Honey Bees attracted to Hot Tub - Ask Extension
For some reason this year our hot tub is swarmed by honey bees daily, and hundreds are getting under the cover and drowning. We have never had this i...
Knowledgebase
Honey Bees attracted to Hot Tub #865609
Asked April 23, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
For some reason this year our hot tub is swarmed by honey bees daily, and hundreds are getting under the cover and drowning. We have never had this issue in years prior, and I do not want to the bees to die (I also do not want to be swarmed by bees in my hot tub or on my deck). I do not see any sign of a hive, and cant really tell where they are coming from. I have tried blocking any small openings in the cover, and have tried using various essential oils as a deterrent but nothing seems to work. Are there any other methods that I might be able to use to deter the bees (and save them from drowning)?
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Sorry to hear about your problem. I am assuming the bees that you are alluding to are honey bees. There are no easy and reliable options to discourage honey bees from coming to the water source once they find the source. If its possible then please drain your hot tub and not use it for few days (at least 5 days). Meanwhile provide water in a large bowl or some container with some rocks and sticks in it so that bees can access that water without drowning. Place this water bowl in a location away from your hot tub (at least 25 feet away). The bees that are looking for water may get trained on collecting water from the bowl instead of coming to your hot tub. You may have to keep filling the bowl as needed. You can start using your hot tub once bees stop coming to your hot tub. This strategy might work. Good luck.
