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Bees play a vital role in our food chain. Not only do they pollinate the fruits and vegetables we eat, but they also pollinate the clover and alfalfa consumed by dairy and market animals. Due to the loss of habitat and use of pesticides though, there is a worldwide decline in bee populations.
Planting nectar-rich flowers is one way to help bees and you dont need wide open spaces to do this. Anyone with an outside balcony or patio space can grow container plants for bees.
Bees Nesting in Potted Plants Identification, Prevention and Safe Removal
It’s not uncommon to find bees buzzing around potted plants, but you may be surprised to learn they are actually nesting in the soil. Certain ground-dwelling bee species like mason bees, mining bees, and leafcutter bees naturally excavate tunnels in loose soil to lay their eggs. If you notice an increase in bee activity around your containers, there’s a good chance a nest has been established underground. While this bee behavior can seem alarming at first, there are ways to identify, prevent, and safely remove nests when needed.
Identifying Bees Nesting in Pots
The first step is identifying the type of bee. Different bee species have unique nesting habits so this provides insight on how to manage them. Signs like small holes in the soil, leaf cutouts left behind, and dirt excavated from the pot can help pinpoint the nesting species.
Leafcutter bees cut circular pieces of leaves to build protective cells for their larvae. Mining bees dig long tunnels that branch off into separate egg chambers. Mason bees use mud to build nests in existing cavities. Sweat bees create shallow nests just under the surface. Observe the bees’ size and color patterns to aid identification. A field guide or local agricultural office can also assist if you capture a photo.
Why Bees Are Attracted to Potted Plants
It’s no coincidence bees tend to nest in potted plants. The conditions are ideal for their needs:
- Loose, workable soil perfect for tunnel digging
- Existing drainage holes provide an entrance
- Nearby flowering plants offer nectar and pollen
- Sheltered location protects from weather
- Soil warmth speeds up development
By understanding what attracts them, preventive measures become clearer.
Deterring Bees from Nesting In Pots
If you want to discourage bees without killing them, here are some tips:
- Keep soil tightly packed with minimal air pockets for nesting
- Cover drainage holes to block access
- Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings
- Prune flowers on potted plants to remove food sources
- Use decorative pebbles as top dressing to hinder digging
- Repot plants often to disrupt existing nests
- Place pots in full sun away from structures
- Introduce strong-scented herbs like thyme or mint
Making containers inhospitable for bees is an organic approach.
How to Remove an Existing Bee Nest
If you discover an active nest, resist the urge to immediately destroy it. Many ground-nesting bees are docile and provide important pollination. Try these methods first:
- Relocate the potted plant away from high traffic areas
- Gently pack the nest entrance with soil to deter re-use
- Insert a small stick and wiggle carefully to disrupt the tunnel
- Scoop out 2-3 inches of soil above the nest and repack it
- As a last resort, drench the pot completely to flood nests
If the infestation is significant or bees exhibit aggressive behavior, seek help from a professional removal service. They have tools to safely extract the nests and bees.
Avoid using pesticide sprays or powders which could harm plants and bees. Introduce nesting sites made specifically for mason and leafcutter bees to provide an alternative habitat. With some adjustments, your potted plants can coexist peacefully with these important pollinators.
Plants That Deter Bees
Certain plants naturally repel bees with strong fragrances they find unpleasant. Incorporating these around potted plants can redirect bees away from nesting areas.
Mint
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Catmint
Citrus
- Lemon balm
- Orange trees
- Citronella
Herbs
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Basil
Other
- Wormwood
- Rue
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
Shift flowering plants that attract bees elsewhere and use these aromatics strategically in containers. Potted mints and basils planted around gathering spaces help steer bees away too.
When Bees Need Removal
If bees nesting in pots become a nuisance, safer removal methods should be tried before resorting to poisons. Here are tips:
- At night, plug entrance holes with pebbles and relocate the pot
- Introduce predator decoys like fake wasps that scare bees
- Use plastic cones with wire mesh to let bees out but not return
- Apply natural essential oil sprays as repellents
- Seek help from beekeepers to rehome swarms during dormant seasons
- Vacuum devices can safely extract nests – ask a professional
Removing bees humanely ensures their ecological benefits continue. But take precautions, as struggling colonies may become aggressive.
Protecting Yourself from Stings
When dealing with an active nest, several measures will help prevent stings:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
- Use slow, gentle movements around bees
- Avoid swatting or crushing bees
- Stay calm and move away if bees become agitated
- Keep pets indoors during removal to avoid defensive stinging
- Have an epinephrine pen handy if you have allergies
While bee stings are uncomfortable, the average person can tolerate a few. Seek emergency care for severe reactions.
Why Saving Bees Matters
It’s understandable to want bees gone from your patio pots. But they play a vital role as pollinators of commercial crops and gardens. Protecting their nests and food sources ensures healthy bee populations that benefit the environment. With some adjustments, bees and humans can peacefully coexist. Be patient, don’t panic, and deter bees using humane practices for best results.
How to Grow a Potted Bee Garden
Growing a container pollinator garden is not difficult. If youre familiar with any type of container gardening, cultivating a bee garden in pots is as simple as switching to pollinator friendly container plants. If this is your first experience with container gardening, follow these easy steps to create a potted bee garden:
- Choose a planter or two – The bigger the pot, the bigger the price tag. Dont let that discourage you from purchasing a large planter though. Evaporation and nutrient exhaustion are inversely related to planter size. Novice gardeners may find success with one big planter than with several small flowerpots.
- Provide adequate drainage – Excess moisture leads to root rot and disease. If your planter didnt come with drainage holes, use a sharp knife or drill to make several holes in the bottom of the pot.
- Use quality potting soil – Purchase bags of commercial flower potting soil to provide the nutrients your pollinator friendly container plants need to grow strong and bloom vigorously.
- Choose nectar-rich varieties of flowers – Select several types of flowers which bloom at different times so your potted bee garden will provide season-long nectar for the bees. Use the below list for suggested pollinator friendly container plants.
- Carefully plant your bee garden in pots or containers – Begin by placing newspaper, coir liners, or landscape fabric in the bottom of the planter to prevent soil from escaping. Some gardeners prefer to add a layer of gravel or charcoal to the bottom of the pot. Next, fill the planter to within 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) from the top with potting soil. Place the plants according to mature height with taller plants in the back or middle of the container. Top off the planter with potting soil and water regularly.
- Place the container pollinator garden in full sun – Bees prefer to feed in direct sunlight. Try locating the planter where it will receive at least six hours of morning or evening sun per day. A spot with afternoon shade and a wind block will make it easier to maintain your bee garden in pots.
10 Plants To Attract Bees | Plants That Attract Bees To Your Gardens
FAQ
How to get rid of bees nest in planter?
Re: Bees nesting in pots
Let them sit a few days with no soil. Then repot them and relocate them inside for a couple weeks. They should move on from whatever was attracting them.
What kills bees but not plants?
Unlike chemical deterrents, vinegar doesn’t contain any harsh substances, and it doesn’t harm most plants. To make a homemade vinegar solution, mix together equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix the solution well, then spray it over any areas you frequently see bees.
How do I keep bees away from my plants?
Choose Specific Plants: Consider planting herbs like mint, basil, or marigolds, which are less attractive to bees. Avoid flowers that are particularly appealing, like sunflowers or daisies. Essential Oils: Some essential oils (like peppermint or citronella) can deter bees.
How do you encourage bees to leave?
Once again, bees have a strong sense of smell and we all know garlic has a very strong scent. Crush a couple of cloves of garlic and mix it with water to create a garlic spray. Spray it around your home and around their hive to try to get them to leave.