Keep the Bees Buzzing (Out of Your Pool)

People aren't the only ones who enjoy fall in the Outer Banks! Local bees are still hard at work as the days shorten, preparing for the winter. While you spend your final days by the pool, you may see more bees fall victim to the water. But why? They are usually trying to cool off, or collect water for their hives. Their heightened sense of smell attracts them to chlorine and salt pools, and their lack of swimming skills often results in a pool full of floaters. You can keep your pool bee-free by:

1. Provide an additional water source away from your pool. Grab a small container and fill it with pebbles, then water just to the top of the pebbles, allowing bees a safer spot to gather fresh water.
2. Keep your pool water moving. Bees don't like moving water, so run your pumps to encourage them to collect elsewhere.
3. Consider your landscaping. Bees love flowers! Reduce the amount of colorful, bee-attracting flowers immediately around your pool.