How to Deal with Bees and Wasps
We all have our knee-jerk reactions to a buzzing bee or an intimidating wasp, but could we be doing better? Here are some ideas for the next time you encounter a bee or a wasp in your way.
Bruce and Jeanne Lubin
Turn Out the Light
Swatting at bees is unnecessary (and never leads to anything good). Just turn out the light and open a window. The light from outside will attract them even more than your nice, juicy arm.
Free a Bee; Don’t Smack It
If a bee or other stinging insect gets trapped in the car with you, do not swat at it! Instead, pull your car off to the side of the road, open all the windows or doors, and let the critter fly out.
Mint
Include some sprigs of fresh mint in your picnic basket when eating al fresco. Bees and wasps don’t like mint, so add some to your plate to keep it stinger-free.
Straws
No one likes having to worry about a bee hijacking his soda while having a drink outside. So cover the top of the cup or can with foil, then poke a straw through. Now you can sip in peace!
Wasp Trap
To keep wasps far from your outdoor party, distract and trap them with this tip. In a small saucepan, heat one cup of water and one cup of sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then pour a little of the mixture in paper cups, cover with foil, and secure with a rubber band. Punch a few holes in the foil of each cup. Set the cups in different locations around your yard, so that the wasps are drawn to them. They’ll find their way into the cup, but will get trapped inside.
Nest Removal
Unlike bees, wasps can sting again and again. If you spot wasps flying to one spot, look for a nest, which can produce up to 30,000 wasps! Contact your local health authority to remove it without delay.
For more all-natural ways to deal with insects, check out our Bug and Pest Natural Remedies board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for our Tip of the Day!
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.