Best Bee Brothers Bee Blog

What Is Natural Insect Repellent? Natural insect repellents contain substances made from plant oils (leaves, stems, barks, or flowers) that are applied to skin or clothing and are used to deter insects. These plant oils include oils of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), citronella, peppermint, lavender, and cedarwood. Many people prefer these oils to traditional DEET-based products because of concerns about DEET exposure, especially for small children. However, any substance, natural or manmade, can be unsafe for children or allergenic to sensitive people, so be sure to carefully read labels for any natural insect repellent before applying to children or sensitive individuals....

DIY Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray There are natural do-it-yourself carpenter bee repellents that are effective in deterring carpenter bees. The DIY version can save you money and eliminate chemicals that could be harmful to people, pets or the environment. Photo Credit: gardenerspath.com  It is well known that carpenter bees tend to avoid certain strong smells –citrus is one of them. Using just a leftover slice of citrus fruit you may already have in your kitchen can be very useful to keep carpenter bees at bay. How to make a citrus spray Making your own citrus spray repellent can come in...

Preparing for Mosquito Season Mosquito season typically starts when the weather warms up. Not only are mosquitoes annoying, but they can also spread disease.  When and how to prepare for Mosquitoes It is always best to be prepared well in advance of the season. Nothing ruins a nice backyard BBQ like a swarm of mosquitoes when you have no defense!  The best defense is not to rely on a single method, but have a multipronged plan to stay safe! Create a mosquito-free backyard oasis!  During mosquito season, we recommend the following for full protection: Mosquito Sprays – Sprays made of...

Wasps are any insect of the Hymenoptera family, which means they are different from ants and bees. They are generally more aggressive than the other two as they are naturally predatory and very protective of their young. For farmers and gardeners, they may be a useful form of natural pest control, as their young feed on insects that may damage crops.1 But due to their aggressiveness, they can be a nuisance as well.  While it may seem easiest to stamp on the insect with your shoe, aside from the risk of being stung by a wasp underfoot, it is a...