Here’s Why Bees Are Attracted To Your Pool And How To Keep Them Away
There’s nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in the pool on a dreadful summer’s day. But, there’s one common pest that can quickly ruin your afternoon and keep you from swimming – bees.
Whether you have kids, guests with bee allergies, or simply don’t like insects, the sight of bees buzzing around your backyard can be both annoying and a bit nerve-wracking.
To combat this problem, you first have to understand why bees are even attracted to your pool in the first place. Then, you can work to keep these unwelcome visitors at bay.
Why Bees Love Your Pool
Bees are naturally drawn to water, so your pool is like a shimmering oasis in their eyes.
Just like humans, bees need water to survive. They might use your pool’s H2O to cool their hives, feed their larvae, and dilute honey.
Additionally, the scents and colors of your pool might be drawing the insects in. Pools often have bright, reflective surfaces and strong aromas from chlorine or other chemicals. These can attract bees who are searching for resources.
Last but not least, if your pool is nicely warmed – either from a heater or the sun – its water is the ideal temperature for bees to collect and carry back to their hives.
Still, even with all of these factors not in your favor, there are plenty of effective methods for preventing bees from frequenting your pool.
Stock PK – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
Keeping Bees At Bay
One of the best ways to deter bees from your pool is by offering them a better option. For instance, you can set up a bee-friendly water source away from your swimming area.
All you have to do is grab a shallow dish with pebbles or marbles, fill it with water, and place it in a shaded spot in your garden. The bees will likely prefer this safer, quieter option, anyway.
Natural deterrents, like certain scents that repel bees, can be helpful, too. You can try placing small bowls of cucumber slices, mint, or eucalyptus around your pool area.
These natural methods won’t harm the bees but will still encourage them to find water elsewhere.
Now, another often overlooked method is covering your pool whenever it isn’t in use. This simple step can immediately prevent bees from accessing the water.
Similarly, keeping up with regular pool maintenance can do wonders. After all, bees are often attracted to the smell of chlorine, but regularly maintaining and balancing your pool’s chemical levels can help minimize this scent.
Finally, try to avoid bringing any “attractants” into your outdoor space while you’re trying to enjoy a nice swim. While it’s tempting to keep sugary drinks and snacks poolside, these will only attract more bees.
So, encourage guests to enjoy refreshments away from the pool and keep the area clean of spills and crumbs.
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