How to Prevent Bees in Tennessee | Bee Prevention Tips
Understanding Bee Prevention
The sight of bees around your home shouldn’t be alarming, especially if you have landscaping that features flowering plants. If you’re concerned about bees buzzing around your home due to allergies, though, you may want to take some precautions to keep bees from taking up residence too close to home.
Landscape Management
Strategic Flower Placement
Consider placing flowering plants and other landscaping features away from “high-traffic” areas, such as doorways, decks, and patios. This creates a buffer zone that allows bees to pollinate without frequently encountering family members.
Bee-Deterrent Plants
Some plants can actually help deter bees from specific areas:
- Cucumber
- Basil
- Mint
- Eucalyptus
- Geraniums
Property Maintenance
Wood Protection
To avoid wood damage from carpenter bees, regularly check areas such as decks, wooden stairs, and other structures around your home for wood damage. Consider treating exposed wood with:
- Polyurethane
- Oil-based paint
- Almond oil
- Citrus oil
Regular Inspections
Regular pest inspections can help identify issues before they become expensive repairs. Professional inspectors can spot early signs of bee activity and recommend preventive measures.
Personal Protection
What Not to Wear
To keep bees from stinging you while outside, there are some things you can do. Looking and smelling like a flower are a great way to attract a bee’s attention. Avoid wearing:
- Perfumes or colognes
- Brightly colored clothing
- Floral prints
- Loose-fitting clothing
Try to wear shoes when going outside, as stepping on a bee may cause it to sting you in self-defense.
Respect Bees’ Space
While outside, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for bees while playing. If you see a bee, do not try to swat at it or kill it on your own. Instead, give it a wide berth and keep an eye out for other members of the colony. If you do notice a bee nest or hive around your home, call a licensed, expert bee removal professional at U.S. Pest Protection to help take care of the problem. Don’t spray pesticides or chemicals.
Safe Outdoor Activities
Dining Outdoors
When eating outside:
- Cover food and drinks when not in use
- Clean up spills quickly, especially sweet substances
- Use unscented cleaning products
Yard Maintenance
When working in your yard:
- Check areas before mowing or trimming
- Inspect potential nesting sites regularly
- Seal ground holes that could become nesting sites
Professional Prevention Services
U.S. Pest Protection offers preventive services that can help keep bees at a safe distance while still supporting their important ecological role. Our bee-friendly approach focuses on:
- Identifying potential nesting areas
- Applying preventive treatments to discourage nesting
- Sealing entry points to structures
- Creating customized prevention plans for your property
