Lately I've been experimenting with a 'bee/water' solution to keep the
'house' bees out of my neighbor's hot-tub.
 
After trying various feeders from bird-baths to planters, I've come to
the conclusion that bees -try as they might -are really much better
fliers than they are swimmers.  We really have to applaud their courage
as they seem to jump right in at the first opportunity to drown
themselves.
 
Here's a better method:  Drop a few brightly colored sponges (yellow)
into a planter or bird-bath.  With a drop or two of honey to get them
started, the bees will take right to the sponges and your drowning
worries are over.  Place your dish someplace where the water is in full
sun.
The only problem I haven't figured out is how to keep the sponges wet
without watering everyday.
 
Matthew Westall in Castle Rock, CO