Bees Nesting in Potted Plants Identification, Prevention and Safe Removal
Bees often buzz around plants in pots, but you might be surprised to learn that they are actually building their nests in the ground. Some types of ground-dwelling bees, like mason bees, mining bees, and leafcutter bees, dig tunnels in loose soil to lay their eggs. There is a good chance that a nest has been set up underground if you see more bees around your containers. At first, this behavior by bees may seem scary, but there are safe ways to find, stop, and remove nests when needed.
Identifying Bees Nesting in Pots
The first step is identifying the type of bee. Different kinds of bees have different ways of building nests, so this helps you figure out how to deal with them. Small holes in the ground, leaf shapes left behind, and dirt dug out of the pot can help you figure out what kind of bird is nesting there.
Leafcutter bees cut round pieces of leaves to make cells that protect their young. This type of bee digs long tunnels that split off into separate egg chambers. Mason bees use mud to build nests in existing cavities. Sweat bees create shallow nests just under the surface. Observe the bees’ size and color patterns to aid identification. If you take a picture, a field guide or the local agricultural office can also help.
Why Bees Are Attracted to Potted Plants
It’s no coincidence bees tend to nest in potted plants. The conditions are ideal for their needs:
- Loose, workable soil perfect for tunnel digging
- Existing drainage holes provide an entrance
- Nearby flowering plants offer nectar and pollen
- Sheltered location protects from weather
- Soil warmth speeds up development
By understanding what attracts them, preventive measures become clearer.
Deterring Bees from Nesting In Pots
If you want to discourage bees without killing them, here are some tips:
- Keep soil tightly packed with minimal air pockets for nesting
- Cover drainage holes to block access
- Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings
- Prune flowers on potted plants to remove food sources
- Use decorative pebbles as top dressing to hinder digging
- Repot plants often to disrupt existing nests
- Place pots in full sun away from structures
- Introduce strong-scented herbs like thyme or mint
Making containers inhospitable for bees is an organic approach.
How to Remove an Existing Bee Nest
If you discover an active nest, resist the urge to immediately destroy it. Many ground-nesting bees are docile and provide important pollination. Try these methods first:
- Relocate the potted plant away from high traffic areas
- Gently pack the nest entrance with soil to deter re-use
- Insert a small stick and wiggle carefully to disrupt the tunnel
- Scoop out 2-3 inches of soil above the nest and repack it
- As a last resort, drench the pot completely to flood nests
If the infestation is significant or bees exhibit aggressive behavior, seek help from a professional removal service. They have tools to safely extract the nests and bees.
Avoid using pesticide sprays or powders which could harm plants and bees. Introduce nesting sites made specifically for mason and leafcutter bees to provide an alternative habitat. With some adjustments, your potted plants can coexist peacefully with these important pollinators.
Plants That Deter Bees
Certain plants naturally repel bees with strong fragrances they find unpleasant. Incorporating these around potted plants can redirect bees away from nesting areas.
Mint
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Catmint
Citrus
- Lemon balm
- Orange trees
- Citronella
Herbs
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Basil
Other
- Wormwood
- Rue
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
Move flowering plants that bees like to other places and use these fragrant plants in containers in a smart way. Bees can also be kept away by planting potted mint and basil around places where people gather.
When Bees Need Removal
If bees nesting in pots become a nuisance, safer removal methods should be tried before resorting to poisons. Here are tips:
- At night, plug entrance holes with pebbles and relocate the pot
- Introduce predator decoys like fake wasps that scare bees
- Use plastic cones with wire mesh to let bees out but not return
- Apply natural essential oil sprays as repellents
- Seek help from beekeepers to rehome swarms during dormant seasons
- Vacuum devices can safely extract nests – ask a professional
Removing bees humanely ensures their ecological benefits continue. But take precautions, as struggling colonies may become aggressive.
Protecting Yourself from Stings
When dealing with an active nest, several measures will help prevent stings:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
- Use slow, gentle movements around bees
- Avoid swatting or crushing bees
- Stay calm and move away if bees become agitated
- Keep pets indoors during removal to avoid defensive stinging
- Have an epinephrine pen handy if you have allergies
While bee stings are uncomfortable, the average person can tolerate a few. Seek emergency care for severe reactions.
Why Saving Bees Matters
It’s understandable to want bees gone from your patio pots. But they play a vital role as pollinators of commercial crops and gardens. Protecting their nests and food sources ensures healthy bee populations that benefit the environment. With some adjustments, bees and humans can peacefully coexist. Be patient, don’t panic, and deter bees using humane practices for best results.
How to Grow a Potted Bee Garden
Growing a container pollinator garden is not difficult. If youre familiar with any type of container gardening, cultivating a bee garden in pots is as simple as switching to pollinator friendly container plants. To make a potted bee garden, here are some easy steps to follow if this is your first time gardening in a pot:
- Pick out one or two planters. The bigger the pot, the more it costs. That shouldn’t stop you from buying a big planter, though. Evaporation and nutrient exhaustion are inversely related to planter size. For new gardeners, one big planter may work better than a bunch of small flowerpots.
- Make sure there is enough drainage. Too much water can cause root rot and diseases. Make several holes in the bottom of the pot with a sharp knife or drill if it didn’t come with drainage holes.
- Use good potting soil. Buy flower potting soil in bags to give your container plants that are good for pollinators the nutrients they need to grow strong and bloom lots.
- Choose flower varieties that are high in nectar. Choose a variety of flower types that bloom at different times so that your potted bee garden will have nectar for the bees all season long. Use the below list for suggested pollinator friendly container plants.
- Plant your bee garden carefully in pots or containers. To keep soil from escaping, put newspaper, coir liners, or landscape fabric in the bottom of the planter. Some gardeners like to put gravel or charcoal in the bottom of the pot. Then, fill the planter up to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) high. ) from the top with potting soil. Put the plants in the pot based on their full height, with the taller ones in the back or middle. Top off the planter with potting soil and water regularly.
- Put the container garden for pollinators where it will get full sun. Bees like to eat where they can see the food. Place the planter somewhere that it will get at least six hours of sun every morning or evening. You can keep your bee garden in pots in better shape if you put them somewhere that gets afternoon shade and blocks wind.
10 Plants To Attract Bees | Plants That Attract Bees To Your Gardens
FAQ
How to get rid of bees nest in planter?
Re: Bees nesting in pots Let them sit a few days with no soil. Then repot them and relocate them inside for a couple weeks. They should move on from whatever was attracting them.
What kills bees but not plants?
Unlike chemical deterrents, vinegar doesn’t contain any harsh substances, and it doesn’t harm most plants. To make a homemade vinegar solution, mix together equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Mix the solution well, then spray it over any areas you frequently see bees.
How do I keep bees away from my plants?
Choose Specific Plants: Consider planting herbs like mint, basil, or marigolds, which are less attractive to bees. Avoid flowers that are particularly appealing, like sunflowers or daisies. Essential Oils: Some essential oils (like peppermint or citronella) can deter bees.
How do you encourage bees to leave?
Again, bees can smell very well, and everyone knows that garlic smells very strong. Crush a couple of cloves of garlic and mix it with water to create a garlic spray. Spray it around your home and around their hive to try to get them to leave.