Have Bees Taking Over Your Swimming Pool?

---

 If you’re noticing honey bees regularly visiting your swimming pool, don’t panic — they aren’t nesting in your pool. They’re simply looking for water!

Honey bees need a reliable water source, especially during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, once they discover a dependable source like a swimming pool, they may continue returning to it day after day.

Bees often prefer still, stagnant water over clean, freshly changed water. One of the best ways to encourage them away from your swimming pool is to provide a more attractive water source nearby.

Try setting up a birdbath, shallow container, or small kiddie pool in an area away from where people regularly gather. Add rocks, sticks, pieces of wood, corks, or other floating materials that give the bees somewhere to safely land while drinking without falling into the water and drowning.

Once the bees begin using their new watering spot, keep it filled and in the same location. A consistent alternative water source can help deter them from visiting your swimming pool and give them a safer place to drink.

Remember: Bees around the pool doesn't necessarily mean there's a hive nearby. Sometimes they're just thirsty! 

Below are a couple of examples of what an alternative water source will look like!