Bees are industrious pollinators. While nectar is their energy source, the necessity of clean water for their survival is often overlooked, especially when they are far from natural sources. A bee watering station provides a safe, reliable source of hydration that is particularly helpful in urban environments or during hot, dry weather. This feature provides them with a secure place to drink without the risk of drowning.
Why Bees Need Dedicated Water Sources and Required Supplies
Water is a fundamental resource for a bee colony. Worker bees collect water to regulate the internal temperature of the hive, particularly during warm periods, utilizing evaporative cooling to maintain the ideal 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) needed for the brood nest. They spread thin layers of water across the comb surfaces and fan their wings to create airflow, lowering the temperature through evaporation. Water is also used to dilute stored honey, making it easier for the bees to consume and process into food for the developing larvae.
To construct a bee watering station, only a few materials are needed. You will need a shallow container, such as a saucer from a terracotta pot or a small, flat dish, ideally no more than two inches deep. The most important components are materials that provide landing platforms, such as small pebbles, marbles, or clean river stones. These landing zones are necessary to ensure the bees can safely access the water without falling in and drowning, as they cannot swim. Finally, the station requires fresh, clean water, which should be the only liquid provided, as sugar water or honey can attract pests and spread disease.
Constructing the Watering Station
Start by selecting a shallow dish and ensuring it is free of any chemical residues by rinsing it thoroughly with clean water. A wide, flat container offers the most surface area for landing zones, which accommodates more bees at once. Next, fill the container with your chosen landing materials, such as the stones or marbles, distributing them to create varied terrain.
The arrangement of these materials is crucial for the construction process. You must make sure that many of the stones or pebbles protrude above the rim of the dish and the eventual water level, offering dry, stable perches for the bees. After the landing spots are secure, pour the fresh water into the dish slowly until the water level rests just below the highest points of the stones. This design allows the bees to sip the water while remaining on a dry surface, which is essential for their safety.
Optimal Placement and Ongoing Care
The location of the watering station can significantly affect how quickly bees begin to use it and how effective it is. A location that receives partial sun and partial shade is best, as the shade helps prevent the water from evaporating too quickly during the hottest part of the day. Placing the station near existing flowering plants or a vegetable garden is also recommended, as bees are already foraging in these areas and are more likely to discover the new resource.
Ongoing maintenance is required to keep the station functional and to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes. During warm weather, the water should be refreshed and the container refilled daily to account for evaporation and high bee traffic. The water should be entirely dumped out, and the container and stones should be scrubbed to remove any algae or debris every five to seven days. This regular cleaning cycle is necessary to disrupt the mosquito life cycle, preventing eggs from hatching and ensuring the water remains safe for the bees.