A home remedy to kill bees is an economical way of getting rid of bees naturally. Bees are very important to the ecosystem, but unfortunately, when there is a beehive in or around your home, it poses a danger to you and your family.
It does not take much to agitate bees. Children and pets that often play outside and explore are especially at risk, but if you decide to do some gardening or spring cleaning, you may unwittingly agitate the bees and cause them to attack. After reading this article, you will know how to kill bees and repel them naturally, and how to recognize the signs of a bee infestation.
Why are Bees Dangerous?
- Some people are allergic to bee stings. Getting stung by a bee or multiple bees can have serious consequences if an EpiPen isn't used in time or there isn't quick access to medical care.
- Bee stings are painful.
What are the Signs of a Bee Infestation?
- An abnormal amount of bees in the garden.
- There may be a foul smell in your home or garden. Decomposing honey smells very unpleasant.
- Holes in wooden structures. Carpenter bees like to bore through wood to make their nests.
- Dead bees in your home or a buzzing sounds in the walls.
- If you can't see the hive, it may be underground or in the walls depending on the type of bee.
Look no further than your kitchen for a suitable home remedy to kill bees. You can also easily repel bees if you prefer not to kill them. All this without using hazardous chemicals.
Safety First
But before approaching the hive, make sure that you are wearing thick, protective clothing that covers your whole body. You can use a sturdy wide-brim hat with a net draped over it and secured so there are no holes the bees can fly into.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bees
If you are going anywhere near the hive, it's best to do so later in the evening or very early in the morning as the bees are less active during these times.
1. Vinegar Spray
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution on the hive to kill the bees and on the flowers and bushes in your garden as a precaution.
2. Soap Solution
Mix equal parts of Castille soap (or a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid) and hot water together in a spray bottle and spray the hive and the bees.
3. Soda Bottle Trap
Cut a soda bottle in half and fill it up halfway with sweet soda or fruit juice. The bees will be attracted to the soda, fly into the trap and drown.
4. Essential Oils
You can mix a few drops of essential oil with water, unscented liquid soap, or vodka and spray the mixture around your home and the areas where the bees like to go. The most effective essential oils are peppermint (which can kill the bees), cinnamon, citrus oils, or tea tree. Bees hate pungent smells.
5. Garlic Powder
Bees hate the smell of garlic. Sprinkle it around their hive and areas they frequent. Reapply every few days. This method may take a week or a little bit longer, but in most cases, the bees relocate their colonies.
6. Smoke
If the hive is the type that hangs down, you can burn wood or even charcoal under the hive. The smoke will drive them away.
7. Vacuum Cleaner
A strong vacuum cleaner can suck up the bees. It may be best to use this method after using another method like the soapy water as you need to get very close which may agitate the bees.
If you do get stung and you are allergic, use your EpiPen immediately and see a doctor. If you tend to swell, it's likely also an allergy. Apply ice and take an antihistamine. Otherwise, dab a little bit of honey on the affected area. Click here for more home remedies for bee stings.
When to Call an Expert
If you are allergic to bees or the hive is in a tricky spot, it may be safer to call in an expert, preferably a beekeeper as they will remove the bees without killing them and remove the hive as well. Exterminators use poison and some do not remove the hive.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
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Jane Scott grew up on a farm in California and is a crossover between a country girl and an evangelist for healthier living. She’s a nutritionist who preaches that healthy living need not be complicated.
She believes that by exercising regularly, eating mostly non-processed foods (with plenty of vegetables), and using home remedies for the small things and doctor’s advice for the big things, almost anybody can feel great and live a happier and healthier life. She’s excited to share her knowledge of natural remedies and healthier living on HRFL.
In her spare time, Jane enjoys cooking and watching bad rom-coms. She also loves nuts, and is a bit of a nut herself when it comes to Yoga, which she’s a little too obsessed with in the opinion of her friends and family.
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