Bees play a vital role in the life cycle of flowers that make our outdoor spaces lovely and more enjoyable. Unfortunately, bees are facing a rising threat of population loss, so many advocates are shouting “Save the bees!”

Since redesign is all about eco-friendly design, I began researching the best ways to keep bees away from the areas where my family and pets hang out. I want to keep them away without sending them to that great beehive in the sky.  Good news! No need to be a buzzkill. Non-lethal options exist to keep the bees at bay while beautifying your special spaces outdoors. Read on to learn about plants you can introduce to keep away unwanted backyard visitors naturally.  

The Power of Plants in Repelling Bees

1. Basil

We as humans may love the fragrance of basil but bees and wasps do not. Basil needs plenty of sun and can be planted in either pots or in the ground. Another plus to basil is the great addition it can make to your cooking arsenal. Think a delicious Caprese salad or fresh basil sprinkled on top of your favorite pasta sauce. Yum! 

2. Mint

Another fragrance that bees and wasps find off-putting that’s a great herb for teas and cooking. A word of caution here, mint grows very quickly and can take over your garden in no time so be careful where you plant it. You can also grow mint in a big pot instead of the ground. Be sure it doesn’t get too much shade. 

3. Eucalyptus

Chalk up another pleasant scent to have around for us humans.  Bees, not so much. You can grow eucalyptus either in pots or directly in the ground. It does need a lot of sun and is a more drought-resistant plant so be careful not to overwater it. 

4. Citronella

You may know that Citronella repels mosquitoes but it also can help repel bees and wasps. You can grow it in containers but make sure the container has good drainage. Citronella also needs a lot of light so take that into account when placing it in your yard. 

5. Geraniums

Yes, a flower that bees and wasps do not like. Why? Well, these particular flowers contain little to no pollen and also put off a scent bees don’t like. Perfect for not only keeping away stinging pests but also to add color to your outdoor space. Geraniums grow well in containers and pots with 4 to 6 hours of sun each day. 

Final Thoughts on Naturally Getting Rid of Bees

Five natural solutions to getting rid of bees, none of which involve murder.  I will certainly be trying out one or two of these in our yard this year. Think of this as a kinder, gentler form of insect control. I hope this info is helpful to you as you are making plans for your outdoor space this year. 

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed.

For more great stories and ideas please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.