Hot Tub Problem...

[jweb4747]

We have a bee problem that is unusual to us and am hoping someone here might be able to help.
We've had a spa on our patio for 17 years and a year ago we replaced it. All of a sudden after installing the new spa (about this time of year), we noticed bees all over the cover looking like they were trying to get inside. As the season changed, they quit coming around. As of about a week ago they're back. Somewhat more determined because now we find them in the water and filters. I'm not a bee person so I searched the net and thought you guys might be able to tell us why this is happening and if there is anything humane we can do to make them go somewhere else. Thanks in advance for any advice. Joe in the Dallas Texas area.

[Michael Bush]

They are looking for water. Bees like a water source that is consistent (doesn't go dry) and has an odor so they can recruit other water carries. Pools tend to meet both of those criteria. If you can put out a water source for them away from the pool and get them to use it they may use that instead.

It appears that they recruit other water carriers by smell and chlorine seems to work as a smell. If you put some kind of bird bath, or a small pool or even a bucket with some sticks in it, or whatever out with a very small amount (no higher percent than would be in the pool) of chlorine in it they might go to that, especially if they can get down to the water better without falling in. It might help to drain your pool (or close it off really well) for a week or so until they get in the habit of going to the new water source. You could then change the smell at the new water source. Some vanilla, or anise or some kind of food extract would change the smell they are taking back and then if you put your water back in they will be in the habit of going the other place.

No guarantees, but that's what I'd try.

[Alex Cantacuzene]

Yes, they are looking for water. Strangely, our bees have a continuously running creek within 50 feet of the hives and they still come to our hot tub. Luckily, we only have about two or three bees that come to the hot tub and they seem to be attracted by the scent of the chemicals, it might be the chlorine. All in all, it is very interesting and if we had many we would drain the pool for a few days and then start again. At present we only use the cover over the hot tub when it is not in use. Take care and have fun.

[Alex Cantacuzene]

Yes, they are looking for water. Strangely, our bees have a continuously running creek within 50 feet of the hives and they still come to our hot tub. Luckily, we only have about two or three bees that come to the hot tub and they seem to be attracted by the scent of the chemicals, it might be the chlorine. All in all, it is very interesting and if we had many we would drain the pool for a few days and then start again. At present we only use the cover over the hot tub when it is not in use. Take care and have fun.

[jweb4747]

Being a novice, that's the first thing I thought it might be. What I don't understand is that we have dogs and there is always fresh water buckets within a few feet of the spa. I suppose this means that there is a hive/hives nearby. I just hope they aren't in my house or an out building. Is there any functional way to track or follow them to find out where they are going?
I wish there was a way to make them go somewhere else as my wife is afraid to use the spa now which has a negative affect on me, (if you know what I mean).
If I don't get any other suggestions, I suppose I will try draining the spa and setting up our bird bath (that has a recirculation pump) with sticks and chlorine to see if that will work. To some degree, I have done the bird bath setup many times. In the spring/summer, I have added chlorine to it to kill mosquito larva. I guess the bees weren't around then. Anyway, thanks for all the help, Joe

[GeeBeeNC]

Did you change from chlorine to bromine when you got the new spa or vice versa. If yoou don't use bromine you might want to try it. It has less scent to it.

We had a spa at our old house. At our current house we have a pool and bees. Wiith a pool the cost of bromine would be prohibitive. I haven't had any trouble with bees in my pool though.

I placed an small animal feed pan (about 15" dia.) about 30' frome my hive. I put a bath towel in it, poured a pint of Sprite in the pan and filled it with water. The towel gives my bees a landing and perching spot and the Sprite gives some scent and sweetness to get them started. The water has gotten murky over time and the bees have prefered that site. My pool is about 100' from my hive.

Just a couple thoughts from my experience, limited as it may be.

[SilverFox]

Been told that bees prefer 'warm' water over cold. ;) I use inverted plastic shelves with pea gravel.

[Jason Groppel]

Even if you do let it drain for a while, the bees will probably come back as they are used to coming there...even if the water dissapeers for a few days/weeks. Supplying an alternate source of water is a great idea, but in order to attract them to the other put lemon grass oil around the new water source and/or honey to attract them there. Perhaps after a week or two they will decide they like the new source better since it has a good supply of water and the hot tub seems to be less consistent.
Secondly, I have heard that food grade H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide 35% strength not 3% store bought) does a good job on keeping water clean and clear without such an obnoxious smell, but I am not sure about this.
I hope this helps.
Jason G

[jweb4747]

The only difference between the spas that might have made a difference is that the new one has an ozonator. Both use CL2.