Hello All,

Several years ago when I moved into this house I was working in the garage when all of the sudden there appeared dozens of bees in the garage with me. Startled by the appearance and magnitude of these bees the thought raced through my head, (I wonder if I am allergic to bee stings, and what is the number to 911?)

The bees did not seem to have any interest in me while I made my way to the leaf blower that I had just unpacked. They were between me and my exit so my strategy became clear, plug in the blower and give them a one way ride, which I did. When the last of them were somewhere outside the confines of my garage I closed the door and headed for the shower electing to finish the work in the garage another day.

Years later I spent huge amounts of money re-doing the back yard with tropical plants and a pool complete with decorative rocks. I made certain that I eliminated anything from the back yard that would attract wasp or bees.

Three years ago I noticed a couple of honey bees occasionally drinking (I assume that is what they are doing) from the moisture on the mortar between the rocks. Last year the number increased to a half dozen at a time and last year each of us has been stung at least once as well as some of our guest. The good news is that no one to date was allergic to bee stings; the bad news is that I have not found a way to discourage them from bee-ing there.

This last year they have been visiting my pool in numbers exceeding a dozen and are in fact aggressive. If you are in the pool anywhere, they will buzz you. A few days ago I was not even close to where they congregate and a couple of them attacked me, hitting me in the head and stinging my back.

I appreciate the sensitivity of this group and I too have actually rescued the little buggers (no pun intended) from the water when the have fallen in but, they have to go. There is no nest in or around my house, I have checked. I called an exterminator for help and he sent me to a bee keeper. The beekeeper was unwilling to help as there is not a hive on my property; they are most likely living in some tree somewhere or someone’s house.

One beekeeper suggested that I cover my pool. The options are simple, either I find a way to remove them without hurting them or I will find a way to exterminate them one by one.

I am posting to this group because you guys know how to do this without doing damage to them (I hope).

This is my last gasp of being nice towards these unwelcome guests.

Any help or ideas would bee appreciated!

Bewildered,

Scott

My bees definately prefer the water garden to my swimming pool. In fact I don't recall ever seeing a bee in my pool. They seem to be attracted to the natural setting of the water garden. I'm not suggesting that you install a water garden, but if you provide an alternate water source, bird bath, etc. they may leave the pool alone.

If you do decide to destroy the foraging bees, well you probably are in for an uphill battle. First foragers are the most expendable of the bees. Many die of natural causes and simply never return to the hive. It does little harm to the colony. However, there are always replacements ready to take their place. You could never kill enough bees one by one to reduce their numbers.

Finding the colony is the best bet. It is likely pretty close if your pool is their water source. Keep your eyes open. Try to follow their flight path. Then call the state for help.

Russ