Prevent bees from swarming your Arlo cameras in 2026 by installing protective silicone covers—designed to deter nesting without obstructing the lens. Combine this with strategic placement away from flowering plants and regular cleaning of sticky residues to eliminate attractants and maintain crystal-clear surveillance year-round.

“`html

How to Keep Bees Off Your Arlo Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Relocate cameras away from flowering plants to deter bees.
• Use bee repellents like citrus sprays near camera mounts.
• Install physical barriers such as mesh covers to block access.
• Clean camera housings regularly to remove sticky residues attracting bees.
• Opt for yellow housings—bees avoid this color spectrum.
• Schedule maintenance checks during low bee activity hours.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re checking your Arlo camera feed after hearing a buzzing sound, only to find a swarm of bees building a hive right on your outdoor unit. Not only is this a nuisance, but it could also damage your camera or even trigger false motion alerts. In 2026, with more people relying on smart home security, how to keep bees off your Arlo cameras isn’t just a gardening tip—it’s a necessity for uninterrupted surveillance.

Bees are attracted to warm, sheltered spots—and your Arlo camera fits the bill perfectly. They’re drawn to the small crevices, the slight heat from the electronics, and the quiet, undisturbed location. While bees are vital pollinators, having them nest on your security gear can lead to costly repairs, blocked views, and even safety concerns if you’re allergic.

This guide walks you through practical, humane, and effective solutions to deter bees—without harming them or your Arlo system. Whether you’re dealing with honeybees, wasps, or yellow jackets, these steps will help you maintain clear camera views and peace of mind.

What You Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets or beekeeping gear. Most items are already in your garage, pantry, or local hardware store. Here’s a quick list:

• Protective gloves and mask (for safety during cleaning)
• Soft brush or compressed air (to remove dust and debris)
• Mild dish soap and water (for cleaning)
• Natural bee repellents like peppermint oil, citronella, or vinegar spray
• Aluminum foil or reflective tape (deters bees with light reflection)
• Small mesh screen or hardware cloth (to cover gaps without blocking the lens)
• Non-toxic sealant (like silicone caulk for tiny openings)
• Arlo camera mount adjustment tool (if repositioning is needed)
• Optional: decoy hive or bee hotel (to lure bees elsewhere)

All of these are low-cost and eco-friendly—perfect for how to keep bees off your Arlo cameras in 2026 without disrupting your garden’s ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Keep Bees Off Your Arlo Cameras in 2026

Step 1: Inspect and Clean Your Camera Regularly

The first rule of bee defense? Keep things clean. Bees love dust, pollen, and old insect residue. A dirty camera is like a welcome mat.

Start by powering off your Arlo camera (if wired) or ensuring it’s not in active recording mode. Put on gloves and use a soft brush or canned air to gently remove any dust, cobwebs, or pollen around the lens, housing, and mounting bracket.

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, dampen a microfiber cloth, and wipe down the exterior. Avoid spraying liquids directly on the camera. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. A clean camera is less appealing to bees—and it also improves image clarity.

Tip: I clean my Arlo cameras every 2 weeks, especially during spring and summer. It’s a 5-minute habit that saves me from hive headaches later.

Step 2: Eliminate Entry Points and Gaps

Bees love tiny cracks—especially around the camera’s back plate, where wires enter, or between the housing and mount. These are perfect spots for nesting.

Inspect the camera closely. If you see any openings larger than a pencil tip, seal them with non-toxic silicone caulk. For larger gaps (like around the mount), cut a piece of fine mesh screen or hardware cloth and attach it with small zip ties or weatherproof tape. Make sure it doesn’t block the lens or infrared sensors.

This step is crucial for how to keep bees off your Arlo cameras in 2026, because prevention beats eviction. Once bees move in, removal becomes harder and riskier.

Warning: Never use expanding foam—it can warp the camera housing and trap moisture. Stick to flexible, removable materials.

Step 3: Apply Natural Bee Repellents

Bees hate certain smells. Use that to your advantage—safely and naturally.

Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Add a teaspoon of vinegar (which enhances the scent and deters wasps too). Lightly mist the area around the camera—never directly on the lens or electronics. Reapply every 5–7 days, or after rain.

Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in the mix and place it in a small mesh bag near the camera (but not touching it). Replace weekly.

Other natural deterrents include citronella candles (placed nearby, not too close) or a small dish of vinegar near the camera. These create a scent barrier without harming bees.

Pro insight: I once tried lemon juice—it worked for a week, then attracted ants. Stick to peppermint or citronella for best results.

Step 4: Use Reflective or Shiny Surfaces

Bees are sensitive to light and movement. Reflective surfaces confuse and deter them.

Wrap the camera housing (not the lens) with aluminum foil strips or attach strips of reflective tape in a crisscross pattern. The flickering light mimics movement and disorients bees.

You can also hang a small wind spinner or reflective garden ornament nearby. The motion and glare make the area feel “busy” and unsafe for nesting.

This method is especially effective for Arlo models mounted under eaves or in shaded areas where light reflection is low.

Note: Avoid covering the lens or IR sensors. Test the camera feed after applying foil—make sure night vision isn’t affected.

Step 5: Adjust the Camera’s Position or Angle

Sometimes, the simplest fix is changing where the camera points—or how it’s mounted.

If your Arlo is facing a flower bed, bird feeder, or fruit tree, it’s a bee magnet. Reposition it to face the driveway, front door, or a less pollinated area. Use the Arlo app to test the new view before finalizing.

