Does Peppermint Oil Detour Honey Bees?

Peppermint oil is fragrant to humans and is also used in beneficial applications such as a headache remedy. The oil is a natural insect repellent and can be used to detour honey bees away from your property. Honey bees can be a nuisance and will make themselves at home. Repelling them with peppermint oil will not harm the bees. It is also a safe way to protect your home without using harsh chemicals.

Safe for Humans

Concentrated peppermint oil can be applied to skin and clothing as a honey bee repellent. Perspiration attracts insects and bees, applying a drop of peppermint oil under your arms will detour the bees away from you.

Applying peppermint oil to skin is safe in small amounts, and you can get the benefit of bee repellent with two to three drops. You should wash your hands and skin once indoors, this will avoid any irritation.

Some fabrics can be sensitive to peppermint oil or stain. Test a small patch first on the inside of the clothing item, where a stain would not be visible.

Outdoor Applications

Peppermint oil can be used as a natural insect repellent, and can be sprayed on many outdoor items such as patio furniture and house siding.

It can also be applied to plants in a spray bottle, with one gallon of water and two drops of peppermint oil. Test one or two leaves first as some plants can be sensitive and peppermint oil could burn the leaves. If no adverse action is noted, you should be okay to spray the rest of the plant and keep bees away.