While water is undoubtedly a danger in certain situations, it also plays a critical role in the life of a bee and the health of its colony. Exploring this nuanced connection reveals how bees interact with their environment and the specific conditions under which water can become a hazard.
Bees’ Essential Need for Water
Bees require water for their survival, much like other living organisms. Within the hive, water serves several important functions that support the entire colony. Bees use water to dilute honey, which can become too thick or crystallized, especially during colder months, making it easier for them to consume.
Water also plays a significant part in feeding young bees. Nurse bees mix water with pollen and nectar to create a nutritious “bee bread” for developing larvae. This mixture is crucial for the healthy growth of the brood. Furthermore, bees utilize water for temperature regulation within the hive, particularly on hot days. They spread water in thin layers over the comb and fan their wings, creating an evaporative cooling effect that helps maintain a stable internal hive temperature, often around 35°C (95°F). A strong hive might consume over a liter of water on a hot day.
When Water Becomes a Danger
While water is necessary for bees, it can become a serious threat under specific circumstances. Bees are not adapted for swimming; their wings, designed for flight, become waterlogged when wet, making it nearly impossible for them to lift off.
The tiny hairs covering their bodies also absorb water, weighing them down further. If a bee’s spiracles, the small holes through which it breathes, fill with water, it can quickly drown due to a lack of oxygen.
Accidental falls into larger bodies of water, such as swimming pools, bird baths, or pet bowls, frequently lead to drowning. Bees are often attracted to these water sources for hydration, especially during warm periods. However, the steep, slippery sides and lack of safe landing spots in such containers can trap them. Heavy, sustained rainfall can also pose a risk, as bees caught in downpours may become too wet to fly and succumb to the elements.
Why Water is Not a Bee Control Solution
Using water to deter or eliminate bees is largely ineffective and can be harmful to these important insects. Hosing down a beehive or individual bees might temporarily disorient them, but it does not solve an underlying bee presence and can stress the colony.
Bees have a natural instinct to remain in place and protect their queen, even when sprayed with water. A strong spray can disperse a swarm, but the bees typically will not leave without their queen and do not travel in the rain, often regrouping nearby.
Applying water as a pest control method can also increase the risk of stings to people and pets, as disoriented bees may become more defensive. Instead of resolving a bee issue, this approach can prolong the problem and cause unnecessary distress to a bee colony. Effective and humane bee management typically involves professional relocation rather than aggressive tactics.
Helping Bees Access Water Safely
Providing safe water sources is a practical way to support bee populations. A shallow dish or bowl, about 1-2 inches deep, is suitable for this purpose. Adding pebbles, marbles, corks, or sticks to the container provides numerous landing spots, allowing bees to access water without falling in or getting their wings wet. Some of these materials should protrude above the water line, while others can be partially submerged.
Placing the water station in a sunny area near flowering plants can help attract bees. It is important to use clean, plain water and avoid adding sugar, honey, or chemicals, which can be detrimental to bee health and attract other pests.
Regularly refreshing the water daily, especially during hot or dry weather, and cleaning the station every few days helps maintain a healthy water supply and prevents mosquito breeding.