TURNING YOUR BIRDBATH INTO A BEE WATERING STATION

Bees get thirsty, just like humans. They need a source of water to stay healthy and safe. Not only do bees drink the water, but they also use it for:

• Air conditioning - During hot days, bees will spread a thin film of water over the baby bee cells. The water will evaporate, cooling the hive.
• Feeding baby bees - Nurse bees feed developing larvae (aka baby bees) a diet of water, pollen, nectar, and royal jelly. This diet can be up to 80% water on the first day!
• Diluting honey - Bees eat their own honey. Sometimes, the honey will crystallize or get too thick. When this happens, bees use water to dilute the honey and make it drinkable again.

But, can’t bees find their own source of water like a river or pond?

They absolutely can. However, not all beehives are near a natural source of clean water. In these cases, bees will look for water elsewhere.

For example, in a neighbour’s swimming pool or in a ditch. These sources of water may contain chlorine, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals.

Invite bees to your birdbath

• Birdbaths make excellent bee drinking stations because of how shallow they are. Bees can usually perch on the edge of the bath to drink. Remember, bees can’t swim, so if you want to keep them safe you can add pebbles or marbles to give them extra places to stand on.
• Fill a Sunbird feeder with water (do NOT add sugar)