new poster, questions and comments

[PBLsQuad450]

Had the Honey Bee problem last year. Hopefully won't this year. So far, so good. When I opened and shocked the daylights out of my pool I would see some dead ones on the patio? Also, before removing the cover (I have a solid cover) I let a small pool of water remain around the pump and put a pesticide in it. Those who came died. I read everything I could find on this last year, and no really solid suggestions other than what PoolDoc just said. Provide an alternative water source. In my case, I have a pond as close to their nest as my pool but they came anyway. First time this has happened and I have my pool fence grown over with grape vine. It looks good (way better than chain link!) but you can HEAR the bees come late August when it starts to go to fruit there are so many. We just live with that, and never a problem! We leave them alone and vice versa. But dotting on the water is a problem as accidental contact is inevitable. If it starts up again I figure I have 2 optons. 1: Contact a local bee keeper and try to get them to come and take away the queen so the hive will follow. 2: The nuclear option. I know their numbers are down, so I would rather not, but... I did read that if you are persistent and keep killing them as they come by they will figure it out and stop unless they are really desperate for water, like in the desert (sorry). Good luck. If I find out anything I'll post it. I did see one odd reference here on PF to 50ppm borates (polyquat?). I posted a question but didn't hear back, it was buried in a thread and not really all that related either. If anyone knows anything about that I'm sure all ears!

[dhanger]

2: The nuclear option. I know their numbers are down, so I would rather not, but... I did read that if you are persistent and keep killing them as they come by they will figure it out and stop unless they are really desperate for water, like in the desert (sorry). Good luck.

Yeah, we use a spray pesticide around the pool, and it does kill them, lots of them, but as you say being in the desert they must be desperate.

That brings up another question: I wonder if the pesticide will alter the pool chemical analysis in any harmful way, since it is getting in the pool somewhat.

I guess I should have started separate threads for all these different issues, I'll be better about that in the future.

Dan

[peekaboo]

Hey Dan,
I just happen to be an exterminator.I get bees buzzing around my pool also.Never a problem before I put the pool up though...hmmm.They are just attracted to water in/around pool.The nest may or may not even be on your property.As far as finding the queen bee that is like winning a 100 million dollar lottery twice in the same week.Your best bet is to go to a home depot,lowes..(even Leslie pools had some),jars with an attractant in them and hang several around your fenceline AWAY from your pool.(or hang them from trees between 5 and 10 feet high)I use them at work all the time and they work AWESOME.They have lids that permit pest entry but will not let them out.The ones I use are made by Victor.I'm sure they have a website.

[dhanger]

Peek-
I've seen a small one labeled for yellowjackets, I guess I assumed they wouldn't work for honeybees. Is that what you're talking about? If so, I don't think they would work simply because of the size. I'm talking about several dozen at a time, and they would quickly fill up as many traps as I could care to buy and hang up, every day! I'm going to stop at Lowe's tonight and see what they have, it's been a couple years since I looked. If you're talking about something different I'm all ears.

Years ago my brother got into beekeeping for a short time, I learned a few things about them at the time, they sure are fascinating.

Thanks,
Dan