How To Provide Water For Honey Bees

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In this article, we take a look at how to provide water for honey bees. Bees require water for many aspects of the functioning of the hive – we will take a look at how you can help them out.

When the hive gets a bit warm, bees cover the brood area and other parts of the hive in a thin film of water and then fan their wings on this water.

Why Do Bees Need Water?

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1.Cooling

Bees actually need water to dilute honey and turn it into food.

2. Dissolving Honey

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Bees are animals just like us. Much like we need to consume water to remain hydrated, so do bees.

3. General Metabolism

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Human/bee Water Conflict Issues

Bees will collect water preferably within about 100 yards of their hive. Closer if possible. 

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What Water Do Bees Like In Nature?

In nature, bees will collect water from the edge of a pool where they can stand on mud or sand. Or they will land on water lillies and algae. 

My favourite method is to get some shadecloth.  Buy a few lengths of PVC conduit pipe. Buy 4 elbow joints and some PVC cement. Buy a few pool noodles and a bag of 10″ zip ties.

How Do We Construct A Bee Water Station?

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Now you have an easy task – cut your pipes and fit elbows so you can make a square which fits into the tote with about a two-inch gap between the walls all around. Thread the pipes through the pool smarties which will act as floats. Glue the elbows. Once the glue is set, cable tie some shade cloth to the frame.

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