5 Natural Ways to Keep Bees Away from Your Pool, According to Experts

Bees are essential pollinators that play a critical role in the ecosystem. Despite their importance, bees can be a nuisance when they buzz around the pool while you're trying to swim or sun. Plus, who isn't at least a little bit scared of being stung by one of these fuzzy insects? 

But you don't have to completely deter bees from your landscape to keep them away from your pool. Simple additions to your yard, like fresh water sources and pollinator-friendly plants, can encourage bees to play elsewhere—away from your pool. Here, we spoke with experts who shared the five best natural ways to keep bees away from your pool.

Offer Other Water Sources

While bees can typically find plenty of water during the spring season, the hottest, driest parts of summer often drive them toward the pool to stay hydrated. "Even if you have chlorinated water—they may not like the water itself, but if it laps up over the edge, the chlorine will off-gas, and then they love drinking from the concrete around pools because it's safe for them," says Don Shump, founder and owner of the Philadelphia Bee Co.

If you can identify the hive's location, place an alternative water source near it or set up a drinking station at a comfortable distance from your pool. "Fill a shallow dish or plant saucer with water and place pebbles or marbles inside, giving bees a safe place to land and drink without the risk of falling in and drowning; refresh the water daily," says David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. "Similar to the dish, a birdbath with rocks or gravel in the water provides safe landing areas and reduces the risk of drowning. Occasionally running a soaker hose or sprinkler in a garden area away from the pool can provide temporary moisture that might attract bees."

Disrupt Their Routine

Since bees often make stopping for water part of their daily routine, Shump recommends covering your pool for a few days while you set up their new water sources. This will help change their routine and encourage them to look for water elsewhere. "The bees tend to stay loyal to a water source for a time," he says. "If you can give them a break from accessing it, and they can find some other place to collect water, they should leave you alone."

Cover Sugary Foods

While hydration is a main draw for bees, they're also attracted to sugary food sources, including human food and sugar water meant for hummingbirds. As nectar sources dry up during the summer, bees are especially interested in sweet stuff—think soda spills, watermelon, and popsicles. "If you have sweet foods, cover them with food nets—don't give the bees access to it because they'll want to bring their friends back to come eat it," says Shump.

In addition to keeping your human food secured, check your poolside hummingbird feeders for leaks, water levels, and drips. If the bees can access the sugar water from the feeders, they're likely to return.

Grow Pollinator Plants

To keep your pool area—but not your entire yard—bee-free, plant their favorite flowers away from your pool. "While you want to keep bees away from the immediate pool area for safety, remember they are vital pollinators," says Mizejewski. "Plant a pollinator garden with native, nectar-rich flowers in a different part of your yard. This will provide them with a more attractive food source and may reduce their need to visit the pool for hydration."

Ignore Them

While the constant presence of bees might make it hard for you and your pool guests to relax, you should do your best to ignore solitary honey bees looking for a drink. "If bee activity is minimal and they are just taking a quick drink, consider tolerating them," says Mizejewski. "They are not just visitors but essential contributors to a thriving ecosystem. Keep in mind that only domesticated honey bees seek out water from swimming pools; our native wild bee species, from bumble bees to mason bees, don’t and won’t be drawn to your pool." 

The worst approach you can take if you see a bee by your pool is swatting at it. "If you hit one, it may sting you unintentionally, and you don't want that," says Shump. "Just simply walk away from where the bees are for a moment, take a step inside—generally speaking, move slowly and be calm about it."