A bee bath is a simple, shallow water source placed in a garden specifically designed to provide a safe drinking spot for bees and other small pollinators. The design incorporates landing materials, such as stones or marbles, that rise above the waterline, offering insects a dry, stable platform to rest upon while they drink. This small-scale project helps prevent bee dehydration and offers a clean alternative to less desirable sources like puddles or swimming pools.
Why Bees Need Accessible Water Sources
Water plays multiple roles within a bee colony, extending beyond simple hydration. Worker bees collect water for evaporative cooling, spreading thin layers across the comb surfaces and fanning their wings to cool the hive. Water is also essential for processing food. Adult bees use it to dilute crystallized honey, and nurse bees require it to produce specialized food, like royal jelly, for developing larvae. Providing a clean, reliable water source reduces the energy bees spend foraging and prevents them from resorting to contaminated sources.
Gathering Necessary Materials and Supplies
The foundation of the bee bath is a shallow vessel, which can be a terracotta plant saucer, a ceramic dish, or a shallow bird bath that is no more than two inches deep. Avoid using metal containers, as they can heat up quickly in the sun, making the water too warm for the bees. The primary safety feature of the bath is the landing material, which must be non-absorbent and non-toxic.
Suitable landing materials include:
- River stones
- Glass marbles
- Clean pebbles
- Pieces of terracotta pot
These items offer secure perching spots, preventing the bees from falling into the water, which they cannot easily escape from. Some porous materials like moss or mineral-rich stones can also be incorporated to offer a sponge-like surface for drinking. Finally, the bath requires clean, plain water, with no additives like sugar or honey, as these can attract pests or become harmful when fermented.
Step-by-Step Construction and Assembly
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your chosen vessel to remove any dirt or chemical traces. Arrange the landing materials inside the vessel, covering the bottom with stones, marbles, or pebbles. The goal is to create numerous dry surfaces that rise slightly above the final water level, allowing bees to land securely without risking submersion. Create varying heights by stacking larger stones or placing pieces of wood within the arrangement. Slowly add clean water until the water level just covers the base of the landing materials, ensuring the top surfaces remain completely dry for safe access.
Optimal Placement and Ongoing Maintenance
Selecting the right location maximizes the bath’s use and ensures bee safety. Place the bath near flowering plants or a garden where bees are already foraging. A spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day is preferred, as this prevents rapid water evaporation. The location should be flat and elevated to minimize contamination or disturbance. Ongoing care involves refilling the bath daily and cleaning the entire vessel weekly using only water and a mild scrub to prevent mold, algae, and mosquito larvae.