Bees are a valuable part of the environment, but when they start hovering around your porch or building a hive under your siding, it’s a different story. If you’ve been wondering how to keep bees away from your house, you’re not alone—and there are things you can do to stop the problem before it turns into an infestation.
At Elite Pest & Termite Control, we work with homeowners across Central Ohio to safely manage bee activity around their homes. Here’s a breakdown of what attracts bees, what keeps them away, and when it’s time to bring in professional help.
Why Do Bees Keep Coming to My House?
Bees aren’t showing up just to annoy you—they’re usually following scents, searching for food, or scoping out places to build a nest.
What Might Be Attracting Them
If you’ve got:
- Bright, flowering plants near doors and windows
- Sweet smells from fruit, soda cans, or even perfume
- Weathered, untreated wood (especially if it’s exposed)
- Small gaps or cracks in siding, soffits, or vents
…you’re basically rolling out the red carpet.
Peak Season in Central Ohio
Bee activity starts to ramp up as soon as the weather warms. Spring and early summer are when bees begin scouting out new places to settle—so if you see more than a few flying around, they may be considering your house as a potential home base.
What Naturally Keeps Bees Away from Your House?
Not every situation calls for sprays or chemicals. A few simple, natural steps can go a long way in keeping bees from hanging around.
Scent-Based Repellents
Bees have a strong sense of smell, and some scents drive them away:
- Peppermint oil dabbed around windows, doors, or outdoor furniture
- Cinnamon or eucalyptus as natural deterrents for garden edges
- A vinegar-water spray on outdoor surfaces (just don’t use it near plants you want to keep)
These options won’t hurt the bees, but they’ll make your space less appealing.
Tidy Up the Yard
- Avoid planting heavily scented flowers near entry points
- Keep bushes trimmed back and remove any fallen fruit
- Rinse trash bins and outdoor furniture regularly—sticky spots are bee magnets
Seal Up Entry Points
If bees can find their way into your attic, walls, or vents, they might start building a hive before you even notice. Use caulk or mesh to seal off:
- Gaps in siding or fascia
- Holes around vents or pipes
- Cracks along window frames
Simple Maintenance That Helps
It’s not just about smells and flowers—regular upkeep around your home can make a big difference.
Take Care of Trash and Food
Bees are drawn to sugar, so if you’ve got open soda cans, uncovered food, or overflowing bins, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Keep lids closed, wipe up spills, and rinse recyclables before tossing them in the bin.
Treat or Paint Bare Wood
Carpenter bees especially love untreated wood. If your deck, fence, or trim is exposed and unfinished, it’s basically an invitation. A coat of paint or sealant not only protects the surface but also makes it less appealing to bees looking to tunnel.
Install Screens
Cover vents, chimney openings, and attic access points with fine mesh. This stops bees (and other pests) from slipping in unnoticed.
When to Bring in the Pros
Sometimes, even your best efforts aren’t enough to keep bees away from your house. If they’ve already started building or you’re seeing a steady stream coming and going, it’s probably time to call a professional.
How to Spot a Bee Problem
- You hear buzzing from inside a wall or ceiling
- You notice bees flying to the same spot again and again
- You can see a nest forming under eaves or tucked behind siding
Why DIY Bee Removal Can Backfire
Trying to get rid of a hive yourself can be dangerous. One wrong move and you could end up with dozens of angry bees—or an even bigger issue if you don’t fully remove the nest. Plus, if you don’t address why they showed up in the first place, they’ll probably be back.
How Elite Pest & Termite Can Help
We’ve been handling stinging insect problems across Columbus, Westerville, Hilliard, and other Central Ohio communities for years. We use:
- Safe, low-impact treatments
- Solutions tailored to your specific home and property
Long-term prevention plans to stop bees from returning
Quick Questions About Bee Prevention
Yes—it’s one of the most effective natural repellents. Just reapply it every few days.
They might. Bees leave behind pheromones, and others can follow that scent trail back to the area, even after a nest is removed.
If the bees are active and nesting, it’s best not to disturb them. Give us a call, and we’ll take care of it safely.
 They can be. They bore holes into wood and can return to the same place year after year if it’s not treated.
Final Word
Knowing how to keep bees away from your house comes down to being proactive—sealing up gaps, avoiding attractants, and paying attention to early signs of activity. If things get out of hand or you just want peace of mind, that’s where we come in.
Schedule a service with Elite Pest & Termite Control for safe, effective bee prevention and removal solutions across Columbus and surrounding areas.