REPLY
I have noticed that during the summer that my bees prefer dirty/muddy water
at the farm that I work at --even though I provide clean well water 5 feet
from the hives (2) ..  I have read that the dissolved salts in some waters
may be attractive to them  and from my experience I believe that to be true.
Could it be the chlorine or bromine salts from the water conditioners that
might
be attractive ..I too live in Columbus oh and have had a hot tub in town for
6 years and never have seen a bee in it--however I do not keep bees in my
yard nor do my neighbors
 
 
 
At 01:59 PM 3/28/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Any advice or remedies for this problem?
>
>I am a hobbyist beekeeper with several hives in a roomy suburban area
>where beekeeping is legal. My hives are in a specially-designed fenced
>space (so they fly UP) well away from any neighbors, and I provide them
>with fresh water in a tub with rock and mesh fill for footing. There is
>also a creek less than 1/4 mile away. In six years I have had no problems
>or complaints from the neighborhood.  Most folks are not even aware
>that I keep bees, and the immediate neighbors have been happy to
>receive delicious honey and learn a little about bees.
>
>New people just moved into the house next door, and they immediately
>installed an outdoor hot tub, heated to 104 degrees, near my property
>line. It has a cover that does not fit well.  You guessed it. As soon
>as the weather warmed up, my bees (perhaps 50 a day) started entering
>the tub through the gaps and drowning.  The problem is not the loss
>of bees so much as the daily complaints of the neighbors, now growing
>hostile, about having to scoop up the drowned corpses. They have not
>complained of being bothered by the bees flying.  I have offered to
>clean their tub (refused) and to cooperate in building a tight-fitting
>cover for the tub (also refused due to the projected expense). I am
>hoping the problem will abate when the weather warms and the constantly
>venting steam is less attractive.
>
>Does anyone know any tricks to discourage them from seeking water in
>that quarter? Any other advice?
>
>Thanks,
>Wendy Ban - Columbus, Ohio
>
>
Dan Veilleux  Columbus, Ohio USA
[log in to unmask]