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How to Get Rid of Bees With Soapy Water

Bees are winged insects that are closely related to ants and wasps. They are considered beneficial to humans because they pollinate flowers and plants. Bees can, however, become a problem when they find their way into your home or lawn. They can deliver a very painful sting that causes itching and swelling at the injection site. There are many commercial pesticides that kill bees, but soap and water offer a safe, inexpensive and effective alternative to eliminate bees in your home and yard.

Things You'll Need

Garden flags
Protective clothing
Liquid dish soap
Bucket
Garden hose end sprayer
Shovel
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the bee nests on your property during the day when the insects are most active. Mark each nest you find by placing a garden flag next to it.
- 2
  Put on tight protective clothing and locate the marked nests at dusk when bees are least active. Mix 2 1/2 tbsp. liquid dish soap per gallon of water in a large container or bucket. Fill a garden hose end sprayer with the solution and spray the entrance of each nest from a 10-foot distance.
- 3
  Check the bees nests' the next day for movement or activity. If you notice any, retreat the nests after dark with the soapy water solution.
- 4
  Pour a soapy water solution down the entrance of ground bees' nests at dusk. Look for ground bees to nest in rodent holes or other burrows in your yard. Fill the entrance of each nest with a shovel full of moist dirt when you are sure the bees are dead to prevent future nesting.
- 5
  Kill solitary bees that find their way inside your home with soapy water. Mix 2 tsp. liquid dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water and spray any visible bees.

Insects & Science