Bees play an important role in pollinating plants and crops, but they can also sting and pose a safety risk. Some claim that peppermint oil can help repel bees, while others argue it has no effect. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind using peppermint oil as a bee repellent.
What is peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). It contains high concentrations of menthol, menthone, and other volatile compounds that give it a strong, refreshing minty aroma and flavor.
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for headaches, nausea, indigestion, and other conditions. Today, it’s commonly used in aromatherapy, skin care products, candies, and as a food flavoring.
Does peppermint oil repel bees?
There are a few reasons why peppermint oil is sometimes recommended as a way to help repel bees:
- Strong smells can overwhelm a bee’s senses and deter them from an area. The potent aroma of peppermint oil may make it difficult for bees to smell the flowers they rely on.
- Some research indicates that menthol, a main component of peppermint oil, can act as an insect repellent against certain species like mosquitoes.
- Anecdotal evidence from beekeepers and gardeners suggests that peppermint oil or plants may help redirect bees away from unwanted locations.
However, the effectiveness of peppermint for repelling bees is debated. Several factors may influence whether or not peppermint oil deters bees:
Concentration and purity
Highly concentrated, pure peppermint oil likely has a stronger smell that could be more overwhelming for bees. Diluted or impure peppermint oil may not provide the same deterrent effects.
Method of application
How the peppermint oil is applied can impact its bee-repelling capabilities. Burning peppermint oil to release the aroma in the air may offer more widespread coverage than just applying the oil directly to a surface.
Type of bee
Over 20,000 species of bees exist worldwide. Different types of bees may react differently to the strong scent of peppermint. For example, peppermint may deter honeybees but have less effect against more aggressive species.
Scientific research on peppermint oil as a bee repellent
Controlled scientific studies investigating peppermint oil specifically as a bee repellent are limited. However, a few studies provide some insights:
Peppermint aroma reduced bee landings
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology tested multiple essential oils against Western honeybees. Nylon screen cages treated with peppermint oil aroma resulted in 59% fewer bee landings compared to untreated controls.
Peppermint extract less effective than other oils
Researchers in India evaluated essential oils from clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, and castor as bee repellents. Based on lab and field tests, peppermint extract was found to be the least effective compared to the other oils.
Peppermint reduced bee visits by 29-58%
A 2018 study in HortScience examined the effects of essential oils on honey bee foraging behavior. Peppermint oil led to 29-58% fewer visits from bees compared to untreated plants. However, it was not as effective as other oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus, and thyme.
Overall, these studies show that peppermint oil can have a deterrent effect against bees in some cases. However, the results vary and several other plant oils appear more promising as bee repellents.
Potential risks of using peppermint oil as a bee repellent
Although peppermint oil is considered relatively non-toxic for humans and pets at typical amounts, some risks are associated with using it to repel bees:
- Harming beneficial pollinators. Peppermint could indiscriminately deter honeybees, bumblebees, and other important pollinating insects.
- Exposure risks. Peppermint oil can irritate eyes and skin; inhalation may cause bronchial constriction in some individuals.
- Impact on plants. High concentrations applied directly to plants may make them toxic to foraging bees or other beneficial insects.
- Legality. Pesticide regulations may prohibit the use of peppermint oil as an insect repellent on crops.
Improper use of concentrated peppermint oil could also contaminate honey produced by nearby bee colonies.
Alternative methods to repel bees
If you’re looking for ways to repel bees from an outdoor space, here are some methods to consider:
Physical barriers
Screened enclosures, nets, or tightly-woven fabrics can create a physical barrier preventing bees from reaching certain areas.
Traps and lures
Strategically placed bee traps or chemical lures may help draw bees away from areas you want to protect.
Removal and relocation
Removing beehives or relocating them to a more appropriate area with assistance from a beekeeper.
Other repellents
Plant-derived oils like eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass tend to be more consistently effective against bees than peppermint based on research.
Avoiding flowers and perfumes
Eliminating sweet smells from flowering plants and scented products can help make an area less attractive to passing bees.
Tips for using peppermint oil around bees safely
If you do wish to test peppermint oil for repelling bees, some best practices include:
- Use 100% pure peppermint oil and follow dilution guidelines to minimize risk.
- Apply only to non-plant surfaces or barriers, not directly on vegetation.
- Avoid spraying near beehives or areas where bees are actively foraging.
- Do not use peppermint oil around organic farms or crops that require bee pollination.
- Combine peppermint with other stronger bee repellent oils for added effectiveness.
- Monitor bee activity to ensure peppermint oil is not attracting bees once applied.
Conclusion
The bottom line – peppermint oil does appear to have some bee repellent properties, but it is not universally effective. Its ability to deter bees seems dependent on the concentration, delivery method, bee species, and other factors. While peppermint oil may help redirect bees away from small outdoor spaces, it likely should not be relied on as a standalone solution. Anyone wanting to repel bees should first try more direct methods like physical exclusion or traps before resorting to essential oil repellents. And be sure to avoid anything that could put local pollinators at risk.