Lemon Balm (Melissa) – Lemon Balm is known by many names, Melissa, the genus name means “honeybee” and it is definitely a favorite of the bees. It’s also a wonderful herb to have on hand. The leaves are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, sedative and aromatic.
What scent attracts bees the most?
In addition, bees are attracted to scented herbs such as rosemary, borage, sage, thyme, catnip, chamomile, lavender, basil, marjoram, hyssop and, of course, beebalm. Bees are partial to native plants, too, and there are plenty to choose from that can also be colorful additions to the garden.
Is lemon balm and bee balm the same plant?
Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are not the same plant but both are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. The visual difference is Bee Balm is larger and produces deep red flowers while Lemon Balm is smaller and has small white flowers.
Is Lemon balm poisonous?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
Is lemon good for bees?
Since honey is more acidic than sugar, the bees have to work hard to digest the higher PH of sugar. The lemon juice lowers the PH balance, making it easier on the bees.
What smells do bees hate?
Bees also have a distaste for lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. These are all topical defenses you can add to your skin to keep bees away. Unlike other flying insects, bees are not attracted to the scent of humans; they are just curious by nature.
Do bees like lavender?
While both bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and honey bees (Apis mellifera) are attracted to lavender (Lavandula spp.), the plant is more popular among bumblebees.
Is lemon balm invasive?
If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it’s the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden.
Does lemon balm attract insects?
Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Does lemon balm spread like mint?
Lemon balm does not spread by underground runners like mint. It will increase in size, though, making a bigger clump in the garden each season and sprouting from seeds that develop from inconspicuous flowers.
Is lemon balm harmful to dogs?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses.
Does lemon balm keep cats away?
More plants that repel cats
Other plants that can protect your garden from cats are lemon balm, peppermint, mint, lemongrass, citronella, curry herb, and penny royal.
What happens if you smoke lemon balm?
In the research, they gave the mixture to two groups, and reports showed that participants noticed favorable effects on different aspects of their moods and lower anxiety levels. Likewise, herbal smoking blends containing lemon balm may be able to offer similar effects for those dealing with anxiety.
Does lemon balm attract bees and butterflies?
reason #3: lemon balm is an excellent natural pest deterrent
When lemon balm flowers, it brings in bees and butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. (Check out other plants I recommend to attract pollinators here.)
Do bees and butterflies like lemon balm?
Lemon balm attracts and calms bees
It has a very distinctive smell reminiscent of lemon. Beekeepers agree that it attracts and calms bees.
Does the scent of lemon attract bees?
The final scent that can trigger a reaction in bees is that of lemons. The smell of lemons can attract bees, but not because they’re angry — quite the opposite. Lemon smells like an attractive pheromone that bees release to help bring foragers home, and can be likely to summon additional inquisitive bees.
What will make bees stay away?
Essential oils such as citronella, peppermint, hyssop, fennel, lavender, thyme, lemongrass, or any combination of these will deter bees. Spray a mixture of essential oil and water around your home. Wipe down surfaces with essential oils or simply place cotton balls soaked in essential oils around your house.
What deters bees from nesting?
Moth Balls: There are some smells that bees don’t like and mothballs are one of them. To use mothballs, hang them near the bee nest or nests, and eventually, the smell will deter the bees from coming back. You can also hang mothballs in different places around your yard to keep your entire yard bee-free.
What kind of plants keep bees away?
Geraniums. Geraniums can be helpful in repelling bees, particularly red geraniums, as bees cannot see the color red. It may seem counterintuitive that a flower would repel bees, but these flowers contain little to no pollen and have a scent that the stinging pest does not particularly like.
What are bees favorite flower?
1. Bee balm (Monarda spp.) This plant is called “bee balm” because it was once used to treat bee stings, but bees really are obsessed with the flowers.
Do bees like hydrangeas?
The fertile flowers of hydrangeas are small and insignificant and not as showy to our eyes but are heavily frequented by bees.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
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