The garage serves as the parking space for our car and the place where we can store some of our belongings. But that’s not all it carries. Sometimes garage will also become the shelter of some unwelcome creatures like bees. So, how to get rid of bees in the garage?
We have several ways to get rid of bees in the garage. You can hire a professional, use commercial sprays, or deploy home remedies. The method you choose comes down to your personal preference, but each has its way of working.
Bees invading garages is a common problem for homeowners. So, if you noticed a hive in your garage, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Today, we’ll disclose some interesting facts about bees and how to get rid of them in the garage! Let’s get into it.
8 Ways To Get Rid of Bees in The Garage
1. Call a Professional Beekeeper
One thing to keep in mind is that bee stings can be dangerous. Depending on the bee species and your body’s reaction, bee stings can even cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.
So, to play it safe, call a professional beekeeper to remove the bees from your garage. It’s not only the safest way to follow, but it’s also a humane way to get rid of the bees.
Most beekeepers will be happy to take the job, as it’s usually done as a hobby. Some even have bee farms, so the project will also benefit them. Plus, professional beekeepers are skilled at removing bees without harming them or anyone else around.
2. Spray Vinegar Solution
If you don’t want to bring in a professional, you can as well try removing the bees yourself. And yes, one of the most effective solutions to the bee problem is one of the products you’ve likely used in a plethora of your household needs – vinegar.
Vinegar is a natural bee repellent, as bees are attracted to sweet smells but not sour smells.
Procedure:
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bottle.
- Shake the mixture well.
- Spray the solution on the bees and their hive. The night is the best time to do this since they tend to be asleep at this time.
Vinegar solution works well for both killing and deterring bees, but more of that will come to you later. However, one thing to mention about this method is that it may not work well if you have a heavy infestation. For such a case, you’ll need a more powerful solution.
3. Try Bee Spray
Commercial sprays are also an effective way to get rid of bees in the garage. But be careful when using this method. As you already know, some of these pesticides can be harmful to humans and animals if not used properly.
To use this method, begin by getting the ideal spray for the job. We recommend one that will do the job on contact to avoid giving bees any time to fight back. Also, get a long-range spray to avoid any need to get too close to the bees.
Once you have the spray, read the instructions on the label carefully. This way, you’ll know how to properly and safely use the pesticide.
4. Apply Insecticidal Powder
It’s another effective solution to the problem you have at hand. Similar to bee sprays, insecticidal powder uses active ingredients to kill bees. A typical one won’t do it on contact, but it will eventually help you eliminate the entire colony.
The application method will depend on the product you buy. So, always read the product label to see the manufacturer’s recommendation.
You may need a duster to apply the powder, or you can sprinkle it around the hive’s entrance. It’s best to do this at night when most of the bees are inside the hive. Doing so will increase your chance of success.
5. Use Smoke
Smoke is one of the most common ways to get rid of bees. The good news is that it won’t require you to use any harsh chemicals.
The logic behind this method is that smoke will make it hard for the bees to breathe. And when they can’t breathe, they’ll eventually die.
To use smoke, you can either buy a bee smoker or light a small fire in a metal container. Then, place the container close to the hive and let the smoke work.
6. Light a Citronella Candle
Citronella candles are excellent at repelling wasps, mosquitoes, and flies. However, the list doesn’t end there. These candles also go a long way to drive away bees from your garage.
You see, like other insects, bees don’t love the fragrance of citronella. They find the citrus-like smell a complete put-off. So, lighting a candle in the garage will help keep them at bay.
However, don’t expect the product to deliver instant results. You may need to light up several candles before the bees disappear entirely. Sometimes it may take several days for the bees to leave, depending on the level of infestation.
7. Make Use of Mothballs
We’ve all heard of mothballs, right? These small balls are great at keeping moths away from clothes and other fabrics. But did you know that they can also help get rid of bees?
The chemicals in mothballs will repel and even kill the bees and their larvae. But like with other methods, you need to be careful with this one. If not used properly, mothballs can be harmful to your health.
So, if you decide to go down this route, make sure you use them as directed. And as usual, avoid this method if your neighbor is harvesting honey. Otherwise, this dangerous chemical may contaminate it and make it unsafe for consumption.
8. Befriend Bee-Repelling Plants
I know that this method may not offer a solution to your immediate problem. But it will help you keep bees away from your garage in the future. So, it’s still worth mentioning.
Some plants such as cucumber, eucalyptus, neem, mint, citronella, and cloves are excellent at repelling bees. So, consider planting some of these around your garage to keep the insects at bay.
