JohnInSJ Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Ok, so spring is here (in Northern CA at least) and the flowers are up, and the bees and wasps are out in force. Last spring we did not have our tub - it was installed in June - so we missed this phase... wondering if this is typical or if I just have California hot-tub loving insects in my area.... Every time I open the top, there is a cloud of either Bees or Wasps (I'm thinking bees but hey, I don't look too carefully) that were hanging out under the top, along with the soaked carcases of their fallen comrades "resting with the fishes" who just could not resist a dip... So there's 10 minutes of waving off the swarm, and 5 minutes of skimming out the dead before a, er, "relaxing" soak. The cover has a good tight fit, but I have watched the little buggers land on the side and pretty much squeeze themselves in via the seam at the hinge. Unless I'm going to cover the whole thing with some netting, I don't think I can stop them in their quest for a steamy death.... So, is this normal, and is there anything other then waiting it out that I can do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avasicek Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 I never gave it much thought past a home owner running the spa without filters, but about 10 years ago I replaced a circ pump that when inspected at the office was clogged with bees. There was no nest in the spa or cover, no swarm while I did my inspection, but it was very odd. This same customer had several bee related service issues. Never really asked if they were using a special oil or aroma therapy, what chems or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly Hot Tub Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Ok, so spring is here (in Northern CA at least) and the flowers are up, and the bees and wasps are out in force. Last spring we did not have our tub - it was installed in June - so we missed this phase... wondering if this is typical or if I just have California hot-tub loving insects in my area.... Every time I open the top, there is a cloud of either Bees or Wasps (I'm thinking bees but hey, I don't look too carefully) that were hanging out under the top, along with the soaked carcases of their fallen comrades "resting with the fishes" who just could not resist a dip... So there's 10 minutes of waving off the swarm, and 5 minutes of skimming out the dead before a, er, "relaxing" soak. The cover has a good tight fit, but I have watched the little buggers land on the side and pretty much squeeze themselves in via the seam at the hinge. Unless I'm going to cover the whole thing with some netting, I don't think I can stop them in their quest for a steamy death.... So, is this normal, and is there anything other then waiting it out that I can do? Have you tried a wasp or yellow jacket trap(or several!) on the other side of the yard? They like the warmth and moisture and will often build nests in the tub (under cabinet burrowing into foam) I wouldnt spray anything on the tub in fear that it would damage the material. We get nifty little white tree frogs. They are very cute, very load but do not sting! Matter of fact I feel horrible if we find one "floating" in the tub! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cplarsen Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Go buy some cheap mosquito netting, wrap it around the top with bungee cord. Remove to soak. It's probably just a seasonal thing, till they nest up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnInSJ Posted April 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2008 It may have just been one group... since I pushed them all out they've not returned. Probably a queen and some followers fixated on the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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