How Do I Get Rid of Bees in My Birdbath?
- Pete Rizzo
- 8 hours ago
- 6 min read
A Beekeeper’s Guide to Doing It Safely and Ethically
When people call us about bees swarming around their birdbath, we always start with one simple truth: bees aren’t there to bother you. They’re thirsty. They’re collecting water for their colony to cool the hive and feed brood. So the goal isn’t to “get rid of” them, it’s to redirect them safely.
As beekeepers, we’ve dealt with this countless times. From backyard birdbaths to pool edges and dripping sprinklers, bees naturally seek out easy water sources, especially during hot weather.
Here’s exactly what we do when bees take over a birdbath, and how you can handle it like a pro, without harming a single pollinator.
Why Bees Are Attracted to Your Birdbath
Bees don’t just drink water, they use it for several critical hive functions:
Cooling the Hive: Worker bees spread droplets of water inside the hive, then fan their wings to create evaporative cooling.
Feeding Brood: Water helps nurse bees dilute stored honey and feed larvae.
Humidity Control: Proper moisture levels keep wax soft and brood healthy.
A shallow, sunlit birdbath full of fresh water is basically a five-star resort for bees. Add a few floating leaves or bits of algae, and you’ve made it even more attractive, because bees prefer slightly mineralized or “dirty” water which they can detect its scent more easily.
Step 1: Don’t Panic or Kill the Bees
I’ve seen people dump bleach, vinegar, and salt into their birdbaths, hoping to “drive the bees away.” Not only does this contaminate the water for birds and bees, but it’s also cruel and unnecessary.
Killing foragers won’t solve the problem. The colony will just send more. What you really want is behavioral redirection, which means giving bees a better option somewhere else.
Step 2: Create an Alternative Water Source for Bees
This is the most effective and humane fix. I always start by setting up a bee water station a short distance away from the birdbath. Here’s how:
Pick a sunny, quiet spot at least 10–20 feet from the birdbath.
Use a shallow container - like a plant saucer or bowl.
Add landing spots: Fill it with pebbles, corks, or small sticks so bees don’t drown.
Add a little scent: Mix in a pinch of salt or a drop of lemongrass oil to make it more attractive.
Keep it consistent: Once bees find it, never let it dry out. Consistency trains them to return.
Within a few days, you’ll usually see the bee activity shift from your birdbath to their new water station.
Step 3: Change What Bees Like About the Birdbath
If bees are still hanging around, make the birdbath less appealing to them while keeping it comfortable for birds. I do this in a few different ways:
Add motion: Bees prefer still water, so installing a small solar-powered fountain breaks the surface tension and makes it less ideal for landing.
Shade it: Move the birdbath out of direct sun. Bees prefer warm, sunny water.
Change the scent: Clean the basin with mild soap and rinse well. Removing the scent trail may help prevent returning foragers.
Add depth: Bees prefer shallow edges. Keeping the water deeper (with no pebbles or easy landings) discourages them.
Just remember to keep the water safe and fresh for birds while making it inconvenient for bees.
Step 4: Prevent Recurrence
Once the bees are gone, they’ll only stay gone if their new water source remains reliable. I always:
Refill the bee water dish every day.
Keep the birdbath in the shade or under a tree.
Avoid salty water in the birdbath, those minerals attract bees.
Clean both dishes weekly to prevent mold, algae, or odors.
Consistency is key. Bees have long memories for water sources, and they’ll return if their new station dries out.
Step 5: When to Call a Beekeeper
If your birdbath looks like it’s surrounded by hundreds of bees, or if they’re acting defensive, it’s possible there’s a hive nearby. In that case, don’t try to handle it yourself.
Call a local live bee removal expert (like us) who can inspect the area, locate the colony, and safely relocate them. Swarming bees sometimes rest near water, but established colonies in walls or sheds will keep sending workers to the same source every day.
What Not to Do
I’ve seen homeowners make a few common mistakes when dealing with bees in a birdbath:
Don’t use insecticides. You’ll harm pollinators and contaminate water for wildlife.
Don’t move the birdbath far away. The bees will just follow if there’s no better source.
Don’t destroy a hive on your property. Bees may be federally protected in many cases, and removals should always be done live and ethically.
Why Ethical Bee Control Matters
As someone who rescues and relocates bees for a living, I take this part seriously.
Every time I redirect a water source or remove a colony alive, I’m helping both the homeowner and the ecosystem. Bees play a vital role in pollinating plants, and small actions like offering them a separate water source make a big difference.
Keeping your birdbath bee-free doesn’t mean harming bees, it means working with their instincts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to get rid of bees in your birdbath, the real answer is simple: don’t fight nature - guide it.
Give bees a clean, consistent water source elsewhere, make your birdbath less appealing, and keep up with regular maintenance. With a little patience, they’ll relocate peacefully, and both your birds and your bees will thrive.
If you live in the Las Vegas area and need help identifying or redirecting bees, we can take care of it safely. Our focus is always on protecting your home, your safety, and the bees themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bees suddenly all over my birdbath?
They’ve discovered it as a water source during hot or dry weather. Bees often share location cues through pheromones, so once one finds it, others quickly follow.
Will bees sting me at the birdbath?
Not usually. Foraging bees at a water source aren’t defending a hive, so they’re not aggressive. Stay calm and move slowly around them.
How do I keep bees away from my birdbath naturally?
Provide an alternate water station with pebbles, salt, or lemongrass scent, and make your birdbath less attractive by adding motion or shade.
Can I add vinegar or soap to repel bees?
No. It may repel them temporarily but will harm birds and contaminate the water.
Do bees prefer dirty or clean water?
They prefer mineral-rich water. That’s why puddles, pool edges, and algae-covered birdbaths attract them.
How far should I place the bee water station?
Start about 10–20 feet away from your birdbath, ideally in a sunny, calm location.
How long until the bees leave my birdbath?
Usually within 3–5 days once they discover the new water source and form a new habit.
Can I use essential oils to deter bees?
Yes, mild scents like peppermint or eucalyptus around the birdbath can discourage them, but use sparingly so you don’t deter birds.
What if the bees keep coming back?
They may have a hive nearby. A beekeeper can inspect your property and identify the source.
Should I remove my birdbath entirely?
Not necessary. Redirecting bees and maintaining it properly will solve the problem without removing it.
Betsy & Pete
🐝Las Vegas’s All-Natural Live Bee Removal Team
About Us: The Authors
We’re Betsy and Pete - Beekeepers on a Mission in Las Vegas
We’re not just in the bee business, we’re in the bee-saving business. Trained by a master beekeeper and backed by hundreds of successful removals, we are dedicated to rescuing and relocating honey bees with care and precision.
Every swarm we save and every hive we manage reflects our deep love for the bees.
At our Joshua Tree Preserve in Arizona, we care for dozens of thriving hives. Some wild, some honey-bearing, and all are part of our commitment to ethical, sustainable beekeeping.
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Beekeeping is always evolving, and so are we. We stay on the cutting edge by continuing our education, connecting with fellow beekeepers, and refining our beekeeping practices and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for both bees and people.
Whether it’s advanced bee removal strategies or the latest natural methods, we’re always one step ahead.
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