How To Get Rid Of Bees While Camping? [10 Easy Tips] 2023

Last updated on April 11th, 2023 at 05:42 pm

While some people imagine a fun and peaceful outdoor experience when they think of camping, others see the images of pesky bugs and critters. And when it comes to insects, bees are probably one of the last things you want to deal with while trying to relax in nature. So, what’s the best way to get rid of bees while camping?

Here are a few easy methods to keep bees away from your campsite:

Keep food in airtight containers and seal them well.
Don’t leave any trash or food scraps lying around
Use a mosquito net when sleeping

Keep sweet-smelling products, like lotion and perfume, to a minimum
Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns, among others.

Table of Contents

What Attracts Bees to Campsites?

best way to get rid of bees while camping

While bees may not be the first creatures that come to mind when you think of a camping trip, they can be an essential part of the ecosystem. Bees are attracted to several things often found at campsites, such as flowers, water, and even the smoke from a campfire. By understanding what attracts bees to a campsite, you can take steps to avoid them or attract them for pollination purposes.

1) Flowers

One of the main things that attract bees to a campsite is flowers. Bees are attracted to the bright colors and sweet scents of flowers, and they will often stop to collect nectar and pollen from them. Some clothes campers wear can also attract bees, as they may mistake them for flowers.

2) Water

Bees also need water to survive, so a campsite with a nearby water source is likely to be more attractive to them. If you place your campsite near a river, lake, or birdbath, you may find more bees buzzing around. Also, if you keep your campsite water in the open, such as in a dish or bucket, you’ll likely attract more bees.

3) Food Scraps

Another thing that can attract bees to a campsite is food scraps. The smell will likely attract bees and other insects if you leave any food out in the open or don’t correctly seal your garbage. The most common food scraps to attract bees are sugary drinks, fruits, and even some types of meat.

4) Campfire Smoke

While bees are not attracted to the flames of a campfire, they are often drawn to the smoke. The smoke from a campfire can help mask the scent of humans and other animals, making the area around the fire more attractive to bees.

10 Tips to Keep Bees Away from Your Campsite

If you have found a perfect camping spot, but it’s teeming with bees, don’t pack up and leave or change your mind yet. Here’s some good news: there are techniques for getting rid of bees when camping. They include:

1) Go for a Bee-Free Camp

If you’re looking to camp without any bee worries, your best bet is to choose a location known to be bee-free. While bees are found in nearly every corner of the globe, there are some areas where they are more prevalent than others. If you’re planning a camping trip, do some research to see if there are any bee hotspots in the area. You can also ask the ranger station or local campers for advice on where to set up your tent.

2) Store Your Food Properly

We all love the smell of food. Right? But so do bees. When cooking at your campsite, keep all the food in airtight containers. This means keeping it in sealed containers or inside of a cooler. Don’t leave any food out in the open if you’re not cooking. Bees can smell food from great distances, so it’s best to keep everything away until you’re ready to eat.

3) Keep a Clean Campsite

Storing your food properly doesn’t guarantee that bees won’t be interested in your campsite. If any garbage or food scraps are left out, bees will be attracted to it. That’s why it’s vital that you dispose of your garbage correctly. That involves packing everything you brought in and cleaning up any food scraps. A clean campsite is a bee-free campsite. Remember, doing this will not only make your camping insect free but also keep away dangerous animals such as raccoons out of your area.

4) Avoid Using Fragranced Products

Bees are attracted to sweet smells, so it’s important to avoid using scented products when you’re camping. This includes things like scented soap, shampoo, and deodorant. Avoid using harsh chemicals at your campsite, as they can attract bees. When cooking at your campsite, opt for simple recipes that don’t require a lot of sugar or other sweet ingredients.

5) Avoid Wearing Bright Colors

One way bees know where to find flowers is by their color. Wearing bright colors can attract bees to you instead of flowers. Choose clothing that is muted in color or wear patterns instead of solid colors. Avoid using bright colors like white, yellow, and blue that come close to flowers and dark or threatening hues such as red or black.

6) Use Sugar Water to Lure the Bees Away

Bees love sugar; you can use this to your advantage. Fill a bowl or container with sugar water and place it away from your campsite. The sugar water will attract the bees and keep them away from your camping site. Just check on the sugar water regularly and refill it as needed.

7) Use a Mosquito Net When Sleeping

Even though bees aren’t interested in stinging humans, they may still end up in your sleeping area. You can avoid all this by simply sleeping under a mosquito net. The net will keep all insects, including bees, away allowing you to enjoy a goodnight sleep.

8) Use Natural Bee Repellents

If none of the above methods work, you can try using a natural bee repellent. Create your own repellant by mixing white vinegar with water in equal parts. Spray this mixture around your campsite, and the bees should stay away. Also try using essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, or lavender. Remember not to use repellants that might attract other animals to your campsite. You might be attempting to solve one problem while inadvertently creating another.

9) Install an Insect Screen

If you want to ensure bees won’t bother you at your campsite, install an insect screen. This physical barrier will keep all insects, including bees, out of your campsite. Insect screens are easily accessible and relatively cheap. They’re also portable and lightweight, so they won’t take up much room in your camping luggage.

10) Move Your Campsite

If you’ve tried everything and bees are still bothering you at your campsite, the best solution may be to move. Pick a new spot for your campsite far from any flowers or other plants. This will make it less likely that bees will find their way to you.

FAQs about Camping with Bees

Take the stinger off using your fingernail or a credit card. Wash the stung area using water and soap. Placing a cold compress will help reduce swelling. If you’re allergic, seek medical.

If a bee hive forms near your campsite, you should try to move your campsite. If you can’t move, you must take care to avoid the hive. Don’t go near it and don’t attract bees to your campsite. If bees become a problem, you can try using a natural bee repellent or an insect screen.

If a bee flies into your tent, don’t panic. Open the door or flap and let the bee fly out. You may shake the tent slightly to get the bee to fly out. Once the bee is out, ensure no other bees are in your tent. You can check all the openings and shake the tent again. If you find a bee hive near your campsite, you will need to move your campsite.

Conclusion

It’s challenging to coexist with bees when you’re camping. But, if you follow the tips above, you should be able to avoid them. Remember to clean your campsite, avoid using fragranced products, and wear muted colors. You can also try luring the bees away with sugar water or using a natural bee repellent.

If you can’t get rid of the bees, the best option would be to move your campsite. However, you can enjoy your time in nature without being constantly annoyed by these little creatures if you put in a little effort.

How to Get Rid of Bees While Camping? [10 Easy Tips]