Bees are indispensable to the health of our planet, supporting the growth of countless plants that provide food and shelter for diverse species. They are primary pollinators, facilitating the reproduction of many plants, including a significant portion of the crops humans consume. Finding a struggling bee can be a common occurrence, prompting a desire to help these small but mighty creatures. Understanding how to assist a bee safely and effectively can make a meaningful difference for individual insects and contribute to broader conservation efforts.
Identifying a Bee in Distress
Observing a bee’s behavior helps determine if it needs assistance. A slow-moving, lethargic, or flightless bee may be exhausted. However, bees sometimes rest, especially queen bumblebees in spring, which spend time grounded after short flights. A resting bee is often unharmed and might just need time to warm up in the sun if it’s cold.
Signs of distress include a bee writhing, struggling to move, or difficulty lifting off. Bees poisoned by pesticides may show impaired mobility and coordination, sometimes with their tongue out. If a bee has tattered wings or a darker, hairless body, it may be at the end of its natural lifespan.
The Reviving Process
If a bee appears exhausted, a sugar water solution can provide a quick energy boost. To prepare, mix two tablespoons of granulated white sugar with one tablespoon of water. Use plain white table sugar, as brown or organic sugar contains molasses difficult for a bee’s digestive system. Never use honey, as it can carry diseases like American Foulbrood, fatal to bees and capable of spreading to entire hives.
Gently warm the water to help the sugar dissolve, then allow the solution to cool to room temperature. Using a small container or spoon, place a few drops of the sugar solution near the bee, allowing it to drink voluntarily. Avoid directly touching the bee or forcing the liquid, as this can make the bee sticky and worsen its condition. Patience is necessary, as the bee may take time to recuperate.
Aftercare and Release
Once the bee has consumed sugar water and appears more active, allow it time to recover. Continue to observe its behavior for signs of increased movement or an attempt to fly. If the bee is still unable to fly but seems more alert, gently move it to a safe, sheltered location like a nearby flower. Placing the bee on a high-nectar, bee-friendly flower, such as buddleia or sunflower, can provide natural sustenance.
If the weather is cold, the bee may need more time to warm up before it can fly. Keep it sheltered until conditions improve. Do not leave large quantities of sugar water out, as this can attract other bees and pests, spreading diseases and encouraging robbing. The sugar solution is a temporary aid, not a long-term food source.
Supporting Bee Populations
Beyond helping individual bees, broader actions can contribute to healthier bee populations. Planting a diverse array of bee-friendly flowers provides consistent nectar and pollen sources throughout seasons. Examples include bee balm, asters, coneflowers, and lavender. Incorporating native plant species is beneficial, as many pollinators have evolved to forage on them.
Avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in gardens is important, as these chemicals can harm bees directly or indirectly by removing food sources. Pesticides can impair a bee’s navigation, memory, and reproduction; exposure occurs through direct contact, contaminated pollen, or nesting sites. Providing a clean water source, like a shallow dish with pebbles for safe landing, supports local bee communities.