Odd question, but...

[beegardenbirder]

Is there something that can be used as a bee repellent? Every time i go out to water the garden the bees come to check me out, it is very hot and dry here, and even though i have three watering stations around the yard, they come to me whenever i get the hose out. This was all fine and good during summer break, but now i need to get the watering done quickly and get to work. Is there some kind of essential oil or something that they don't like that i can spray on to keep them at a distance?

[AllenF]

Bees are just thirsty.   Give them a drink.   And bees in the field will not bother you.   Don't worry about them.

[VolunteerK9]

Try a banana peel  :evil:

Just kidding...yeah they're just thirsty

[AllenF]

You could also stop eating honey right before you water the garden also.  I blame the sticky fingers.   :-D

[BeeMaster2]

Is there something that can be used as a bee repellent?

How about Bee Quick. I just started using it to extract honey and it works great on getting the bees out of the supers. It smells really good, like almond extract. My buddy, Jim, put some on his hands to see if it would protect them from getting stung. It worked, although my bees are very calm most of the time anyway. You might put it on your clothes instead of on your skin. Just in case you are allergic to is.
Jim

[T Beek]

I only water at night (soakers and sprinklers) or early morning.  Besides being a more efficient use of water (considerably less waste due to less condensation) there's no bees to fear ;)

thomas

[luvin honey]

Mine have been doing that lately, too, despite plenty of water all around. I wonder if they're desperately looking for nectar?

[Kathyp]

i find that whatever water source i leave for the bees, they often seem to prefer the wet dirt.  you should have another water source for them, but that may not help. 

consider making them their own mud hole that stays wet all day.  this may satisfy them and keep them out of your way.

[Michael Bush]

Mine LOVE my driveway after it's rained or when I've watered it.  They can get water without drowning, it's usually warm and dirt, I'm sure, has some odor... it only lacks reliability...