Honey bees, like all living organisms, require water for their survival. While nectar and pollen are primary resources, water plays an important role in their daily lives and the overall function of their colony. Without sufficient water, individual bees face health challenges, and the hive’s ability to regulate its internal environment and support its young is compromised.
Why Water is Vital for Honey Bees
Water is fundamental for honey bees’ biological processes, much like it is for other animals. Bees need water for basic hydration, maintaining their internal fluid balance, and supporting metabolic activities. A significant portion of a bee’s body is composed of water, and dehydration can quickly lead to sluggishness, impaired flight, and reduced foraging efficiency. Water also plays a role in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Although nectar provides some moisture, it is not always enough, especially when bees rely on stored honey as their primary food source.
Honey Bees’ Clever Water Uses
Honey bees use water in various ways to support their colony, beyond individual hydration.
Temperature Regulation
A primary use is for hive temperature regulation. During hot weather, worker bees collect water and spread thin films of it over comb surfaces, particularly near the brood. Other bees then fan their wings vigorously, creating air currents that evaporate the water, cooling the hive through evaporative cooling. This maintains the brood nest at an optimal temperature of around 34-35°C (93-97°F). A strong hive might consume over a liter of water on a hot day for this purpose.
Honey Dilution and Larval Food
Water is also needed for diluting stored honey, making it consumable for adult bees and young larvae. This is especially relevant in colder months when honey can crystallize, requiring water to liquefy it for access. Nurse bees also use substantial amounts of water, along with pollen and nectar, to produce royal jelly and other larval foods, which can be up to 80% water for newly hatched larvae.
Humidity and Comb Construction
Bees also use water to maintain humidity levels within the hive, important for the development of their young. An optimal humidity range of 50-60% is preferred for brood, with up to 95% humidity supporting maximum egg viability. Water also helps soften beeswax, aiding in comb construction.
Helping Bees Access Water
Natural Sources and Preferences
Honey bees forage for water from various natural sources, including dew, puddles, ponds, and leaks. They often prefer water that contains minerals or has a slight odor, such as from algae, moss, or chlorine, which may help them locate sources. Research suggests they prefer low concentrations of salts like sodium and magnesium.
Providing Water Safely
When providing water for bees, offer shallow access points to prevent drowning, as bees are not strong swimmers. Incorporating materials like rocks, pebbles, corks, or floating sticks in a shallow dish or bird bath provides safe perching spots. Placing water sources relatively close to the hive, ideally within 150 feet or 200 meters, reduces the energy bees expend on foraging trips.
Water Quality
Consider the quality of water provided. Contaminated water, particularly that containing pesticides like neonicotinoids, can be harmful to bees, leading to sublethal effects or even colony decline. Ensuring a clean, reliable water source helps support bee health and reduces their exposure to dangerous chemicals.