Bees play a vital role in pollinating plants and crops, but sometimes their presence can cause issues. Getting stung by a bee is painful, and some people are severely allergic to bee stings. So it’s understandable that you may want to find ways to deter bees from certain areas. One method is using colors that bees don’t like. But what color makes bees stay away?
The quick answer is that bees dislike the color white. White surfaces and objects tend to deter bees from landing or congregating. Scientists believe this is because bees instinctively avoid white, as it signals emptiness and a lack of flowers or food sources. Other light colors like yellow, blue and purple also make bees less likely to approach. So painting outdoor furniture or other objects white or light colors can help keep bees at bay.
How bees see color
To understand why bees avoid or are attracted to certain colors, it helps to know a bit about bee vision. Bees see colors differently than humans do. They have receptors for green, blue and ultraviolet light. This means they see more in the ultraviolet spectrum than we can perceive. But bees do not have receptors for red light. Red looks black to them. Their color vision is also more sensitive to blues and yellows.
So when choosing colors, it’s smart to consider a bee’s eye view. Purple, violet, white and yellow will stand out strongly to bees. Orange, red and darker greens won’t be as visible. Keep this in mind when picking paints, fabrics and materials meant to deter bees.
The best colors to repel bees
Let’s look specifically at which colors bees prefer to avoid.
White
White is the best color for keeping bees away for a few reasons. To bees, white signals empty space and a lack of flowers. It blends in with the sky rather than standing out. Bees have an innate avoidance of white and tend to steer clear of white objects. Painting outdoor furniture and fixtures white is an easy way to make them less attractive to passing bees.
Yellow
Pure yellow is also an effective bee repellent color. While bees are attracted to the bright yellow of many flowers, they dislike reflective, metallic yellows. Lemon and neon yellow are also less attractive. So paint items like picnic tables, umbrellas or garage doors a metallic or light yellow. Just avoid deeper golden yellows.
Blue and Purple
Light shades of blue and purple will also deter bees. Lavender and pale blue especially give off a subtle shine that bees don’t care for. Bright violet will also repel them. Just steer clear of deep purples that border on black, as the darker the purple the more bees will be intrigued by it. Light blue and pale purple are your safest bets.
Neutral Colors
In general, bees avoid darker, duller colors. Blacks, grays, browns and darker greens won’t attract nearly as many bees as bright whites, yellows and blues. Bland beige and tan colors are also excellent choices for avoiding bees. These muted shades signal to bees that there is nothing of interest or value in that space.
Colors that attract bees
Now that you know which colors repel bees, here are the ones that tend to attract them. Try to avoid these colors around your home.
Bright Yellow
Vivid yellows reminiscent of sunflowers, buttercups and other blossoms will attract bees by the dozens. Daisies and daffodils are popular with bees, so any similar bright yellow will signal food and pollen to nearby bees. Stick with metallic or pale yellows instead.
Orange and Red
As mentioned, bees can’t see the color red. But to them, red objects appear a shade of black that signals a flower center. Orange comes across to bees as a mixture of yellow and black, also resembling a flower’s interior. So bold reds and oranges tend to attract bees.
Pink and Magenta
Very light pinks can help deter bees. But most brighter pinks and magentas will entice them, as they resemble the colors of flowers. Fuchsia, light crimson and bold pink fabric are bound to attract some unwanted bee interest. Avoid these colors.
Vibrant Green
Bees adore most shades of green, as lush greenery signals vegetation, pollen and food. But darker, olive greens don’t appeal to them as much. Steer clear of lime green, forest green, emerald and other vivid greens near your patio, yard or garden. Opt for mute sage greens instead.
Black
As mentioned, black is essentially a non-color to bees. But darker shades can still draw in some curious bees hoping to find the center of a flower. Try to avoid black outdoor furniture or accents and go for grays instead.
Other Tips for Deterring Bees
In addition to strategic use of color, there are a few other tips that can help keep bees at a distance:
– Avoid wearing bright colors like yellow and white outdoors. Stick to muted shades.
– Don???t leave sugary drinks, ripe fruit or other sweet things out on patios or picnic tables. They can attract nearby bees.
– Plant bee-resistant flowers like lavender, sage, geraniums or marigolds around patios and common areas.
– Use natural bee repellents like menthol, mint oil, citronella or cloves on plants, tables and umbrellas. The strong scents deter bees.
– Install water features, which bees dislike. The movement and moisture help keep them away.
– Seal up cracks, holes and openings around your home where bees could nest. This discourages them from getting too comfortable.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy your yard and outdoor spaces bee-free, pay attention to color. Painting, staining or buying outdoor furniture and accessories in white, yellow, blue or neutral shades will help make an area much less appealing to passing bees. At the same time, avoid bright yellows, oranges, reds, pinks and greens that resemble flowers. A few other simple precautions can also encourage bees to buzz off and seek pollen elsewhere. With some thoughtful color choices and bee deterrents, you can have an outdoor living space that you and your guests can enjoy safely without fear of stings.
