In this article, I will be giving you tips on how to get rid of bumble bees.
Bumblebees may be good to look at, thanks to their brightly colored bodies and curvy shape, but their stings can hurt real bad.
They are also very destructive, especially when they are in large numbers. If you have a bumblebee infestation, then I suggest you keep reading.
About Bumble Bees
Bumble bees are buzzing bugs that come in different color combinations. These include yellow & black, orange & black, and a mixture of orange, yellow, black, and white. They also have fluffy tails so they are easy to identify.
Bumble bees are not friendly insects, as they will sting hard if an intruder approaches their nest. These stings will leave a painful swelling on the victim, which can also cause life-threatening allergies.
Besides the sting, bumble bees are also very destructive. They can bore holes into garden trees to store food, nesting, and housing their larvae.
The annoying this is, these insects aren’t just outdoor insects, they can fly into your home if they are attracted by a sweet-smelling scent.
If you ever have a bumble bee infestation, then you have to act fast and get rid of them.
Best Ways To Get Rid Of Bumble Bees
Luckily for us, there are many ways by which we can get rid of bumble bees.
Follow the tips below.
Trap Them
You can set bumble bee traps around your garden and dispose of them after your catch.
A simple homemade trap will do the trick!
All you need is a 1-liter bottle, a pair of scissors, some honey, a chemical poison, and a string.
Use the scissors to cut the bottle from the part of the neck where it starts to straighten down. Pour some honey into the bottle and add the chemical poison.
The next step is to turn the cut-off part upside down and insert it into the bottle. This will give it a funnel-like shape. Using the string, tie it to one of the lower hanging branches in your garden and wait for the bumble bees to take the bait.
Bumble bees love honey and many other sweet liquids and will naturally be attracted to the one in the hanging bottle trap.
They will fly in through the funnel-like opening to get the honey, sadly for them, they will never make it out alive.
As they consume the honey, they will ingest the poison and will be dead even before they’ve finished their meal. More bumble bees will make their way into the trap as long as the scent of the honey can be picked up.
Once the bottle is filled up with dead bumble bees, you can empty it, clean it up, then set the trap again. You can make up to 10 traps like this and hang them all across your garden.
For best results, you should string up the traps below where their nests are placed so they can fall for the bait faster.
As a precaution, do not go too close to their nests, if you do they will sting without hesitation.
you should also put on some protective gear just in case. Put on a thick long sleeve top and a pair of gloves. Also wear long trousers and cover up your feet. You can also wear a ski mask and goggles to protect your face and your neck.
Use Bumble Bee Spray
If you’re not one to spend time setting traps and you want the pests off your yard in the shortest possible time, then you can buy a bumble bee spray.
This method of extermination is great if you want to get rid of a bumblebee nest in the ground, as you can spray directly into it.
To follow this approach, the first thing you need to do is to locate the nests in the ground. When you find them, dip the spray’s extension tube into the nest holes and apply directly.
Some bumblebee killer sprays have lasting effects, so even if all the bumble bees aren’t home during the time of application, they would eventually return and make contact with the poisoned nest. They’ll be dead a few minutes after making contact with the poison.
Be warned though, the bees will be very upset when you stick in the tube and will not hesitate to attack you. For this reason, you should put on thick protective clothing before going near their nests.
Use Organic Insecticides
Using organically made Insecticides can also work against a bumblebee infestation. These are much safer for your garden plants than chemical-based pesticides, as the latter can kill the plants.
An Insecticide made with neem oil will work very well against bumble bees. Neem oil is 100% organic, as it is derived from the seeds of the neem tree.
Insects absolutely hate making contact with neem oil, as it kills and repels them.
Target the nest areas and apply directly.
Once again, make sure you have protective clothing on before you approach a bumblebee nest!
Try Other Organic Remedies
For those who are concerned about the welfare of the environment, you can try other homemade organic solutions.
Cinnamon is a very good option, as it also repels bumble bees. All you have to do is apply it around their nesting areas for about 5 to 7 days. The bumble bees may shrug it off on the first and second day, but the effects will be too much to be afterward and they will eventually leave.
A vinegar solution is another option you can explore. All you need to do is mix some water and some vinegar in a 1 to 1 ratio then sprinkle it all over the nest. The advantage of this approach is that it will kill the bumble bees but will do no harm to your plants.
Use A Zapper
A zapper can get rid of bees, but only the ones flying around you. It isn’t suitable for long-term bumble bee control.
If you’re out on a picnic or having lunch in your garden, then you can bring a zapper along with you. This can be used to give the bees a taste of their own medicine.
A bug zapper will give the bumble bee a shock (you could also call it a sting) and kill it.
This cannot be used when dealing with many bees, so if you see them in large numbers, then it’s best you get away to avoid being stung.
Call A Professional Exterminator
If your garden is filled with bumble bees and they are just too much to handle, then the best option may be to call on a professional exterminator service.
These are professionals who have more than enough experience dealing with insects of all sorts, including bumble bees.
Have them visit you and assess the situation in your yard. The approach they will employ to get rid of the bumble bees will be determined by the result of their assessment.
I have to mention though, this is the most expensive option of bumble bee removal.
Hiring a professional pest removal service for bees may cost more, however, it remains the most effective.
Keeping Bumble Bees Away From Your Yard
Bumble bees are an important part of the natural pollination system, therefore killing them will be a real shame. The better option would be to drive them away.
So, how do you keep bumble bees away from your yard without killing them?
Follow these tips.
Use Cucumber Peels
For some reason, bumble bees shy away from cucumber peels. Bad for them, good for you!
Slice up as many cucumber peels as needed and scatter them across your garden floor. Concentrate on the areas where they are most likely to nest.
This will not kill them but will drive them away.
Garlic Solution
Make a garlic solution and spray it around the plants in your garden. If there are specific plants you want to keep safe from the bees, then you need to concentrate the spraying around those areas.
To make a garlic spray, all you need to do is crush some garlic, add it to some water, then shake thoroughly. Leave it overnight (or a few days if tree wish), then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Most insects hate garlic and would keep away from it.
Use Commercial Repellents
There are many bumble bee repellents in the market for you to choose from. Visit a gardening store near you to buy one.
Read the instructions on the bottle before using it.
These repellents will also not kill the bees, but keep them away from your yard.
Install Mesh Screens
Mesh screens will deny bumble bees and other Insects access to your home.
Install them on all the windows to help keep bumble bees out.
Conclusion
Bumble bees are an important part of nature, as they help with the pollination process. All the same, they can be a real problem for gardeners and homeowners.
I trust these tips on how to get rid of bumble bees have been helpful.