Bees are lovely little creatures essential to the environment, but it is understandable not to want swarms around your property. Preventing bees from nesting in your landscape can be challenging because bees are essential pollinators; you don’t want to harm them, but knowing their importance, you wish they’d nest somewhere else. Learn six effective ways to prevent bees from nesting in and around your home.
Identify Common Nesting Sites
Bees are attracted to areas with plenty of food sources, such as flowering trees, shrubs, and plants. Bees prefer areas with plenty of sunlight but with a sheltered space. Hollow trees and other cavities are common nesting spots, so check your home and landscape; even places you wouldn’t expect could have an opening for bees to nest. Bees LOVE small holes because it’s safe for their colony, so check every inch of your property to spot beloved bee nesting spots.
Non-Toxic Methods
Strong smells repel bees, so you can try non-toxic methods to deter bees by scattering herbs or spices like cinnamon and black pepper. You can also hang strings of reflective material in the air, as bees don’t like sudden movements created by their reflection.
Landscaping Techniques
Landscaping and gardening can help keep bees away from your property. Plant trees and shrubs with small flowers, as these attract fewer bees. Avoid planting plants with large and highly fragrant flowers. Cut down dead trees and bushes as bees are attracted to decaying wood, and remove piles of natural debris. Keep all plant material around the property trimmed and pruned.
Sealing Entry Points
You can prevent bees from nesting on your property by sealing potential entrances. Look out for possible entry points around your home, such as cracks, crevices, tree holes, etc., and fill them with caulk (or other methods) to prevent black bees from entering. Regularly check your property for gaps and cracks in structures and hollow tree trunks and seal them off to prevent bees from nesting in the distant future.
Avoid Bright Colors
In nature, your clothing and outdoor furniture, bright colors attract bees, especially shades of yellow and white. As said previously, colorful and fragrant flowers can attract bees, which applies to the colors of your home, furniture, and clothing. Consider wearing and choosing more neutral colors when you spend time outdoors.
Use Bee Repellents (as a last resort!)
Some bee repellents available on the market are generally NOT recommended due to bees’ essential role in the environment. Using bee repellents should be a last resort and only considered if there is a safety concern. If you feel you are at your last resort, call Bee Master of Las Vegas before trying harmful repellents.
Professional Bee Removal in Las Vegas
Unfortunately, sometimes you can try all prevention methods, and bees will still find a way onto your property. Contact an experienced team like Bee Master of Las Vegas to safely remove the nest without hurting the bees and the environment. Our bee experts can help you identify potential entry points around your home to prevent future nestings! Give us a call today!