When you find a motionless bee, it’s natural to wonder if it’s resting or has died. Bees are crucial for pollination, and understanding their condition helps determine if intervention is appropriate.
How Bees Rest
Bees engage in periods of inactivity that resemble sleep, often seeking sheltered spots like inside flower blossoms or under leaves to rest during the night or when weather conditions are unfavorable. During this time, a sleeping bee’s antennae typically droop downwards, its upper body and abdomen may drop, and its wings rest against its body. Some bees might also fold their legs close to their bodies or cling motionless inside flowers or onto stems.
Bees can also experience exhaustion, especially after long foraging trips or as they age. An exhausted bee often appears lethargic, slow-moving, and may be found on the ground or pavement, possibly not buzzing as it normally would. These individuals may struggle to fly and remain stationary for prolonged periods.
Cooler temperatures can induce a state known as torpor in bees, where their metabolism significantly slows down, making them appear unresponsive. Bees are cold-blooded, and individual honeybees are unsafe when temperatures drop below 40°F (4.4°C). A bee in torpor is still alive and will often recover and become active again once warmth returns.
Identifying a Deceased Bee
A primary indicator of a deceased bee is a complete absence of any movement, even when observed over a period of time. Unlike a resting bee that might eventually stir, a dead bee remains entirely still.
Upon death, a bee’s body typically becomes rigid due to rigor mortis, with its legs often curled tightly underneath or the body appearing unnaturally contorted. Over time, a dead bee’s body may shrivel and dry out, losing its plump appearance.
Visible signs of physical trauma, such as a crushed abdomen, detached wings, or missing body parts, often indicate that a bee has died. Older bees may also show signs of age, such as tattered wings or lost hair. Additionally, a bee with its tongue sticking out can be a sign of pesticide poisoning.
Helping a Stationary Bee
For a bee that appears exhausted or cold, a simple solution involves offering a small amount of sugar water. Mix one part granulated sugar with two parts water, and place a few drops on a non-absorbent surface near the bee. This provides a quick energy boost, potentially allowing the bee to recover and fly away, but it is important not to force the bee to drink.
If a bee is in a cold or exposed location, gently moving it to a warmer, sheltered spot, perhaps on a leaf in a sunny area, can aid its recovery. Observe the bee from a distance to avoid causing it stress, allowing it space to recover at its own pace. If all signs point to a deceased bee, it is generally best to leave it undisturbed, allowing its body to decompose naturally. Alternatively, a deceased bee can be gently moved to a garden bed or compost pile.