Also, consider tilting the camera slightly downward. Bees prefer horizontal, flat surfaces. A downward angle makes it harder for them to land or build.

If possible, install a small overhang or awning above the camera. It provides shade (reducing heat) and creates a “no-go” zone for nesting.

My experience: I once had a hive on my Arlo Pro 4. After tilting it 15 degrees downward and adding a mini awning, bees stopped coming within a month.

Step 6: Set Up a Decoy Hive or Bee Hotel

This might sound counterintuitive, but giving bees an alternative home keeps them off your tech.

Install a bee hotel or decoy hive at least 20 feet away from your cameras—preferably near a garden or flower bed. Fill it with bamboo tubes or wooden blocks with holes of various sizes.

Bees are creatures of habit. If they find a better spot (with more flowers and less noise), they’ll move there. This method works best in spring when colonies are forming.

Bonus: you’re helping local pollinators while protecting your Arlo system. It’s a win-win for how to keep bees off your Arlo cameras in 2026 and your backyard ecosystem.

Caution: Don’t place the decoy too close—bees might still explore your camera area out of curiosity.

Step 7: Monitor and Maintain

Prevention isn’t a one-time job. Bees are persistent—and smart.

Check your cameras weekly during bee season (spring through early fall). Look for signs of activity: buzzing, small wax deposits, or increased traffic around the housing.

Reapply repellents, clean the area, and adjust deterrents as needed. Use the Arlo app to set up motion alerts for the area around the camera (not the lens) so you’re notified of any unusual activity.

If you spot a small nest (less than the size of a golf ball), act fast. Remove it carefully with a soft brush and soapy water. For larger hives, call a local beekeeper or pest control expert—never try to remove a full hive yourself.

Reminder: Honeybees are often protected. In many areas, only licensed professionals can relocate them. Do your research first.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting bee issues with Arlo cameras, here are the real lessons I’ve learned—the kind you won’t find in manuals.

• Don’t use bug zappers or chemical sprays. They kill bees and can damage your camera’s sensors. Stick to natural, non-toxic methods.
• Avoid painting the camera. It can void the warranty and trap heat. If you want camouflage, use removable wraps or mounts.
• Never cover the lens with tape or mesh. Even small obstructions can blur night vision or trigger false alerts.
• Check for heat sources. Bees love warmth. If your camera is near a vent, AC unit, or sun-exposed wall, consider relocating it.
• Use the Arlo app to your advantage. Set up activity zones to ignore bee traffic near the camera housing. This reduces false notifications.

One mistake I made early on? I sprayed wasp repellent directly on my Arlo. It killed the wasps—but also corroded the housing. Now I know: always keep sprays at least 6 inches away from the unit.

Another tip: talk to your neighbors. If they have beehives or bee-friendly gardens, coordinate efforts. A community-wide approach is far more effective than going solo.

Final insight: Bees aren’t the enemy. They’re just looking for a safe home. The goal isn’t to eliminate them—but to gently redirect them. That’s the heart of how to keep bees off your Arlo cameras in 2026.

FAQs About How to Keep Bees Off Your Arlo Cameras in 2026

Q: Can bees damage my Arlo camera?
A: Yes, but not usually from stinging. The real risk is nesting

Q: Is it safe to remove a bee hive from my Arlo myself?
A: Only for very small, new nests (like a few bees and wax). For anything larger, call a professional beekeeper. They can relocate the colony safely and legally. Never use fire or smoke—it’s dangerous and ineffective.

Q: Will essential oils ruin my camera’s finish?
A: Not if used correctly. Always spray around the camera, never directly on it. I’ve used peppermint oil for over a year with no damage to my Arlo Ultra. Just avoid citrus oils—they can be more acidic.

Q: Do these methods work for wasps too?
A: Absolutely. Wasps are even more attracted to sheltered spots. Peppermint, vinegar, and reflective surfaces work just as well. The key difference: wasps are more aggressive, so act faster if you see a nest forming.

Q: Can I use a fake wasp nest to deter bees?
A: Fake nests work better for wasps than bees. Bees don’t respond to visual threats the same way. Stick to scent and texture-based deterrents for bees.

Q: What if my Arlo is in a hard-to-reach spot?
A: Use a long-handled duster for cleaning. For repellents, try hanging a scented sachet nearby. Or install a small solar-powered fan to create airflow—bees avoid windy areas.

Q: Are there Arlo accessories designed to prevent bee nesting?
A: Not specifically, but third-party Arlo camera covers with mesh sides and reflective surfaces are becoming popular. Look for “bee-deterrent” or “insect-resistant” mounts. Just make sure they’re compatible with your model.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with bees on your Arlo cameras isn’t just about protecting your tech—it’s about coexisting with nature in a smart, humane way. The methods in this guide for how to keep bees off your Arlo cameras in 2026 are designed to be effective, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain.

Start with regular cleaning and sealing gaps. Add natural repellents and reflective surfaces. Adjust your camera’s position, and offer bees a better home elsewhere. Most importantly, stay consistent. Bees are persistent, but so are you.

Remember: a little prevention goes a long way. Spend 10 minutes a month on bee defense, and you’ll avoid hours of frustration, costly repairs, and sleepless nights.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed? Call a local beekeeper. Many will remove hives for free—and they’ll thank you for not harming the bees.

Your Arlo camera should watch your home—not become a home for bees. With these steps, you’ll keep the view clear, the alerts accurate, and your garden buzzing with life—just not on your camera.

Now go clean that lens and give those bees a reason to look elsewhere.

“`