How to Get Rid of Bees Outside: 6 Ways That Won’t Harm Them

Bees are vital pollinators, but having them swarm around patios, decks, or outdoor spaces can be intimidating or inconvenient. The good news is that it’s possible to get rid of bees outside safely, without harming them or disturbing their essential role in the ecosystem. By using non-lethal methods and creating bee-friendly alternatives, you can keep your outdoor areas comfortable while protecting these important insects.
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1. Remove Attractants

Bees are drawn to food, sweet drinks, and flowering plants. Limiting attractants can naturally reduce bee activity:

• Cover sugary drinks and food when dining outdoors.

• Clean up spills quickly, especially soda or juice.

• Avoid planting highly fragrant flowers near seating areas if you want to minimize bee traffic.

This simple step discourages bees from lingering in areas where you want space.

2. Provide Alternative Food Sources

Planting flowers away from patios or outdoor living spaces creates a bee-friendly distraction:

• Use flowering plants like lavender, sunflowers, or coneflowers at a distance from busy areas.

• Bees will naturally migrate to these plants, keeping your primary spaces bee-free.

3. Install Bee Decoys or Deterrents

Certain visual cues can encourage bees to stay away:

• Fake wasp nests can deter bees because they avoid areas with predators.

• Reflective surfaces or garden decorations that move in the wind can reduce bee landings.

These methods create a subtle deterrent without harming the insects.

4. Relocate Hives Safely

If a hive is too close to a home or play area, professional relocation is the safest option. Beekeepers can:

• Remove and transport the hive without harming bees.

• Relocate them to a safe environment where they can continue pollination.

Never attempt to destroy a hive yourself; it can be dangerous and harmful to the colony..

5. Use Natural Repellents

Several scents naturally repel bees without chemicals:

• Cucumber peels, citrus oils, or peppermint oil sprayed around outdoor seating can deter bees.

• Place these repellents around areas where bees tend to swarm.

Natural repellents keep bees at a safe distance while leaving them unharmed.

6. Create Physical Barriers

For immediate protection in outdoor spaces:

• Use fine mesh screens or netting around decks or patios.

• Install bee-proof lids on trash cans and compost bins to reduce attraction.

• Cover flowering plants temporarily if bees are swarming near activity areas.

These barriers prevent direct contact without negatively impacting bee populations.

Conclusion

It is entirely possible to Get Rid of Bees Outside without harming them. By removing attractants, providing alternative food sources, using decoys or repellents, relocating hives safely, and creating physical barriers, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces while protecting these essential pollinators. Practicing humane and environmentally friendly strategies ensures both safety and the continued health of local bee populations.