Question
after returning from a 2 week vacation, i find bees swarming my outdoor pond.  it is filtered with a waterfall and small goldfish.  There were several water hyacinths floating on the top of the pond.  i threw them out today - carefully - they were literally covered with bees.  problem not solved.  the bees have adopted a couple of large rocks that are halfway in the pond, part of the pond wall.  and the ground next to it, which looks to me to be just mud and stone.  They are swarming again toward those rocky places.  is there a way to rid my yard/pond of the bees?  it is taking over a third of my small yard.  i do have cats that drink water from the pond, and so, must be careful what i put there to rid the pond of bees.  why are they there?  the pond has been in my yard for years.  again, what can i do?  i really appreciate advice you may give.  thank you.

Answer
Ellen,

My guess is your yard has become home to a honeybee swarm and they are using your pond for water. Honeybees frequently swarm to move their colony. Often they will move on in a few days. If they seem to be staying longer than you wish you could contact a local beekeeper and I'm sure they will be happy to come and collect the hive. Contact your local Extension office for a list of beekeepers in your area.

If however you live in an area where Africanized honeybees have been reported (basically southwestern US) you'll need to contact a pest control company that has experience with this bee.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
My website about home and garden pests: http://www.livingwithbugs.com