One or two bees visiting your yard and hanging around your shrubs is normal, but an army of them is definitely a cause for concern. If you’re trying to find out how to get rid of bees in a holly bush, read on below.
Why Does My Holly Bush Have Bees?
Bees are actually beneficial insects to a holly bush, pollinating flowers and hanging around waiting for a mate to come. They are known to eliminate garden pests and keep the plant ecosystem balanced.
That said, it’s not unusual for bees to come by your Holly plants now and then. However, if you have pets or small children and are trying to avoid getting them stung then it’s in your best interest to keep bees away.
Conversely enough, holly flowers are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators since the nectar is fairly accessible. These insects are not known to build nests in holly bushes, but there are several exceptions to the rule.
You can probably leave the bees alone and let them do their thing, but if they’re constantly around and causing a disturbance then you can take several measures to ensure the insects make a quick exit.
How Do You Get Rid of Bees in a Holly Bush?
Use a Homemade Repellent
The good news is that you don’t have to spend much in order to get rid of bees in your Holly Bush or Holly Tree. There are several homemade solutions you can try, which include orange oil, essential oils, vinegar, and pepper.
Orange oil can be mixed with water in a 1-2 ratio (1 part oil to 2 parts water), which can then be sprayed at the base of the bush until it’s damp. Look for returning bees and reapply in 2-3 days as needed.
You can also use a time-honored solution of vinegar and water as a cheap insecticide to keep the bees at bay. The best time to do this is at night- spray it on the holly and where you think the bees are hiding. Then, when morning comes around you can inspect and remove the dead bees on the ground or around the bush.
Other bee repellent ingredients include cinnamon powder, peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, citronella, lemon, and lavender oil, just to name a few. You can add a few drops of liquid dish soap like Dawn when mixing with water so the solution will mix and stick to the holly’s leaves for longer.
Use a Chemical Spray
Commercial insecticides such as pyrethrin or rotenone can deal with pesky insects such as bees or wasps hanging around your holly bush. It’s one of the best ways how to get rid of bees in a holly bush, and the chemical will not harm your plant in any way.
When using a chemical spray, it’s recommended that you wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, goggles, and a face mask, as well as gloves so you can stay safe and protected. Also, you should follow the directions as stated in the label for the best results.
The right time to spray for bees is during the early morning or evening when the bees have gone back to their nests. You’ll have a lower chance of getting stung and have an easier time finding the bees’ hiding spots. Spray the area with pyrethrin, which will sedate the insects and drop them to the ground. It’s worth noting that the chemical is fast-acting, so you should see the results quickly.
As a side note, pyrethrin will not harm nearby plants and the soil. After spraying, wait a day or two and keep a lookout for bees. You can reapply the spray on your holly bush a second time if needed.
Find the Nest and Remove It
For recurring bee problems, it’s possible that there’s a nest situated nearby. Once you get rid of the nest you’ll have a greater chance to get rid of the insects in your yard or garden as well.
As always, you should take extra precautions while hunting for the bees’ nest. You can call in a professional to have it removed if you’re not familiar with the process. Afterward, you can spray using a homemade or chemical solution to get rid of bees that might be left behind.