How To Keep Bees Away From Lavender

Keeping bees away from lavender is easier than you might think, and you don’t have to give up growing this beautiful plant in your garden.

Lavender and bees have a long-standing relationship since the fragrant purple blooms are like a magnet for pollinators of all kinds.

If you’ve been wondering how to keep bees away from lavender without harming them, the answer lies in a few clever strategies that work with nature rather than against it.

In this post, we’ll explore why bees love lavender so much, the best ways to keep them away from your plants, and some natural deterrents that actually work.

Let’s get started.

Why Bees Love Lavender So Much

Understanding why bees flock to lavender is the first step in figuring out how to keep bees away from lavender effectively.

1. Lavender Is Packed With Nectar

Lavender produces an abundance of nectar, which is basically a sugary reward that bees can’t resist.

This nectar is what bees turn into honey, so they’ll travel far and wide to get it.

The more nectar a plant produces, the more attractive it becomes to bees.

That’s why keeping bees away from lavender can feel like an uphill battle when your plants are in full bloom.

2. The Fragrance Is Irresistible

The sweet, calming scent that we love about lavender is the same thing that draws bees in from miles away.

Bees have an incredible sense of smell and can detect the fragrance of lavender long before they see it.

So even if you plant lavender far from your patio, bees will still find it.

3. Purple Blooms Are Highly Visible

Bees are attracted to bright colors, especially shades of purple and blue.

Lavender’s vibrant blooms stand out against green foliage, making them easy targets for hungry pollinators.

This color preference is one reason why keeping bees away from lavender requires more than just planting it in a corner.

How to Keep Bees Away From Lavender

Now that you know why bees love lavender, here’s how to keep bees away from lavender without killing them or harming your plants.

1. Plant Lavender Away From High-Traffic Areas

The simplest way to keep bees away from lavender is to plant it far from where you spend time.

Place lavender beds at the back of your yard or along a fence line away from patios, walkways, and doorways.

This reduces the chances of bees crossing paths with you and your family.

2. Harvest Blooms Before They Fully Open

Bees are most attracted to lavender when the flowers are fully open and loaded with nectar.

If you cut the blooms just as they begin to open, you’ll remove the main attraction before bees swarm in.

You can still dry the stems for sachets or decorations, so nothing goes to waste.

3. Use Companion Plants That Repel Bees

Certain plants naturally repel bees and can be planted near your lavender to keep them at bay.

Marigolds, geraniums, and mint are good options since their strong scents mask the fragrance of lavender.

This makes it harder for bees to locate your plants.

4. Water Lavender in the Early Morning

Bees are most active during the warmest parts of the day.

Watering your lavender early in the morning or late in the evening discourages bees from visiting during peak hours.

Just avoid overhead watering since wet foliage can lead to fungal issues.

5. Set Up a Decoy Garden

If you want to keep bees away from lavender, give them something else to love.

Plant a separate patch of bee-friendly flowers like borage or sunflowers far from your lavender.

Bees will flock to the decoy plants instead, leaving your lavender relatively bee-free.

6. Use Physical Barriers

Fine mesh netting or row covers can keep bees away from lavender during peak blooming season.

Just make sure the mesh is fine enough to block bees but still allows sunlight and air to reach the plants.

You can remove the covers once the blooms fade.

7. Avoid Strong Floral Perfumes

Believe it or not, the perfume you wear can attract bees to your lavender.

Strong floral fragrances mimic the scent of flowers and confuse bees, making them more likely to investigate.

Switch to unscented lotions and perfumes when you’re spending time near your garden.

Natural Deterrents to Keep Bees Away From Lavender

Sometimes you need a little extra help, and these natural deterrents can make a big difference.

1. Citrus Peels

Bees dislike the smell of citrus, so scattering orange or lemon peels around your lavender can help.

Replace the peels every few days to keep the scent strong.

2. Garlic Spray

A diluted garlic spray applied to the surrounding soil can mask the scent of lavender.

Just be careful not to spray the blooms directly since it can harm the flowers.

3. Cucumber Slices

Placing cucumber slices near your lavender is an old gardener’s trick.

The scent is said to repel bees while remaining completely harmless to the plants.

4. Smoke

If you’re hosting an outdoor event, a small smokey fire nearby can temporarily keep bees away from lavender.

Bees become disoriented by smoke and will avoid the area until it clears.

So, How Do You Keep Bees Away From Lavender?

Keeping bees away from lavender comes down to smart planting, timely harvesting, and a few natural deterrents that work with nature instead of against it.

By placing lavender away from high-traffic areas, using companion plants, and setting up decoys, you can enjoy your garden without constant buzzing visitors.

Hope this post has helped you understand how to keep bees away from lavender while still appreciating these hardworking pollinators from a comfortable distance.