Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: BeeV on July 31, 2011, 07:32:31 PM

Title: Bees and DEET
Post by: BeeV on July 31, 2011, 07:32:31 PM
How do bees react to insect repellent such as Off or Repel? I like to sit and watch the bees in the evening but the skeeters have gotten unbearable lately and I thought it easier to ask than to experiment and get stung needlessly. 
Title: Re: Bees and DEET
Post by: AllenF on July 31, 2011, 07:36:13 PM
It has been asked before, but no one has stepped up to the plate to try it out and report back.   We would like to see it on video if someone does try it out.
Title: Re: Bees and DEET
Post by: Kathyp on July 31, 2011, 07:41:24 PM
i have.  what i used did not repel them, but it did not seem to attract them.  do a search on here.  i remember it was discussed before.  probably key words like 'replant', etc.
Title: Re: Bees and DEET
Post by: BlueBee on July 31, 2011, 07:59:05 PM
The skeeters were bigger than the bees here in June after all the rain we had.  You couldn't go outside without being covered in DEET.  I use deep woods 25% DEET.  I saw no reaction from the bees.  I stand and watch them in the evenings many times to relax too.  

The skeeters were so thick that even DEET would not keep them from buzzing around my ears.  When they're that thick, I prefer to wear a mosquito head net (low cost tulle head net).  Then I don't have to put DEET all over my face.  I seem to always end up eating some when it's applied to my face :shock: