You don’t need to turn your yard into a chemistry lab. Keep it simple. A few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil on a cloth pinned to your hat or chair can do the trick. Or make a DIY spray: mix ten drops of peppermint oil with water and a tiny splash of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Give your cushions a light spritz before you sit down. The scent fades after an hour or two, but it’s enough to break the initial bee curiosity. You can reapply as needed, especially if you’re eating something sweet or sugary.
And here’s the golden rule: never spray the bees directly. We’re not here to hurt them. We’re simply saying, “Hey, the flower buffet is two gardens over, and this spot smells like a mint factory.” Bees are clever—they’ll take the hint.
How to Keep Bees Away from Your House - Carolina Honeybees
