FAQs

How to keep Honey Bees away from the pool?

Like humans, bees see a pool as a refreshing body of water. In addition to nectar and pollen, they also collect water to hydrate their young ones and regulate the hive’s temperature. Surprisingly, they have a special love for saltwater and chlorinated pools. The chlorine scent and salts also attract other bee species and wasps. 

Having honey bees in your pool can be frightening since you or one of your family members can get stung. This can be lethal if one of you is allergic. Keeping these fantastic creatures away from a pool can be a real challenge for many homeowners, especially in summer.  Here are a few ways that you can apply to drive them away. They are vital to our ecosystem; hence we should not kill them. 

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Avoid Blooming Plants Near the Pool.

While they are attractive, having blooming plants near the pool is not a good idea. In their foraging errands, they will most likely land on them and also want to enjoy the water in your pool. Some of the plants that attract bees include lilacs, lavender, and bee balm. 

Lure Them to Another Water Source

Proving an alternative water source is an effective way to keep the bees from your pool. You can use a bird bath, trough, fountain or other containers with wood floats. Since bees are attracted to pool water to get mineral salts, you can add a pinch of salt. With clean, safe water available, the bees will most likely choose the trough or bird bath over the pool. For best results, you can keep the pool covered for some time during this process. 

Use unscented Sunscreen 

Other than the pool water, the bees may also be attracted to your scented or floral sunscreen or cologne. You can consider using unscented sunscreen or one with scents that repel bees, such as spearmint or peppermint. You should also avoid clothes with bright colours. They may get attracted to what you are wearing. 

Use Moth Balls

Moth balls contain a pesticide that bees loath. Since they can be toxic to humans, you should not place them very close to the pool. You can consider putting it on the fence or nearby trees. They are not made for outdoor use, so they may not be very effective. 

Seek professional help for unwanted nests

At times, a bee nest may be located near your pool. This may attract large numbers of honey bees. In such a case, you should seek professional help from skilled beekeepers. They will help you to remove the nest and relocate it somewhere else. This can also be a fortune for an aspiring beekeeper.  This is also the case for wasp nests. 

Activate the Pool Jets

Honey bees are not good swimmers; in fact, they will keep away from any water source that seems turbulent. Running your pump at high speed while the pool is in use will keep them off. The high speed makes ripples on the water surface. An automatic pool cleaner can also be used to agitate the water surface. 

Consider plants that repel bees

While bees are attracted to many plants, there are some plants to keep bees away. Some of these include eucalyptus, peppermint and wormwood. These have distinct smells that deter bees. An alternative way is adding a few drops of the oil into your pool. The bees can’t stand it even in such a diluted state. 

Cover the Pool 

You can consider covering your pool when it is not in use. Bees are habitual creatures. They will look for another source if they can’t access water from a source. Although covers are a bit pricey, it is a worthy investment to help keep bees away from your pool. It will help to keep other insects such as mosquitoes and wasps away. A cover will also help the pool remain clean: it keeps dirt, leaves, and other debris from getting into the water. You should consider a cover that covers up to the edges to keep them off completely. 

Use Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets work effectively for bees and even other insects. They contain several insect-deterring chemicals such as beta–citronella and linalool. You should place the sheets around the edges of a pool to keep away the bees. You can also put them in baskets. You should weigh the dryer sheets with a heavy object so they will not blow away. 

Cover Your Food and Drinks

Honey bees love sugary drinks such as soda, juice, and fruit cocktails. They see food as an invitation to the pool. If you are eating near the pool, cover the food and drinks. You should also dump the trash appropriately. Trash bags should be near the pool. 

More articles you may like to read –
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Draining Your Pool

Honey bees are habitual creatures. As long as a water source is pleasant, they will come back to satisfy their needs. If they are used to your pool, and you happen to drain the water temporarily, they will definitely switch to another source. Their flight path will also change, and you will be able to refill your pool. This can help you to keep them off. 

Beekeepers Providing Water Sources Near their Beehives

Every beekeeper is responsible for controlling or minimising any adverse effects of their hives on their neighbours. This includes setting up a water source for their bees near their nests. It should be safe for the bees to drink by having shallow areas and constantly refilling them when necessary. 

FAQs

Why are bees attracted to pool water?

Bees require water to survive like any other living creature. They also use it to control internal temperature of the hive in hot seasons. As it turns out, they are attracted by the smell of chlorine which pool owners use for sanitation. They also love saltwater pools. 

Can vinegar help to keep honey bees away from a pool?

Honey bees cannot stand the smell of vinegar. They die almost instantly on exposure to the solution. By using a strong vinegar solution, you can spray and get rid of them. However, since they are beneficial to our environment, it is good to use ways that will not harm them.

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