Bees frequently gather around swimming pools, a behavior that might seem puzzling. However, there are clear biological reasons for this. Understanding these motivations helps both human enjoyment of pools and the conservation of bee populations.
The Essential Need for Water
Bees require water for survival and colony function. Water plays several important roles within a hive, beyond individual hydration. A honey bee colony can consume up to a liter of water daily, especially during high demand.
Water’s primary use is hive temperature regulation. During hot weather, worker bees collect water and spread droplets throughout the hive, often on brood cells. Other bees then fan their wings, creating air currents that evaporate the water, cooling the hive. This mechanism maintains the brood nest temperature, ideally around 32-36 degrees Celsius.
Water is also necessary for preparing food within the hive. Honey, the bees’ primary food source, can become thick or crystallize. Bees use water to dilute honey for easier consumption and feeding to larvae. Nurse bees mix water with pollen to create “bee bread,” a nutrient-rich substance fed to young larvae. Water also aids in the bees’ digestive processes, helping them break down pollen and nectar.
Pools as a Water Source
Swimming pools attract bees due to specific characteristics. Their large, open surface area provides easy access for bees to land and collect water. Bees cannot swim and require a solid perch while drinking, often utilizing edges, ladders, or floating debris. This accessibility makes pools appealing, especially where natural water sources are scarce.
Bees are drawn to water by scent, detecting odors from a distance. While water is the primary draw, bees may also be attracted to trace minerals, salts, or the subtle scent of chlorine in pool water. Saltwater pools, in particular, can be enticing due to their mineral content, which bees sometimes seek to supplement their diet. Bees are drawn to the water and its properties, not seeking out pool chemicals for harm.
Unlike temporary puddles, swimming pools offer a consistent water supply. Once bees identify a suitable source, they exhibit site fidelity, repeatedly returning to that location. A single bee finding the pool can communicate its location to others through “waggle dances,” leading to more bees visiting. However, pools pose a drowning risk for bees, as they can easily become trapped in the water.
Minimizing Bee Presence Around Pools
To reduce bee activity around pools without causing harm, owners can implement practical measures. Providing an alternative water source is an effective strategy to divert bees. This can include a shallow dish or bird bath filled with water and natural elements like pebbles, marbles, or corks, offering safe landing spots. Placing this alternative source away from the pool, ideally in a sunny location, encourages bees to establish it as their preferred watering spot.
Certain natural scents can deter bees from the pool area. Essential oils like peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, citronella, or lemongrass can be mixed with water and lightly sprayed around the pool’s perimeter or on furniture. Keep the pool area clean by covering sugary drinks and food, as bees are attracted to sweet substances, especially when nectar is less abundant.
Using a pool cover when the pool is not in use can block bees from accessing the water, preventing drowning incidents. If bees have already established the pool as a water source, covering it for a few days while offering an alternative can disrupt their routine and encourage relocation. Recognizing that bees are generally non-aggressive when collecting water, understanding their behavior promotes coexistence.