Is there any tips for keeping bees and wasps away from you when your outside? I'm a stay at home mom. The kiddies and I do a lot of outdoor things in the summer months. We don't want to be chasing bugs away. Any tips?
By k.sowders
To bee honest children have to learn that if they are outside there will bee bugs. You would bee better off teaching them to react sensibly when insects are around, ie not screaming and waving their arms around. Explain how valuable they are to the environment, do a project, do some craft. Insects are the most numerous animal on the planet, you can't get rid of them all, so don't waste time and energy trying to. (04/10/2010)
I sure don't enjoy sitting outside with bees and/or wasps flying around the area I am in. For some reason the apartment building I live in seems to attract them. It isn't a large number but when you have a small patio and there are 3-4 wasps acting like kamakazee pilots the whole time you sit out there it isn't real enjoyable, and in good old SD in the evening there is mosquitos and gnats ot put up with. (04/10/2010)
By Joan
Yes and remember that bees are the one that pollinate many flowers that we rely on for fruit, vegetables, herbs etc.
Sadly and mysteriously, the honey bee is in great decline worldwide.
Here's a quick guide to bees and wasps. http://www.ebeehoney.com/beeid.html
"Wasps are thinner, can be aggressive, and interested in food and garbage. Bees are generally plumper, mild mannered and interested in flowers, not your lunch or garbage can." - eBeeHoney.com (04/10/2010)
By Heather
You can use herbal bug spray (like Burt's bees, safe for kids). I dilute it even, if it is too greasy or thick. I put it in a spray bottle and use on me and my dog whenever we go out in the spring and summertime. (04/10/2010)
By Jennifer
Bees and wasps are not particularly interested in people. Bees are attracted to certain flowers, so if you avoid those areas, you should be fine. Wasps and hornets can be aggressive if you invade their territory. There is nothing that will repel them if you are too near their nest. Again, avoidance is the best policy. If they build their nests in your yard, you can have those removed. (04/12/2010)
By Louise B.
Well, insects may be the most numerous thing on the planet, but some of us not only do not want them swarming around us and our small children, but some of us are actually very allergic to bee, wasp, and hornet stings, so bee-ing funny does not help.
I am very allergic to stings, and if stung, I could not only stop breathing, but have a seizure, and with two small special needs kids at home, I am interested in how my kids can play outside on a beautiful summer's day and enjoy themselves, and not have to be cooped up inside.
I would like to see if I could buy some netting or screen material in large quantities, and make a wrap around for my porch. We have a large covered, but not screened in deck that provides shade, but no protection from the many bees, wasps and such that love to buzz around. I should also mention, I rent, so anything I do come up with cannot permanently change the look of the place. So, if there is anyplace that sells odd sizes or maybe gives discounts, perhaps we could go that way. (04/12/2010)
I too am highly allergic (could stop breathing) to stings too but I've learned over the decades to simply stay away from the areas they swarm at the times of day they swarm. If there is just an independent cuss or two or three or four simply don't panic, sit/stand calmly and quickly swat them with the back of your hand away from you when they get near enough to you. I actually had one land on my lip once and because I just remained calm, thought it through and swatted the little bugger away (away and not in to you is the keyword) it was gone, gone, gone and didn't return.
Check out your local Home Depot type store for netting and just nail it to the porch enclosure. That's easily removable when you move.
And Mrs. Christmas gave you excellent advice and was bee-ing clever in the wording and not smart aleck funny. (04/12/2010)
By Deeli
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