Do dryer sheets keep bees away?

Dryer sheets are sometimes claimed to keep bees away due to strong fragrance that may confuse or repel insects, but there is no scientific evidence that dryer sheets are effective at keeping bees away, and they should not be relied upon as bee repellent. Dryer sheets contain chemicals like linalool and beta-citronellol that have some insect repellent properties and strong scent that may temporarily deter some insects, and anecdotal reports suggest placing dryer sheets near outdoor seating or in pockets may reduce bee presence, but studies show limited effectiveness against bees and wasps, as bees are attracted to floral scents and dryer sheet fragrance may actually attract them in some cases due to sweet smell. Bees are primarily attracted to flowers, sweet foods, and bright colors, not deterred by dryer sheets. Effective ways to keep bees away include keeping food and sweet drinks covered outdoors, sealing trash cans, avoiding strong perfumes that attract bees, wearing light colored clothing, and using natural repellents like peppermint oil spray, though even those have limited effectiveness. For nests near home, professional pest control or beekeeper relocation is best, as bees are beneficial pollinators and should not be killed indiscriminately. So dryer sheets may have mild temporary effect due to strong scent, but they do not reliably keep bees away and are not recommended as effective bee repellent, with better prevention methods available.