I planted some lavender last year for landscaping purposes, this year its grown like mad, so I'd like to try and havest some for various recipes. BUT, the lavender is very popular with bees. There are TONS of various bumble and honey bees buzzing all over the lavender. I am petrified of Bees. Is there a good way to "scare" off the insects and bees, so I can harvest without having buzzing things flying around?
I don't want to use pesticides, as the lavender is lovely and ready to cut already. I just want them "gone" while i'm busy. They're more than welcome to the leftovers. 
Suggestions?
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Wait for a very windy or very rainy day. Sure this makes it no fun for you, but at least you'll be dealing with less bees.
Using smoke methods works for honey hives, but probably not for lavender since its out in the open. And even when you smoke bees you're not getting rid of them, you're simply forcing them to quiet down and be less active.
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You don't "scare" them away. Use a smoke machine to put them in a trance. This is what beekeepers use to get the honey from the honeycombs.
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My husband is a bee exterminator. He said there is really nothing you can use to chase them away. However, if you harvest at night time they are not active at all.
His answer may be best, but I also thought maybe you could use a very powerful industrial type fan to move them while you harvest. Good luck and "Bee" careful!
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There might be one trick. A person told me that inflating a paper bag and hanging it in trees around your yard will discourage wasps and bees from building nests nearby; has something to do about territory. It might be something worth trying; though in all honesty I have never tried this trick.
Now since you don't want the bees to be discouraged from visiting your lavender, since pollination has likely resulted in your record growth, you might consider hanging a bag above the lavender only for brief periods of time.
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Dear Friend, buy yourself some Skin-So-Soft and put on your body. The bees will leave you alone.
Bees are only aggressive when they are swatted at or feel threatened. They are simply doing their job of pollinating. You can work around them.
Another thing: There is not a bee exterminator because it is against the law to exterminate bees. You may exterminate wasps but never bees. They are becoming an endangered species.
I have a huge Bumblebee that loves my lavender. It doesn't bother me at all and I believe it is because of the Skin-So-Soft. I also believe there is another product to protect you that contains the same ingredient, I just don't know the name. If you have no Skin So Soft, then use an insect repellent while you work with the lavender. your friend, dd.
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do it in the dark not to destirb them
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I am afraid and deathly allergic to the Bee sting, so I know how you are feeling.
I would try harvesting on a cloudy day. They don't seem to swarm on rainy days which leads me to another possible solution.
Try misting the area with your garden hose to chase them away temporarily.
btw–I'm envious of your crop. I finally planted some Lavender this Summer and can't wait until I see the results that you have.
))
Good Luck !!
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Wear very protective clothing and use smoke to drive them away while you harvest. alternitavely, you can pick them anytime hen they'e not on one, because they'll only attack when you annoy them. They die after they sting.
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I keep bees. They are more active during the sunnier hours. You should be safe harvesting lavender early in the morning and as the day turns into evening.
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