How To "Bee-Proof" Your Next Get-Together
Are you like most of us? You love to entertain outside but just hate the threat of bees joining your party? I'm going to share some helpful tips that may make things a little easier at your next BBQ.
So what are bees so attracted to anyway? Is the food, or just the smell, or the colors? Well, it's all of this. Keep in mind that are pollinators, so they are on the hunt for things to pollinate. Bees are attracted to bright colors (like flowers), however, they are more attracted to flowery smells. When planning to be outside, don't wear perfumes that would attract these little guys. Also, choosing the best location for your party is pretty important. Keep away from long grasses or heavily flowered areas, where they will be most likely flying near.
Strong food odors, especially from sweet foods, as we all know too well, will attract many bees to our tables and picnic areas. Here's some pretty great tips to help save you and your guests.
1. One of my brothers would set up a few two liter bottles on opposite ends of the yard. He would leave some of the sugary soda inside and just simply lay the bottles in an area or hang them from a low branch on a tree. The bees would hover all around the bottles to get the sweet soda inside. You can also just use a cup or a bowl with some maple syrup, sugar water, or honey.
2. Take banana peels, cut them into strips and lay them in opposite areas of your picnic.
3. Decorate your tables with potted Marigold plants. They naturally repell all kinds of bugs because they don't like this scent.
4. Place mint leaves throughout your food areas. The mint will help to mask the sweet smell of your foods.
5. Place garlic cloves around your table. Bees do not like the smell of garlic. The garlic will also help to mask the smell of your foods.
6. Purchase toilet bowl cleaners from the dollar store. You know, the ones that hang from the rim? Hang these little helpers from underneath your tables and around your grill area for best results. I have not tried this one but it is said that bees do not like the smell of these.
7. Lastly, keep foods covered as much as possible. Use containers with lids or purchase food nets.
Though I have not tried it, some people say using dryer sheets will also help to repell bees. They use them under their tableclothes, wipe them on their skin and clothes, and even just keep one in their pocket. Though I think dryer sheets are toxic in and of themselves, I think they may be a better alternative to using commercial bug sprays. These sprays will affect your breathing and can even cause nauesea! Some natural (essential oil) bee and bug repellents are citrus (I like lemongrass), mint (tea tree or peppermint), eucalyptus, and rose geranium. I like to make sprays using different combinations of these. They also work great on your pets!
If you still end up getting stung, check out the following link for some great tips on how to care for the affected area.