It’s best to have bees buzz off rather than exterminate them
Honey bees, bumble bees, and even carpenter bees are essential to the ecosystem. But sometimes they impede on our homes, and it’s necessary to get rid of a bees nest. Since they are so crucial to the environment and our existence, it's vital to know how to get rid of bees without harming them.
However, it can be extremely dangerous and even deadly if methods are done improperly or if you have a bee allergy. In that case, it's always best to call a professional to reduce the risk of injury. Here are six tips to deter and get rid of bees too close to your house.
If you are wondering how to get rid of bee nests without killing them, the best thing you can do is hire a local bee removal service. They are professionally trained to remove and relocate the bees safely.
Beekeepers use various methods for capturing the bees, such as brushing them gently into a box, using a "bee vacuum" to suck them into a hive box, or utilizing smoke to calm them down so they can guide them into a container to relocate them. Some companies may even have ways to remove the bees without exterminating them.
The cost of removing bees depends on various factors, such as the type of bee, size of the infestation, location, and whether any repairs need to be made to the home. The average cost is around $180, but it can range between $150 and $500. It's well worth the expense to keep yourself safe from injuries and prevent damage to your home.
Bees have sensitive sniffers and despise certain types of scents. A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar is often recommended as a bee deterrent. You will need to spray around areas that you need to repel bees from. However, you should always wear protective gear and avoid getting close to the bees if you have an allergy.
Do not directly spray the bees. It's best to try this method when bees are less active, such as at night. Of course, when bees are most active depends on the type, so keep that in mind when trying any DIY method.
Cinnamon is another smell that repels bees. Sprinkling cinnamon powder near nests can create an unpleasant aroma which may make bees pack up and move elsewhere. This method can also be a simple way to get rid of ground bees.
You’ll need to repeat this process every day for at least a week or more to be effective. Remember to wear protective equipment to prevent stings and wait until bees are less active.
If bees are buzzing around your deck and porches, you can burn citronella candles to get rid of bees from their nest. This method is commonly used to repel mosquitoes, but the scent may also bug the bees enough to keep them away. Similar to cinnamon, you will need to burn these candles consistently to make it aggravating enough for the bees to leave.
This method may not be as effective as others, but it's an easy thing to try. Just make sure to stay away from the nest while the candles are burning because the bees may fly out due to the smell.
Rather than having to worry about how to get rid of bees' nests, take the initiative to keep them from building one near your home by growing plants that repel bees. Plants with strong scents, such as eucalyptus, garlic, and basil, may deter bees because they dislike the way they smell.
However, if you have pets, you should research before planting anything around your house where they can be eaten. For example, eucalyptus is toxic to dogs and cats, so skip this plant and find pet-friendly ones that repel bees or try a different method.
You should never try to remove a bee's nest yourself because it can be extremely dangerous. The amount of bees that can live in a hive depends on the type of bee, but honey bees can have up to 80,000 bees living in a hive. People who are allergic to bees can have life-threatening reactions from a single sting. So, it's best to leave bee nest removal to the professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to do so safely.
Some bees may return after the nest is removed. These are called "straggler" bees, and it may take them a couple of weeks before they leave. The reason is the nest may have been removed while the bees were away. These bees don't typically survive long once the nest is gone, so you may want to contact a beekeeper to help relocate them elsewhere.
