Flowering plants and a significant portion of the food we eat rely on pollinators like bees. Spotting a bee on the ground, struggling or unable to fly, often sparks a desire to help this small creature. While many distressed bees are nearing the end of their natural life cycle, others suffer from exhaustion, cold, or injury. Knowing how to act quickly and correctly can mean the difference between a bee’s survival and its demise, getting a vital pollinator back to its work.
How to Tell if a Bee is in Distress
A bee’s inability to fly does not automatically mean it is in trouble, so assessment is the first step before intervening. A truly exhausted bee exhibits sluggish, uncoordinated movements, often crawling slowly or lying on its side without attempting to take off.
If a bee is simply resting or sleeping, it will usually be clinging to a flower or leaf, waiting for warmer conditions or morning light. If the bee’s body appears dark, bald, or its wings are tattered, it is likely nearing the end of its natural lifespan, and intervention is unlikely to succeed. If the bee is visibly wet, shivering, or attempting to fly but unable to generate lift, it is likely a victim of the weather or low energy reserves.
The Quick Energy Solution
If the bee appears lethargic and is not wet or cold, it is most likely suffering from a lack of energy, which a simple sugar solution can quickly remedy. The recommended emergency mixture is two parts water to one part white granulated sugar by volume. It is important to use only white granulated sugar, as brown sugar or honey contain complex sugars and potential pathogens harmful to bees. Honey, in particular, can transmit diseases from other bee colonies, making it a dangerous substitute.
Once the sugar is dissolved, administer the solution carefully to prevent the bee from becoming sticky, which can impair its wings and movement. Place a single drop of the solution on a clean, non-absorbent surface, like a spoon or bottle cap, directly in front of the bee’s head. The bee should be able to extend its proboscis—a long, straw-like mouthpart—to drink the syrup without being pushed into the liquid. Patience is necessary, as an exhausted bee takes time to feed and process the glucose, which fuels muscle contraction and flight. After drinking, the bee may rest for a few minutes before its flight muscles have enough energy to warm up and allow for takeoff.
Saving Bees from Water, Cold, or Traps
Scenarios involving water, cold, or physical traps require a different response than simple feeding. A bee that has fallen into water, such as a bird bath or pond, needs to be gently lifted out using a dry leaf, twig, or piece of paper. After removal, place the bee in a safe, sunny spot to allow its body and wings to dry completely, since wet wings prevent flight. Offering a drop of sugar solution after the bee has dried can help replace lost energy reserves spent struggling in the water.
Bees cannot regulate their body temperature sufficiently to fly when the air temperature drops below approximately 50-55°F (10-13°C). If a bee is motionless but unharmed on a cold day, gently move it to a sunny, sheltered location. The warmth of the sun allows the bee to raise its internal thoracic temperature, enabling the flight muscles to function again.
If a bee is caught in a spiderweb, carefully use a stick or twig to lift the bee and gently pull away the main strands of the web. Do not try to remove every sticky thread, as aggressive cleaning attempts are likely to damage the bee’s delicate wings or limbs. Bees are naturally equipped with oils and grooming behaviors that allow them to clean off minor amounts of residue once they are free.
Safe Interaction and Next Steps
Approaching a distressed bee should be done calmly and slowly to avoid startling it. While an exhausted bee is highly unlikely to sting, using a leaf or piece of paper to gently nudge or scoop it is the safest way to handle the situation. The goal is to provide immediate, short-term aid and allow the bee to return to its natural environment.
Once the bee has successfully taken the sugar solution and appears revived, place it near a flower-rich area, away from high-traffic footpaths or roads. If the bee flies away strongly, the rescue is complete and no further action is required. If the bee remains grounded after feeding and warmth, it may have an underlying condition or be at the end of its life, and it is best to leave it undisturbed.