If you’re using essential oils and accidentally bees enter your room, or if you’re thinking about using essential oils as a repellent for bees, then this blog post is for you. Here we’re going to discuss what essential oils keep bees away and some other related queries for the same.
So let’s begin.
Why are bees attracted to essential oils?
First of all, bees cannot differentiate the source of scent. Whenever scent is there, bees get attracted because they associate it with nectar sources.
That’s why you’ve noticed bees at your home when you use essential oils in any form.
What should I do if a bee comes inside my home due to essential oil?
Entrance of bees after using essential oil is a common thing, but here are some ways you can follow to discard bees from your home.
You can spray insecticide on it and throw it away, but we won’t recommend anyone because the value of life is equal for everyone.
Here are some methods you can follow to exit the bees safely.
Open Windows:-
If you’re using a humidifier, then switch it off so that the power of the scent will be reduced. After that, open the door and window so that bees would take an exit if they wanted.
Jar Method:
If you find that the door method is not working for hours, then you can use a jar to trap the bee. After that, you can release the bee outside safely.
But here, you have to be quick; otherwise, bees may attack you. So be careful.
Sugar Solution:-
This is one of the best ways to exit the bees without harming them. Just mix a few grams of sugar with water and make sure the sugar is dissolved properly in a wide dish. After that, place this dish near bees, and there are high chance that bees will land on the dish. After that, you can slowly cover the dish with anything and exit the bee safely.
Keeping Beekeeper Tool:
If you face bee issues regularly, then it’s better to buy a beekeeper tool or bee brush so that you can trap bees safely and place them outside. I know it sounds silly, but it always helps to exit the building safely.
Call a Beekeeper:
If you have a bee infestation, then calling a beekeeper is an instant solution. He may suggest dos and don’ts based on his experience to keep bees away.
Switch off the oil diffuser.
The scent may attract bees instantly because bees can’t differentiate from where this scent is coming from. It’s better to switch off your essential oil diffuser and keep it in another room.
Precautions you need to follow to keep bees away
Here are certain precautions you can follow so that bees won’t enter your home.
Keep Bee Repellent Plants: Certain plants work as bee repellants, and those are mint, marigolds, lemongrass, and basil. You can keep these plants near your window or in an area where you think bees might enter.
Avoid Fragrant Lotions: If possible, try to avoid strong fragrances because bees get attracted to them.
So try to limit the use of fragrance.
Cover Food Drinks: Foods, especially sweet dishes, attract bees easily because they associate them with nectar. Try to seal the foods and drinks so that bees won’t get attracted to them.
Use bee-repellent candles: Some candles are available in the market that works as bee repellents. If you’re a frequent candle user, using bee-repellent candles is the best way to protect your home from bees.
What essential oils keep bees away?
Here is a list of essential oils that keep bees away.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint is one of the best essential oils that keep bees away because it emits a minty scent, which bees don’t like as compared to floral scents. Peppermint oils also contain menthol, which masks floral odors.
Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil produces a strong medicinal scent that interferes with the bee’s ability to locate its floral scent because it contains compounds like 1,8-cineole.
Cinnamon Oil:- Cinnamon oil contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde in large amounts, and this compound creates a strong spicy aroma, which bees don’t like very much. This makes them less likely to enter your home.
Lemongrass Oil: Lemongrass contains content like citral and limonene, which emit a strong citrusy smell that bees won’t like.
Citronella Oil: This is also one of the citrusy oils that emits a lemon-like scent, and this oil is frequently used as an insect repellent. Compounds like citronellal and geraniol mask the floral scent and keep bees away.
Clove Oil: Compounds like Eugenol present in clove oil help to emit a spicy scent, and due to this, the power of the floral scent is reduced.
Thyme Oil:- This oil contains a compound called thymol, and it has a potent herbaceous scent. This scent also reduces the strong floral scent and makes the environment bee-free.
Also Read:- Can i use Expired Aloe Vera gel on my face
How to use essential oil so that bees won’t come home
Here are some steps you can follow so that bees won’t enter your home.
Select the Right Essential Oil: As we discussed above, there is a list of essential oils you can use so that bees won’t enter your home. To summarize, those essential oils are peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, clove oil, and thyme oil.
All of these oils contain compounds that emit a spicy or minty scent, which bees won’t prefer at all.
Create Blend: After selecting the essential oil, mix 10–20 drops with 250 ml of water in a spray bottle. This blend is best to keep bees away.
Identify Problematic Areas: Do not spray this in all your homes; just find the area where bees enter mostly and spray on that area.
Repeat as needed. After a few days, the scent diminishes. That’s why if you find that bees are still coming, spray after 1-2 weeks.
Note: If you don’t want to use the spray method, you can also use an essential oil diffuser with these oils. These oils not only relax you but also keep bees away.
FAQ
Some people say that peppermint oil works, but still, beekeepers say that it attracts bees.
Bees don’t prefer those plants that have strong scents, like those that smell like mint.
Lavender smoke helps calm down the bees.
Conclusion: What essential oils keep bees away
There are tremendous essential oils that keep bees away, but first of all, you need to follow certain precautions when a bee enters your home.
You can switch off lights, switch off your essential oil humidifier, and seal-pack garbage and sweet food.
You can use essential oils like peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, and lemongrass oil.
We discussed in detail every point that is helpful for you.
Thanks for reading.