build hives in enclosed places, like walls or roofs. Knowing how to get rid of bees like honey bees safely is essential to avoid harming them while addressing your bee problem.
Ground Bees
The name ‘ground bee’ refers to the fact that ground bees nest in the ground. Solitary bees don’t form large colonies like honey bees but are solitary instead. In loose, sandy soil, female ground bees dig small holes in which they lay their eggs. Although they are less aggressive, knowing how to get rid of bees like ground bees involves addressing the issue before it escalates. This is especially true if they dig and burrow in large numbers in gardens or on foundations.
Bumblebees
Unlike honey bees, bumblebees are larger and fuzzier and tend to nest in the ground or in grassy areas. Bumblebees are mostly non-aggressive. But, they will defend their nest if threatened. Honeybee nests are usually bigger. However, these bees require careful handling when removing them.
How to Get Rid of Bees Safely
The approach to how to get rid of bees depends on the size of the infestation and where the bees are found living. While there are a few DIY methods, it’s best to know when to call in the professional.
DIY Methods
- Insecticide Sprays and Powders: These are over-the-counter solutions that you can buy at most hardware stores. Insecticides for bees can kill them quickly. They should be applied directly to the hive or nest. But this is a last-ditch method; it can hurt beneficial insects and damage the environment.
- Smoke: Smoke is a classic method used by beekeepers. The smoke disorients bees and makes them less likely to sting. You can use a simple smoker or even a smoky fire near the nest to encourage bees to leave. However, this should only be done carefully and far from fire hazards.
- Vinegar Spray: A natural remedy, vinegar can be mixed with water. Spray it around areas where bees are active. Vinegar’s acidity can repel bees. It’s a safe, effective way to stop them from building a hive on your property.
- Seal Off Entry Points: If bees have entered your home through cracks, seal those gaps. This will prevent them from getting in again. Make sure to inspect your walls, roof, windows, and doors for any openings that bees could exploit.
Pro Tip: Always wear protective clothing when doing DIY bee removal. Use long sleeves, gloves, and a hat to prevent stings.
Natural Remedies
Many homeowners prefer using natural methods to get rid of bees without harming them. Here are some effective natural remedies:
- Garlic and Vinegar Mixture: Garlic has a strong smell that bees dislike. Crush some garlic cloves and mix them with vinegar, then spray around bee-prone areas. This can help repel bees naturally.
- Essential Oils (Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Citronella): Bees are repelled by strong-smelling essential oils. A few drops mixed with water can be sprayed on windowsills, door frames, and other entry points to keep bees at bay.
- Bee-Repelling Plants: Certain plants, like marigolds, mint, and eucalyptus, naturally repel bees. Consider planting these in your garden to discourage bees from settling nearby.
Example: Planting lavender can repel bees and beautify your yard. Bees avoid the plant’s strong scent.
Professional Help
For a big hive or aggressive bees, hire a pro beekeeper or pest control service. The bee removers can do it. They will not damage your home or harm the bees. Beekeepers often relocate hives so that the bees can continue their vital pollination work.
How to Get Rid of a Beehive or Bee Nest
Removing a beehive or bee nest is a challenging task that requires caution. If the hive is located on your property, particularly inside walls or roofs, here’s how you can approach it:
- Prepare by Wearing Protective Gear: Always wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hat with netting. They protect you from stings.
- Smoke or Spray the Hive: Use smoke to calm the bees before attempting to remove the hive. If you’re dealing with a small nest, a vinegar spray might be enough to force the bees to relocate.
- Remove the Hive: After the bees have left or been killed, use a hive scraper to remove the hive. Be sure to dispose of the hive in sealed bags to prevent any residual bees from returning.
- Seal the Entry Point: After removing the hive, seal the entry points. This will prevent bees from reentering.
How to Get Rid of Ground Bees
Ground bees don’t form large colonies. But their burrowing into your lawn can be alarming. Here are a few methods to remove them safely:
- Watering the Area: Ground bees prefer dry, loose soil. By watering the area frequently, you make the environment less desirable for them to nest in.
- Cinnamon: Ground bees dislike the strong smell of cinnamon. Sprinkle cinnamon powder near their burrows to naturally encourage them to move elsewhere.
- Natural Repellents: Garlic and peppermint sprays can repel ground bees. They are effective.
How to Keep Bees Away from Your Home
It’s easier to prevent bees from invading your property than to deal with an infestation. Here are some preventive measures to keep bees away:
- Regular Lawn Maintenance: A short, neat lawn discourages bees from nesting in tall grass or bushes.
- Remove Potential Water Sources: Cover standing water sources, like birdbaths and fountains. This will reduce their attraction to bees.
- Seal Cracks and Openings: Regularly inspect your home for gaps or cracks. Bees could use them to enter. Unsealed basement windows are particularly vulnerable, as bees may find access points to create nests or hives near or inside your home. For effective ways to seal and protect your basement windows, you can explore this guide on basement window solutions to help prevent bees and other pests from entering.
Example: Installing window screens and sealing cracks can help prevent bees from entering your home.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve dealt with a bee problem, it’s essential to take measures to prevent them from coming back. Check attics, gardens, and outdoor sheds for early signs of bee activity. Regular inspections will help you spot them. Seal all trash and store it in areas that may attract bees. Use natural repellents like vinegar and essential oils. If you’re interested in how to support bee populations while keeping them away from your home, consider exploring ways to create a pollinator-friendly garden. You can find more tips on bee conservation through this resource by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation on how to help bees thrive in designated areas while protecting your home from infestations.
Conclusion
Getting rid of bees on your property can be a daunting task, but if you know the right methods, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have honey bees, ground bees, or a nearby beehive, there are many remedies for the problem. They are both natural and professional. Be very careful when removing bees. Always try to do it humanly. Also, prevent their return if possible.
If you know why bees are drawn to your home and can identify the type of bee, you can help the environment by keeping them. You can also prevent them from returning by knowing how to remove them.
