Bees maintain a complex relationship with water. Despite a common misconception, water is not something bees dislike; rather, it is a fundamental requirement for their survival and the proper functioning of their colony. This essential resource is vital for how these insects interact with and depend on their environment.
Why Water is Essential for Bees
Water plays several crucial biological roles for individual bees and the entire colony. Bees require water for basic hydration and metabolic processes. Water also serves as a diluent, allowing bees to thin stored honey, making it easier for them to consume. This thinning process is also necessary for preparing food for the colony’s youngest members. Nurse bees, responsible for feeding developing larvae, consume significant amounts of pollen, nectar, and water to produce the jelly needed for larval nutrition.
How Bees Utilize Water in the Colony
Forager bees actively collect water and transport it back to the hive for various communal purposes. During hot weather, water is indispensable for regulating the hive’s internal temperature through evaporative cooling. Worker bees spread thin layers of water over the comb or within cells containing brood, then fan their wings to create airflow, which evaporates the water and cools the hive. This process helps maintain the brood nest at an optimal temperature of around 93-97°F (34-36°C) for proper larval development. A strong hive on a hot day can consume over a liter of water, with thousands of worker bees making numerous trips to water sources.
The Dangers of Too Much Water for Bees
Excessive water can pose significant threats to bees. Bees cannot swim, and deep water sources present a drowning hazard where they can easily become trapped. If a bee’s wings become wet, their ability to generate lift is compromised, making flight difficult, though hydrophobic wings help them navigate mist and dew. When caught on a water surface, bees can use their wings as hydrofoils to propel themselves, but this is a taxing last resort. Heavy rainfall can also disrupt foraging activities, forcing bees to remain inside the hive and limiting their access to vital nectar and pollen resources; prolonged damp conditions within the hive can also foster the growth of molds and fungi, which threaten colony health.
Providing Safe Water Sources for Bees
Individuals can help support bee populations by providing safe and accessible water sources. Shallow dishes or containers, approximately 1-2 inches deep, are ideal to prevent drowning. Adding pebbles, marbles, sticks, or corks to these dishes creates safe landing spots and perches for bees to drink without falling into the water. It is important to fill these stations with clean water and replenish it regularly, especially during hot weather, to prevent contamination and mosquito breeding. While bees are often attracted to water with a slight scent, such as that from decaying organic matter or even chlorinated pools due to mineral content, it is best to avoid chemically treated water; placing these watering stations near flowering plants can help bees locate them more easily.