Bees by the swimming pool

[paulybee]

Our bees are gathering up by the grandkids swimming pool by the hundreds.  The other day they practically covered the steps going into the pool.  There are plenty of other sources of water for them to drink, but they seem to prefer the pool.  Anyone know if it's something in the water (Chlorine?) that they like, or any ideas how to make the pool less attractive to them?

[Moonshae]

The chlorine is attractive to them. Try adding some lemongrass oil to one of the other water sources. It's hard to dissuade them from using a source they've already found and liked, though...could you drain the pool for a few days while they adjust to the new source?

[paulybee]

It would be tough to drain the big pool, but I have a large bottle of lemon grass oil I got at the drug store.  I can put one of those small baby pools close to the hives with some oil and see if they like it better.  It's a good idea...I will try it today...Thanks!

[SgtMaj]

Let us know how it works out for you.