Keep Bees Away, Kindly: How to Deter Bees Without Harm

We love bees. Seriously. They’re the unsung heroes of our food system—pollinating crops, buzzing around doing their thing, and generally minding their own beeswax. But sometimes, they get a little too comfortable. Like when they hover around your pool party, sneak into your soda can, or decide your porch eaves are prime real estate.

If you’re dealing with these well-meaning but nosy pollinators, this guide is for you. We’ll show you how to keep bees away from your home without harming them—because the goal isn’t war, it’s peaceful separation. You get your space, and they get to go do their important bee business somewhere else.

Why Are Bees Hanging Around Your Home?

First off, bees don’t just show up for fun. There’s usually something attracting them—sweet scents, bright colors, or even water sources. Here are a few top reasons they might be turning your backyard into a buzzing hub:

• Fragrant flowers or plants near windows or entryways

• Sugary drinks or food scraps left outdoors

• Uncovered pools, fountains, or birdbaths

• Crevices or gaps in siding or roofing that seem like cozy nesting spots

Understanding why they’re visiting is the first step in getting them to politely leave.

Step-by-Step: How to Keep Bees Away From Your Home (Without Harming Them)

Let’s jump into the good stuff. No swatting, no sprays, no exterminators—just simple, safe, and surprisingly effective ways to encourage bees to find somewhere else to buzz.

1. Smell Strategy: Use Scents Bees Don’t Like

Bees are big on scent. Use that to your advantage.

• Cucumber peels: Strange but true—bees dislike the acidic scent of cucumber. Lay peels near windows, decks, or outdoor eating areas.

• Citronella and peppermint oils: Mix a few drops into a spray bottle with water and lightly mist around doors, windows, and patio furniture.

• Garlic powder: Sprinkle in areas you don’t want bees visiting. Bonus: It may also keep vampires at bay (no promises).

Quick myth buster: No, cinnamon doesn’t kill bees. But it does throw off their sense of smell and trail-following instincts. So it’s more of a “what’s going on here?” than a “goodbye forever.”

2. Say No to Bright Patterns and Sweet Smells

Bees love color—especially bright blues, purples, and yellows. If your outdoor decor is a floral explosion, maybe tone it down a bit.

Also, skip the fruity body sprays, sugary sodas, and uncovered juice pitchers. Bees are excellent sugar detectors.

3. Redirect Them with a “Bee Bar”

This might sound weird, but sometimes the best way to get bees away from your stuff is to give them their own stuff.

Set up a small bee-friendly station far from the house with:

• A shallow dish of water + small stones (so they don’t drown)

• Some flowering plants in pots

• A splash of honey or sugar water (if you’re desperate)

It’s like saying, “Hey bees, here’s a better party—three trees to the left.”

4. Patch Up Your House: Bee-Proof the Cracks

If you’ve ever heard buzzing inside your wall (cue horror movie music), it might not be your imagination. Bees can nest in wall cavities, chimneys, and siding gaps.

• Seal up small cracks and crevices with caulk or mesh

• Cover vents and chimneys with fine screens

• Check under decks and eaves for early signs of hive-building

This is your “keep out” sign—bee-style.

5. Avoid Sudden Movements (and Soda Cans)

We’ve all done it: flailed our arms in a panic when a bee gets too close. But bees aren’t naturally aggressive—they usually sting only if provoked.

• Move calmly

• Don’t swat

• And never drink from an open can unless you’ve peeked inside first (seriously, one guy ended up with a bee sting on his uvula… not ideal)

6. Keep It Dry

Water is life—for bees too. Pools, leaky hoses, and birdbaths are like welcome mats.

• Dump standing water

• Fix leaks

• Cover the pool when not in use

If there’s no water to sip, they’ll find another spot.

Natural Deterrents You Can Try

Besides essential oils and cucumber peels, these natural solutions are worth a shot:

• Clove, eucalyptus, or lemongrass oils: Use them in diffusers outside or in sprays

• Vinegar spray (watered down): Bees hate it, but so do plants—use on hard surfaces only

• Coffee grounds: Burn small amounts in a fire-safe dish; the smoke keeps them at bay

One time, a neighbor tried burning sage to “bless” his yard and accidentally created a temporary no-fly zone for all insects. The bees left. So did the birds. So did his dog.

Bonus: Make a Fake Nest

Bees are surprisingly territorial. Hang a decoy wasp or hornet nest (easy to find online or DIY from paper bags) and they’ll often steer clear, thinking the spot’s already claimed.

It doesn’t fool every bee, but it can help—especially if you hang it early in spring before they start nesting.

Preventive Habits: Your “Don’t Invite the Bees” Checklist

• ✅ Don’t leave sweet drinks or food uncovered outside

• ✅ Empty standing water weekly

• ✅ Keep trash cans sealed

• ✅ Store pet food indoors

• ✅ Seal cracks around siding, roof edges, and chimneys

• ✅ Use unscented sunscreens or lotions

• ✅ Avoid wearing floral or bright clothing outdoors

These small habits make a big difference over time—and you won’t need to chase bees away if they never show up.

Final Thought: Be Nice to the Buzzers

Look, bees are vital. We need them to pollinate crops, keep ecosystems healthy, and yes—even make our Instagram-worthy honey jars possible. The goal here isn’t to drive them into extinction—it’s just to kindly show them the exit sign when they wander a little too close to your lemonade.

Be respectful. Be prepared. And remember: they’re just looking for a snack, not starting a fight.

FAQs

Why do bees keep coming back to the same spot?
Bees leave behind pheromones that signal “this place is good!” If you don’t clean the area thoroughly, it’ll stay on their radar. Use vinegar and water to wipe down problem spots.

Can bees make a nest in my house?
Yes—especially in wall voids, chimneys, and under eaves. If you hear buzzing inside or spot regular bee traffic to one area, call a professional beekeeper. Don’t try to handle a hive on your own.