Observed something interesting - bees seem more deterred by moving citrus peels than stationary ones. Maybe the movement plus scent is extra effective?
@Zoe Have you tried used tea leaves instead of cucumber? My grandmother’s trick - sprinkle damp chamomile leaves around seating areas. Works a treat!
plant bee-friendly flowers AWAY from high-traffic areas. My lavender hedge at the back fence keeps them happily occupied and out of my hair!
After trying everything here, my winning combo: mint plants + citrus spray + a small water feature elsewhere. The triple approach finally gave me a bee-free zone!