Bees are important pollinators in our ecosystem, but their stings can be painful and even dangerous. Here are some tips to keep bees away:

• Avoid flowery fragrances: Bees are attracted to sugar and floral perfumes, so avoid using heavily scented products.

• Try essential oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass may have certain properties that repel bees. Essential oils can be used as a natural alternative to chemical repellents.

• Wash garbage cans regularly: Remove sugary or syrupy residues from garbage such as soda or fruit juices, which attract foraging bees.

• Avoid bright and floral prints: Bees are attracted to flowers, so avoiding the use of bright and floral prints on plates, napkins, and table covers would be wise.

• Use fabric softener: Bees hate the smell of fabric softener, so placing a dryer sheet in your pocket, in your bag, around the table, or under containers that are holding food can help keep bees away.

• Use cinnamon: The smell of cinnamon is a deterrent to bees, so sprinkling cinnamon around your picnic area can help keep bees away.

• Hang a brown paper bag: Most bees and wasps are very territorial. Hang a brown paper bag in the area that you’ll be spending time, and no bees or wasps will come around.

Its important to note that bees are an important part of our ecosystem, and its best to avoid killing them. If you have a bee nest on your property, contact a local beekeeping organization to remove and relocate the colony safely.