Unwelcome visitors such as bees and wasps can ruin an enjoyable day by the pool. Avoid the ‘buzz’ of bees and wasps disturbing your relaxation with these essential tips on how to keep these pests away from your pool. From DIY solutions to natural remedies, find out the best way to make your outdoor space safe and secure for swimming and lazing by the pool.
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1. Make Your Area Less Inviting to Bees and Wasps
Remove Sources of Food and Water
Keeping food and drinks away from your pool is an important step to deter bees and wasps. These pests are attracted to sweet smells, so ensure that all sugary items and beverages are stored in closed containers, far away from the pool area. It is also important to clear away any food debris, especially fallen fruit that may gather around your pool.
Eliminate Nesting Areas
Inspect around your property to identify if there are any places where bees and wasps might nest. Some areas that should be checked include window sills, eaves, crevices and open spaces. Remove any potential nesting areas by blocking the openings or filling in gaps.
Remove Fragrant Flowers and Plants
Some plants and flowers have a strong fragrance that can attract bees and wasps. Swap these for non-scented flowers and plants, which will discourage the pests from hovering around your pool.
2. Reduce Humidity and Vibrations Around the Pool
Minimize Moisture
Bees and wasps are often attracted to the air of high humidity that forms around pools. To minimize the amount of moisture in the air, try ensuring that the pool is covered when not in use. This will reduce the surface area that the pests are able to access.
Minimize Vibrations
Vibrations, such as sound waves, can also draw bees and wasps to your pool. To reduce possible vibrations, install sound-absorbing tiles around the pool and refrain from using loud music devices and speakers.
3. Utilize DIY Repellents
Brew a Bathing Solution
A fast and simple way to deter these pests is to create a natural bath solution to spray around your pool. To make this solution, mix distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol with one teaspoon of liquid dish soap and add to a large spray bottle.
Create a Decoy Trap
Another easymethod of controlling wasp population is by making a decoy trap. Find a red soda bottle, such as a 2-liter bottle and fill it with a mixture of sugar and water. Place the decoy trap in an area that is far away from your pool but still close enough for the wasps to find it without any disturbances.
4. Use Commercial Repellents
Electronic Repellents
Electronic insect repellers emit a sound frequency that is designed to repel pests such as bees and wasps. Place these around the pool area and set the frequency range to target these types of pests.
Ultrasonic Repellents
An ultrasonic repellent functions in the same way as an electronic repellent. Set up these devices around the perimeter of your pool and adjust the frequency settings to repel bees and wasps away from the area.
5. Employ Professional Services
Bug Control Services
If you are unable to control the bee and wasp population on your property or around your pool area, consider hiring bug control services. These trained professionals can access problem areas, identify the extent of the problem and decide on the best solution.
Pest Control Services
Pest control services are often hired when the bee and wasp population has grown and become unmanageable. These services provide a more intensive strategy designed to eradicate the pests from the property.
6. Install Screening Around the Pool
Install Tight-Fitting Mesh
Screening swimming pools is an effective way to prevent many annoying insects from entering. Install tight-fitting mesh over windows and doors that are leading out to the pool, as well as any other vulnerable areas.
Treat the Mesh
Furthermore, the mesh can be treated with an insect repellent to further deter any pests. As an additional deterrent, consider treating the perimeter of the pool with a natural insect repellent to prevent the pests from returning.
7. Natural Repellents
Natural Oils
Natural repellents can be effective in keeping away bees and wasps. Many natural oils, such as peppermint and citronella, are known to be effective insect repellents. To use these oils, mix them with water in a spray bottle and spritz the mixture around your pool.
Plant Repellents
There are plants that can be used as natural insect repellents. Some of these include lavender, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. Plant them around the perimeter of your pool and among flower beds to offer a natural protective barrier around your peaceful haven.
8. Scented Candles and Incense
Scented Candles
Scented candles are a popular way to deter pests from your outdoor area. Citronella candles and other scented varieties can help repel bees and wasps. Place candles around the pool area for the best effect.
Incense Sticks
In the same way, lighting incense sticks around the pool will create a scent barrier from these pesky insects. Citronella incense sticks are readily available and hold up well outdoors.
People Also Ask:
Can Mothballs Keep Bees and Wasps Away?
Mothballs are not effective in repelling bees or wasps. In fact, the vapors and aroma can be harmful to humans and pets.
Does Vinegar Repel Wasps?
Vinegar has been known to repel wasps. A mixture of vinegar and water can be sprayed around the area to create an undesirable atmosphere.
Will Wind Chimes Keep Bees and Wasps Away?
Wind chimes can make incredibly haunting sounds, which some believe to be a deterrent for bees and wasps. It is important to note however, that there is no scientific proof to back up this claim.
What Smell Do Wasps Hate?
Wasps have a particularly strong dislike for the smell of peppermint. This is why many DIY repellents use peppermint oil as one of their main ingredients.
Does Lemon Juice Repel Wasps?
Lemon juice has a strong smell that many believe to repel wasps. To use lemon juice as an insect repellent, combine with water and fill a spray bottle before spraying around the area.
Final Thoughts
Nobody wants to find themselves or their guests in a dangerous situation where a bee or wasp sting is a possibility. Luckily, there are a variety of methods to keep bees and wasps away from your pool. With a little home preparation and the right products, you can ensure your outdoor space is free from these unwanted pests.