Bees and Water: How to Help Them Stay Hydrated All Year Long
Have you ever watched a bee buzzing from flower to flower on a scorching summer day and wondered, how do they stay hydrated?
I know I have. It’s easy to forget that, like all living creatures, bees need water to survive. And in the heat of summer, when natural water sources dry up, finding enough water can be a real challenge for them.
That’s why I’m dedicating this blog post to helping bees access water not just in the summer, but all year long.
Why Do Bees Need Water?
Before we look into how we can help, let’s first understand why water is so important to bees.
Just like us, bees use water to stay hydrated, but it doesn’t stop there. Water serves several vital functions within a hive:
Cooling the Hive: On hot days, worker bees bring water back to the hive, spread it, and fan it with their wings to create a cooling effect. It’s their natural air conditioning system, keeping the hive at an optimal temperature.
Feeding the Larvae: Bees mix water with pollen and nectar to create “bee bread,” which they feed to larvae. This water not only hydrates the young bees but also softens the pollen for easier digestion.
General Hydration & Nutrition: Bees need water to digest their food and absorb essential nutrients. Without it, they wouldn’t be able to process the nectar and pollen that give them the energy to fly, forage, and work.
So, it’s clear that water is much more than a simple thirst quencher for bees – it’s a lifeline.
Challenges Bees Face in Finding Water
Now that we understand the importance of water, let’s talk about the difficulties bees face in accessing it.
Summer Heat: Natural water sources like dew and puddles often evaporate in the intense summer heat. Even streams and ponds can dry up during extended dry spells, forcing bees to fly further to find water. The more energy they spend on finding water, the less they have for other vital activities.
Predators: The farther bees travel from their hives, the more vulnerable they are to predators like birds and spiders. Every moment away from the hive increases their risk.
Contaminated Water Sources: Bees sometimes come across polluted water sources contaminated with pesticides or harmful chemicals. As sensitive creatures, exposure to even small amounts of toxins can be fatal for them.
Drowning Risks: Bees aren’t strong swimmers. Deep or uncovered water sources, like bird baths or pools, can easily lead to drowning accidents.
But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways we can help bees overcome these challenges.
How to Help Bees Access Water
The good news is that you don’t need a lot of time or resources to make a big difference for bees. Here are a few simple, practical ways you can provide them with a safe water source:
1. Create a Bee Watering Station
You can make a bee-friendly watering station in your garden with just a few simple materials. Here’s how:
Use a Shallow Dish: Find a small dish, bowl, or even a plant saucer. Fill it with water, but leave some space at the top to avoid making it too deep.
Add Landing Spots: Place small stones, marbles, or twigs in the water to create places where bees can safely land and drink without the risk of drowning.
Keep It Full: Refill the dish regularly, especially on hot days when water evaporates quickly. If you’re going on vacation, ask a neighbor to keep it topped up.
2. Make Your Bird Bath Bee-Safe
Bird baths can also be a great water source for bees, but they often pose a drowning risk if too deep. To make it safer, simply add stones or a floating cork for bees to land on.
3. Choose Plants That Provide Water
Some plants can help bees access water naturally. Succulents, for example, retain water in their leaves, and bees often drink dew droplets that gather on plant surfaces in the morning. Plants that secrete extra nectar or undergo guttation (a process where excess water is released at night) can also provide hydration.
The Importance of Water Year-Round
While bees need water most in the heat of summer, they can benefit from it all year long. In the cooler months, when bees are less active, their need for water decreases, but it doesn’t disappear.
As long as flowers are in bloom and bees are foraging, they need water to stay hydrated and keep their hives in balance.
In fact, during milder winter days, you may still see bees flying in search of water. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your bee watering stations available year-round, just in case.
Water Conservation: Helping Bees and the Planet
As we think about helping bees access water, it’s important to consider the bigger picture: water conservation.
Water is a limited resource, and with rising temperatures and increasing demand, we need to use it wisely. Fortunately, the same techniques that help bees can also promote sustainable water use. Here are a few tips for conserving water in your garden:
Install a Rain Barrel: Capture rainwater to refill your bee stations and water your plants, reducing the need for tap water.
Plant Drought-Tolerant Species: Native plants are often more resilient and require less water, providing both hydration and food for bees.
Use Drip Irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the roots of plants, reducing waste and evaporation.
Join the Movement: Set Up a Bee Watering Station!
Helping bees stay hydrated is simple, and it’s a great way to support local ecosystems. Why not take it a step further and invite others to join you?
Share photos of your bee watering station on social media and encourage your friends and neighbors to set one up, too!
Together, we can make a difference for our buzzing friends.
Every Drop Counts
Water is a crucial resource for bees, especially during the hot summer months, but with a little effort, we can help them thrive year-round. By setting up bee-friendly water stations, choosing the right plants, and being mindful of water conservation, we can play our part in supporting the health of local bee populations.
And remember, every small action adds up. Whether it’s providing a shallow dish of water or planting drought-tolerant flowers, each step you take contributes to a healthier, more bee-friendly world.
So, as we enjoy the warm days ahead, let’s make sure our buzzing friends stay hydrated and healthy. After all, a world without bees would be a lot less sweet.
Here’s to a summer filled with blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and plenty of water for all!
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.