Bees are essential insects that play a crucial role in pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many plants and crops. These diligent pollinators help maintain a healthy ecosystem and significantly impact agriculture, adding over $15 billion to crop production value.

While bees are important to our environment, they may occasionally establish themselves in unwanted areas, such as chimneys or under decks. And although it’s impossible to stop bees from flying around to find food and shelter, there are gentle methods to guide them to more suitable locations in your landscape.

Here, bee experts provide natural tips for keeping bees away from your yard.

Keep Sugary Drinks Covered

Keep sugary drinks closed or covered while enjoying the outdoors, especially during hot summer months, says Mary Jo Norris, beekeeper and co-owner of Back Ridge Bee Farm & Supply. When there is insufficient rainfall, flowers stop producing nectar, making food scarce for bees. During this time, bees will search for anything they can eat, including sugary drinks.

Use Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird feeders can attract honey bees looking for a sugary snack, especially during times when food is scarce. To prevent this, Norris recommends choosing feeders with small holes that allow hummingbirds to access the nectar while keeping bees out. Additionally, position the feeders away from decks or porches.

Be Mindful of What You Plant

Certain shrubs and plants, like honeysuckle, hibiscus, barberry, butterfly bush, button bush, willow, wild privet, and more, will attract a variety of pollinators. “When in bloom, these shrubs will be buzzing with bees, which could pose a problem if you have allergies,” says Norris. Be sure to keep bee-loving plants away from areas like the deck, porch, or other outdoor areas you tend to hang out in.

Call a Local Beekeeper

If a swarm of honey bees takes up residence around your house, such as in your eaves, Norris recommends contacting a local beekeeping business. You can also contact your State Beekeepers Association, which can provide a list of beekeepers who will safely remove the bees. Removing honey bees from your home can involve carpentry work to ensure that future swarms do not reoccur. While this service can come at a cost to the homeowner, some beekeepers will relocate the hive for free.

Secure Your Eaves

Eaves are the lower edges of a roof that extend beyond the exterior walls of a home or building and can be susceptible to bees if not secured. To ensure your eaves are secure, check for any holes or rotting areas in your home’s siding and eaves where bees might nest, especially if you live in an older house. If you find any weak spots, it’s important to address them to prevent bees from nesting in your eaves. If you cannot mitigate the issue yourself, contact a carpenter for help.

Cover Openings With Hardware Cloth

Many people find honey bees living in walls, soffits, eaves, and chimneys of homes and other structures, says Judith Stanton, former president of Maine State Beekeepers Association. Removing them can be an expensive process that requires carpentry. “The best way to keep bees from entering a home is to make sure there are no openings for them to get through,” she says. Stanton recommends utilizing a 1/8-inch-thick hardware cloth as it will keep them out. Apply the hardware cloth to susceptible areas.

Provide Drinking Water

If honey bees are drinking from your swimming pool, Stanton recommends providing the tiny pollinators with an alternate water source, such as a bird bath positioned away from the pool. “Add some salt to the water as it’s rich in minerals that they need,” she says.

Use Peppermint Oil Spray

Bees dislike peppermint. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Spray areas like your porch and deck with the peppermint oil spray, making sure to reapply after rainfall.

Grow Bee-Deterring Plants

There are a handful of plants that add visual appeal to your landscape while keeping bees at bay. Some include peppermint, garlic, citronella, cloves, eucalyptus, neem, basil, wormwood, lemongrass, and marigolds. If you don’t want to add new plants to your yard, you can try using citronella candles instead.

Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural solution for deterring bees. Unlike chemical repellents, it does not contain harsh substances that can harm bees or other wildlife. To use it, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in areas where you want to keep bees away, reapplying after it rains.