Bumblebees are essential pollinators, but their nests around your property can lead to unwanted encounters. Understanding how to prevent bumblebees from nesting can help you avoid these situations while respecting the role bees play in the environment. Below, we provide practical steps and tips to keep bumblebees from settling too close to home.
To prevent this, it’s important to remove or modify potential nesting sites around your property.
Why Do Bumblebees Nest Around Properties?
Bumblebees typically seek out sheltered areas with access to food and water. They often prefer quiet, undisturbed spots such as garden sheds, compost piles, or dense vegetation. If your property offers these conditions, it may become a desirable location for a nest.
To prevent this, it’s important to remove or modify potential nesting sites around your property.
Identifying Potential Nesting Sites
Bumblebees tend to nest in cavities or small, sheltered spaces. Here are common areas where they may attempt to build a nest:- Unused sheds or outbuildings
- Piles of wood, leaves, or compost
- Dense shrubs, tall grass, or overgrown gardens
- Holes in the ground, such as rodent burrows
Preventing Bumblebee Nesting: Practical Tips
Here are several actions you can take to discourage bumblebees from nesting around your property:- Seal gaps and holes: Inspect the exterior of your home, garage, and sheds for any gaps or holes. Seal them using caulk or mesh to prevent bees from entering.
- Remove debris: Keep your yard clean and debris free. Remove piles of leaves, wood, and compost that could become potential nesting sites.
- Regularly mow lawns: Bumblebees prefer undisturbed areas. Mowing your lawn frequently and trimming overgrown shrubs can deter them from settling.
- Cover exposed ground: Ground-nesting bees often look for bare patches of soil. Keep your garden beds covered with mulch, and repair holes in the ground to prevent nesting.
- Limit access to food sources: Bumblebees are attracted to flowering plants. While removing all flowers isn’t practical, consider limiting plantings near your home’s entrance or high-traffic areas.
Natural Deterrents to Keep Bumblebees Away
If you’re looking for non-chemical ways to deter bumblebees, consider the following methods:- Citronella plants: While citronella is better known for repelling mosquitoes, it can also work on bees. Plant citronella near potential nesting areas to discourage bees from settling.
- Cucumber peels: Bumblebees dislike the smell of cucumber. Placing cucumber peels near entry points or potential nests may help keep them away.
- Peppermint oil spray: Dilute peppermint oil in water and spray it around areas where you’ve seen bees. The strong scent of peppermint can serve as a deterrent without harming the bees.
When to Contact a Professional
If you find that bumblebees have already established a nest on your property, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service. Removing a bumblebee nest on your own can be dangerous, and professionals can safely relocate the bees without harming them.
Dos and Don’ts for Preventing Bumblebee Infestation
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Seal gaps and holes in the walls, roofs, and sheds | Don’t disturb a bumblebee nest without assistance |
| Keep your yard clean and remove debris regularly | Don’t use harsh chemicals to repel bees |
| Mow your lawn frequently and trim overgrown areas | Don’t ignore potential nesting areas like compost |
| Use natural deterrents like citronella or peppermint | Don’t leave food sources or flowers near entrances |
| Cover exposed soil in garden beds | Don’t attempt to relocate a bee nest yourself |
