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It’s a simple fact of life, no one likes to get stung by a bee!
Let's face it, all homeowners face the possibility of being stung.
But, how do you mow the lawn without getting stung by a bee or wasp?
On the other hand, the fact is we need to embrace bees. Bees play a crucial role on Earth.
So how can we "embrace" bees, all the while avoiding their stings?!
Everything you need to know is below.
Including 5 steps to avoid be stings while mowing the lawn!
The Importance of Protecting Bees While Preventing Stings
Look, it is critical to point out that this article is not a condemnation of bees. So, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of bees before we dive in to 5 steps to avoid bee stings while mowing the lawn.
The Importance of Protecting Bees:
- Pollination: Bees are vital for pollinating crops and wild plants, ensuring food production and ecosystem health.
- Biodiversity: Bees are essential for a diverse and balanced ecosystem. Their decline negatively impacts other species.
- Food security: Many fruits, vegetables, and nuts depend on bee pollination, making them crucial for our food supply.
In true, many believe if bees go extinct humanity will be next.
Bees play a vital role for plants to reproduce. In fact, flowers are bright and fragrant in order to attract bees. Once the bee lands on the plant, pollen attaches to their body then the bee will transport that pollen from the male part of the plant to the female part.
Get this, this small act is responsible for 70% of the production of: fruits, vegetables and nuts we consume everyday!
That’s not all, not only do Bees pollinate our food. Bees pollinate cotton fields as well. Without bees we can forget about having clothes, mattresses, towels and high end paper products.
So it's safe to say. Even though their stings are unpleasant. We need to learn of ways not to harm them and for them not to harm us.
Without further ado, here is a list 5 steps you can take at home to prevent bee stings!
Step One: Bee-proof Your Home
One way to prevent stings all together is to "Bee-proof" your home and lawn. An easy way to do this is to fill any potential areas bees may gravitate to.
Some places would include:
tree cavities,
holes in outside walls,
rain spouts,
or meter boxes.
It's easy to put screens over these areas so bees will have no access into them.
Step Two: "Bee" Familiar With Your Lawn
Taking a walk around your lawn each week or two, and locating bees and wasps can reduce your chances of stumbling upon a bee or wasp hive while mowing the lawn.
It is substantially better to locate bee hives before using lawn mowing equipment. Especially gas-powered machinery. Which brings us to step three.
Step Three: Avoid Hives While Using Equipment
This may seem like common sense, but if you don’t know where the hives are before you mow. You can’t avoid them when you are using your equipment.
This is important, it is best to try to avoid the contact of a bee altogether when mowing, because lawn machinery can disturb a beehive.
Once the vibration is heard by a beehive the immediate response is to attack the object that is making the noise. So it is always best to check the area for bees and hives before starting up: mowers, weed eaters or chainsaws.
Step Four Mow at the Right time!
All in all, the best time to mow would be around 5 p.m. if it did not rain that day. Wet grass can lead to blades being clumped together and a very messy lawn.
Not only will you save your mower blades, you won't have much trouble from the bees either.
Bees are mid-morning risers. Meaning they will be out and about during the day.
On the other hand, early morning could be best, if you don't have time to wait for dry grass.
Bottom line, the best time to mow the lawn and not get stung by a bee is before 9a.m. or after 5p.m.
Step Five Hire a Professional!
Finally, another way to prevent bee stings, is to hire a professional lawn service or pest control company to come out to your home.
Be sure the company is willing to relocate the hive rather than destroy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent bees from stinging you?
To prevent bees from stinging you, avoid wearing strong perfumes, don't wear bright or floral-patterned clothing, move slowly and calmly around bees, avoid swatting at them, and keep food and drinks covered outdoors.
What attracts a bee to sting you?
- Swatting or sudden movements that appear threatening.
- Dark clothing (they might mistake it for a predator).
- Sweet or floral scents.
- Crushing or disturbing a bee or its nest.
What kills bees when they sting?
When a honeybee stings, it leaves its stinger in the skin, tearing away from its abdomen and leading to its death.
Can lawn machinery disturb bee hives?
Yes, the vibration and noise from lawn machinery like mowers, weed eaters, or chainsaws can disturb beehives, causing bees to become defensive and potentially sting.
What colors do bees hate?
Bees don't hate colors, but they have trouble seeing red. It appears black to them.
Is mowing in wet conditions advisable when trying to avoid bees?
Mowing in wet conditions is not ideal as it can clump grass blades and damage your mower. It's better to mow when the grass is dry, typically around 5 p.m. if it hasn't rained.
What should I do to be familiar with my lawn's bee activity?
Regularly inspect your lawn to locate any bee or wasp hives. Identifying these hives beforehand helps you avoid them while mowing and reduces the risk of disturbing them.
Avoiding the Sting of the Bee
Here are straightforward tips to avoid bee stings while mowing the lawn:
- Mow in the late afternoon or evening, when bees are less active.
- Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns that attract bees.
- Use fragrance-free soaps and avoid scented lotions before mowing.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes.
- Inspect the area for bee activity or nests before starting to mow.
- Keep food and drinks covered or indoors to avoid attracting bees.
- Stay calm and move slowly if bees are nearby to avoid provoking them.
Avoiding the sting of a bee may not always be possible.
While it's important to protect bees, it's also essential to avoid their stings. Steps include bee-proofing your home, familiarizing yourself with your lawn, avoiding hives while using equipment, choosing the right time to mow, and considering professional help.
Yet, using these few tips and being mindful of your lawn and garden, can prevent most bee stings. Better yet, you can still maintain an Eco-friendly lawn!
If you find this article helpful, be sure to share it on your social media! And if you are looking for professional lawn care services for your property, hire one of the pros at GreenPal.
Contact with lawn care pros in your area, for free lawn care bids.