But besides planting bee-deterring plants, it’s also wise to remove bee-attracting plants – or at least position them as far away from the garage as possible. Some of these plants include lavender, roses, blue borage, crocus, lilac, and lilies.
Fun Fact 1: There are over 20,000 bee species around the world.
What Attracts Bees To The Garage?
Several things can attract bees to the garage ranging from food sources to nesting materials. So, always try to find out what is bringing them to your space when trying to get rid of them.
Here are the top reasons;
1. There’s a Sweet Smell In Your Garage
Bees love the smell of sweet things. So, if you have any sugary substances in your garage, chances are they’re attracted to them. It could be honey, syrup, soda bottles, or even candy. Whatever it is, get rid of it as soon as possible as bees love being close to their food source.
2. Water Sources
Bees will also be drawn to water sources in your garage. That’s likely to happen when the temperature outside is high. During such periods, bees will be looking for water to cool off and rehydrate. So, if you have an old sink, a bucket of water, or even a pet bowl, it could attract bees to your space.
3. They’ve Identified a Nesting Spot
Bees are great architects. They won’t build their nests just anywhere. Instead, they’ll take their time to identify the perfect spot. Once they do, they’ll start building their hives and rearing their young ones.
Fun Fact 2: Only female bees sting. Male bees don’t have stingers.
Signs That You Have Bees Infestation
Dark spots on the wall, increased bee activity, and an active bee nest are a few signs that you have a bee problem. If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action before the situation gets out of hand.
Sometimes telling whether or not you have a bee infestation isn’t just about seeing a swarm of bees flying around your garage. You will need to be on the lookout for other subtle signs such as;
1. Honeycomb Droppings
As bees feed on honey, they’ll defecate. This waste is in the form of honeycomb droppings. So, if you notice these dark spots on your wall or floor, it’s a sign that you have a bee problem.
2. Increased Bee Activity
Bees are social creatures and often move in swarms. So, when you notice a few flying around your home, take action immediately as this could indicate an infestation.
3. An Active Bee Nest
If you find an active bee nest in your garage, it’s a clear sign that you have an infestation. At this point, the best thing to do is to call a professional as they will know how to deal with the situation.
Fun fact 3: An average beehive will hold about 50,000 bees.
Does Vinegar Kill Bees?
Yes, vinegar can kill bees. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which burns the bee, killing it almost instantaneously. But for that to happen, you’ll need a more concentrated vinegar solution.
The usefulness of vinegar goes beyond cleaning chores and cooking in the kitchen. It can also be used as a natural pesticide to get rid of bees and other pests in your home.
In weaker concentrations, this acid only stuns the bee making it easy for you to remove it from your home. But in higher concentrations, it can kill the bee outright. So, it’s all about how much vinegar you’re using.
Fun Fact 4: A bee will try as much as possible to avoid stinging you because they die once they do.
Do Mothballs Repel Bees?
Yes, mothballs do repel bees. Mothballs contain naphthalene, a toxic substance that gives off a strong smell. This smell is what repels bees and other insects from your home.
Mothballs are one of the most effective bee repellents. But as earlier said, you need to be careful when using them as they’re also toxic to humans and pets. So, make sure you use them sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas.
Fun Fact 5: These little buzzing insects we call bees have 5 eyes.
Do Bees Go Away On Their Own?
While most bees will go away on their own once summer is over, some species will stay put even when winter sets in. Usually, the longer the bees stay at your place, the less likely they will go away.
As much as it’s okay to get rid of them, sometimes you don’t even need to put in any effort. That’s because bees are seasonal creatures. So, most of them will only stay for a few weeks before leaving on their own.
Sometimes the swarm will only remain in your home for a few days. Then, they’ll leave to find a more suitable place to set up a permanent home. So, if you can wait it out, then do so as they’ll eventually go away.
However, if you think that the bees have overstayed and you’ve run out of patience, then you can opt to use one of the elimination methods to get rid of them.
Fun Fact 6: Bees are the only social insect that’s partially domesticated by humans.
Final Verdict
While bees are unlikely to harm you, they can be a nuisance. So, if you find them in your garage, it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible. The good news is that you can use a few methods to get rid of bees. It all depends on what you’re comfortable with and what works best for you.
Calling a professional is the best way to eliminate these intimidating creatures. But if you’d rather do the work yourself, it’s still achievable. Only be careful. And as usual, ensure that you invest well in protective clothing. Here, you’ll need a bee suit, gloves, and a veil. You might also want to have an insect bite pain reliever just in case things go south.