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If you've recently discovered that bees have set up shop in your soil, you're probably eager to get rid of these unwanted guests. You may have heard about people using gasoline to get rid of ground bees, but is that really effective? And more importantly, is it safe? In this article, we've got answers to all of your questions about dealing with unwelcome ground bees to help you decide whether gas or a different removal method is right for your situation.
Steps
Question 2 of 5:
What are some other ways to get rid of ground bees?
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Spritz the bees' nest at night with some diluted vinegar. Combine 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar in an empty spray bottle and shake the ingredients together. [3] X Expert Source Steve Downs
Live Bee Removal Specialist Expert Interview. 23 February 2020. Once the sun goes down and the bees are less active, spray the vinegar mixture all over the entrance to the nest. The following day, clear away all the dead bees around the nest. [4] X Research source- This tip isn’t expert-verified, but it’s a popular solution among home gardeners.
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Soak your lawn with water. Set up a sprinkler in your yard, or take some time to soak the ground with a hose each day. The bees won’t want to nest in extremely water-logged soil. [5] X Research source
- To prevent ground bees from nesting in your yard in the future, soak the soil in very early spring before the bees make their nests. [6] X Research source
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Spread mulch or plant ground cover. Cover up any open, sandy, and well-drained sections of soil with a solid layer of mulch so the bees can't easily access their nest. Planting plenty of ground cover can also block off nesting spots. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education Go to source
- Sedum, salvia, pachysandra, creeping jenny, hostas, ground ivy, and chamomile are just a few types of ground cover that you can choose from.
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Plant thick turfgrass. Ground-nesting bees really love sparse, grass-free areas—this makes it a lot easier for them to build their nests with mounds of soil. Planting a layer of thick turfgrass will cover up potential nesting spots, and it may send the bees packing. [8] X Research source
- Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and bermudagrass are some well-known types of turfgrass. [9] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat natural repellents can keep bees away?Steve Downs is a Live Honey Bee Removal Specialist, Honey bee Preservationist, and the Owner of Beecasso Live Bee Removal Inc, a licensed bee removal and relocation business based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Steve has over 20 years of humane bee capturing and bee removal experience for both commercial and residential locations. Working with beekeepers, agriculturalists, and bee hobbyists, Steve sets up bee hives throughout the Los Angeles area and promotes the survival of bees. He has a passion for honeybee preservation and has created his own Beecasso sanctuary where rescued bee hives are relocated and preserved.Try using vinegar mixed with water, cinnamon mixed with water, orange oil, and almond oil. Although these are not 100% fool-proof, they are effective in keeping bees away.
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QuestionHow do I keep bees away from my yard?Steve Downs is a Live Honey Bee Removal Specialist, Honey bee Preservationist, and the Owner of Beecasso Live Bee Removal Inc, a licensed bee removal and relocation business based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Steve has over 20 years of humane bee capturing and bee removal experience for both commercial and residential locations. Working with beekeepers, agriculturalists, and bee hobbyists, Steve sets up bee hives throughout the Los Angeles area and promotes the survival of bees. He has a passion for honeybee preservation and has created his own Beecasso sanctuary where rescued bee hives are relocated and preserved.It is difficult to predict and control where bees will pollinate and where swarms will land especially in the spring and summertime. Bees will land where and when they choose. There are a few ways of preventing this, apart from removing plants and trees that attract them to the area. Do not wear floral perfumes as certain floral perfumes, body rubs can attract bees. You can also use natural repellents such as vinegar, orange oil, and almond oil.
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References
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/wrt/documents/dosDontsWHParea.pdf
- ↑ https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/gasoline/
- ↑ Steve Downs. Live Bee Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 23 February 2020.
- ↑ https://plantcaretoday.com/how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-bees-with-vinegar.html
- ↑ https://ent.uga.edu/news/story/8031/Ground-Bees.html
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/solitary_bees_in_yards
- ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/story/8031/Ground-Bees.html
- ↑ https://ent.uga.edu/news/story/8031/Ground-Bees.html
- ↑ https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/turfgrass/Turfgrass-Species/
- ↑ https://www.uwlax.edu/currents/bees-that-nest-in-the-ground/
- ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/story/8031/Ground-Bees.html
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-ground-bees/
- ↑ https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-yellowjackets/
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/solitary_bees_in_yards
- ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/bee-wasp-or-hornet-nest-which-one-is-it
- ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/05/should-i-be-concerned-about-ground-nesting-bees-my-yard
- ↑ https://www.allergyinstitute.org/blog/take-the-sting-out-of-an-insect-allergy-how-to-protect-yourself
- ↑ https://www.allergyinstitute.org/blog/take-the-sting-out-of-an-insect-allergy-how-to-protect-yourself
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