How to Get Rid of Bees in Tennessee

Bumble bees are responsible for nearly 80% of all plant pollination globally, which makes them the most influential single-species pollinators of our food crops. Unfortunately, due to harmful pesticides introduced into farmland and habitat loss, bumble bees are declining at an unprecedented rate.

At U.S. Pest Protection, we take the well-being of bees seriously, which is why we work hard to safeguard them in Tennessee. Although having a bumble bee hive or swarm near your home can be frightening, these insects are generally calm and keep to themselves unless they feel threatened. Rather than attempting to harm any bees in your vicinity, our bee experts are at the ready to help you relocate the hive safely.

To help you cohabitate with bees near you, our certified pest control specialists have put together this guide on what you can do to ward off bees from getting close to you or your family.

Keep Bees at Bay the Humane Way

As a rule of thumb, it’s best not to swing at or swat at a bee flying near you. As mentioned before, bumble bees only attack when they feel threatened, so staying calm around them and vacating the vicinity is your best bet. However, you can do a few things to ensure bees aren’t attracted to you or your outdoor common areas, which makes the chances of you getting stung far less likely. Here are some tips to follow:

• Relocate floral arrangements or potted flowers away from frequented outdoor areas.
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or floral-patterned garments outdoors.
• Avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or scented lotion if you’re spending time outside.
• Place outdoor food in airtight containers when not being eaten.
• Dispose of trash or spills immediately in a bin with a sealable lid.

Note: If you have bees in your area and you or one of your family members are allergic to bee stings, seek shelter immediately and call U.S. Pest Protection.

Garden with Bee-Deterring Plants

Tennessee bees are most attracted to native plants, so it’s best to check with the Tennessee Native Plant Society to learn about what types of plants to avoid growing near your outdoor common areas. Like wasps, bees are deterred from plants that have off-putting scents, plants with little nectar, and plants that feature red flowers. (Bees can’t perceive the color red, but they can see orange and yellow.) These plants include:

• Cucumber
• Basil
• Mint
• Red Geraniums
• Marigolds
• Wormwood
• Eucalyptus
• Citronella
• Pennyroyal

Wait Out Summertime Swarms

You don’t have to have a beehive near you to deal with a bee infestation. During the summer months, bees can outgrow their nests and cluster together to find a new home. Known as swarming, large groups of bees can temporarily shelter on decks, walls, tree branches, or in mid-air while a few members of the colony search for a more permanent place to build a new nest. Fortunately, swarms only last around 48 hours, and people are rarely stung by a bee during these swarms. If a swarm is happening near you, waiting it out is the safest and most humane solution.

Contact U.S. Pest Protection to Relocate Bees Near You

If bees are being a bother near you, U.S. Pest Protection is here to ensure you and your family stay protected while the bees are relocated safely. Get in touch with one of our certified pest technicians today for bee control in Tennessee!