Why Are There Bees In My Pool?
If you’ve noticed bees buzzing around your pool or hot tub, you might be wondering why they’re attracted to the water. The answer is simple: just like us, bees need water to survive—especially during hot summer months. In fact, a single honey bee colony can consume up to one gallon of water per day during the peak of summer!
A worker bee using her proboscis (tongue) to drink a drop of water from a leaf.
Why Bees Need Water
Cooling the Hive: Honey bees use water to regulate the temperature inside the hive. During hot days, worker bees collect water and spread it over the comb. Other bees then fan their wings to create airflow, evaporating the water and cooling the hive—much like an air conditioning system.
Diluting Honey and Feeding Larvae: Bees also use water to dilute thick honey so they can consume it more easily. Additionally, the water is mixed with pollen and honey to create a food substance called bee bread, which is fed to larvae.
Hydration: Just like any other living creature, bees need to drink water to stay hydrated. During particularly dry periods, their natural water sources might dry up, leading them to seek out alternative sources, like pools and hot tubs.
How You Can Help Bees Meet Their Water Needs
Bees are naturally drawn to water, but you can take steps to encourage them to find water sources that aren’t your pool or hot tub. Here’s what you can do:
Create a Bee-Friendly Water Source: Set up a shallow dish or birdbath filled with water and place rocks, marbles, or corks inside. This will give bees a place to land and drink safely without drowning. Be sure to change the water regularly to keep it clean. Don’t feed them sugar water! This will create absolute chaos and lead to robbing, causing more harm that benefit for the bees.
Add a Drip Irrigation System: If you have a garden, consider installing a drip irrigation system or a slow-dripping faucet in an area where bees frequent. This creates a steady source of water for them to use when they need it.
Use a Floating Water Feature: If you have a pond or a decorative water feature, you can make it bee-friendly by adding floating plants or corks that act as landing pads for bees. This will give them a safe place to drink from a clean, natural water source.
Plant Water-Retaining Plants: Certain plants like succulents and marsh-loving plants retain water in their leaves or attract bees with their nectar, providing another natural water source. Planting these around your yard can help provide bees with additional water options.
Keeping Bees Away from Pools and Hot Tubs
If bees have already become accustomed to drinking from your pool or hot tub, it can be tricky to get them to go to a different water source. You can try:
Cover your pool or hot tub when not in use to reduce bees’ access to the water.
Provide alternative water sources nearby to draw them away from the pool and to a more convenient spot for them to drink.
Conclusion
Many people wonder how they can support the bees, and offering a dedicated water source in your yard is the perfect way to help. Supporting our local pollinators—especially during hot summer months—is crucial for their survival, and it’s an easy way to make your outdoor space both bee-friendly and enjoyable!