Bees require water for their survival and the well-being of their colony. It is as important as nectar and pollen, supporting various bodily and hive functions. Without adequate water, a colony’s health would suffer, especially during high demand.
The Essential Role of Water for Bees
Water serves multiple functions within a bee colony, extending beyond simple hydration for individual bees. One primary use is for thermoregulation, especially during hot weather. Worker bees collect water and spread thin layers of it across the comb or on sealed brood cells. They then fan their wings vigorously, creating air currents that evaporate the water, which in turn cools the hive through a process similar to evaporative air conditioning. This mechanism helps maintain the hive’s temperature, particularly the brood nest, within an optimal range of 32 to 36 degrees Celsius (90 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bees also use water to dilute honey. Stored honey can become thick or crystallize, making it difficult for bees to consume. Adding water thins the honey, making it more accessible, especially for young bees and during winter months when honey stores are a primary food source. Water is also a component of the food given to developing larvae. Nurse bees mix water with pollen to create “bee bread” and use it in the production of royal jelly, both of which are essential for larval growth.
Water also helps maintain appropriate humidity levels within the hive. Proper humidity is important for brood development and the efficient processing and storage of honey. The constant demand for water for these diverse tasks necessitates a continuous and accessible supply.
How Bees Locate and Consume Water
Bees find and collect water based on the colony’s immediate needs, unlike nectar foraging. When water is required, specialized scout bees locate suitable sources.
Once a water source is found, bees use their proboscis, a long, flexible, straw-like tongue, to lap up the water. This proboscis is adapted for collecting liquids, similar to how they gather nectar. The collected water is stored in the bee’s honey stomach, also known as a crop, for transport back to the hive.
Some bees within the colony are designated as “water carriers,” dedicating their foraging efforts to transporting water. Upon returning to the hive, these water carriers transfer their collected water to “receiver bees” through trophallaxis, where liquids are exchanged mouth-to-mouth. If a water carrier quickly finds a receiver, it signals a high demand for water, prompting more bees to forage. Water is typically not stored long-term in the combs but is brought in as needed for immediate use.
Safe Water Sources for Bees
Bees can find water from a variety of natural sources, including rivers, ponds, puddles, damp rocks, and dew on plants. When seeking water, bees demonstrate a preference for shallow areas that provide safe landing spots, such as pebbles, leaves, or moss, to prevent drowning. They are also often attracted to water that contains dissolved minerals or salts, which is why they may frequent seemingly “dirty” water sources or even swimming pools. These mineral preferences can sometimes lead them to less than ideal locations.
Certain water sources can be unsafe for bees. Water contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals can be harmful, and these substances may be carried back to the hive, potentially affecting the entire colony. Guttation drops, water droplets exuded by plants, can also pose a risk if the plants have been treated with systemic insecticides.
Individuals can assist bees by providing safe water sources. Creating a “bee bath” is a practical way to offer water, using a shallow dish or container filled with stones, marbles, or corks that extend above the water’s surface. This allows bees to land and drink without falling in. Regularly clean and replenish these water sources to prevent algae or harmful bacteria. Placing a bee bath near flowering plants in a sunny but sheltered location can help attract bees to a reliable and safe water supply.