Thread by @the_beeguy

Okay folks as we seem to be heading in to some warm dry weather we need to talk about #bees and #water.

Please #retweet this to provide bees a helping hand. Thanks

BEES NEED WATER!

Given that they can collect water, their nectar based diet and their ability to generate…
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…large amounts of water metabolically during flight #bumblebees are less prone to dehydration/desiccation than most terrestrial insects.

However they still need safe access to water.

Research suggests that #bees locate sources of #water by smell rather than sight.
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#water is a source of essential #nutrients for #bees and this explains their preference for ‘dirty’ water sources containing organic matter, algae etc.

Indeed #honeybees have the ability to and will change their preferred source of #water to an alternative in order to…
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…compensate for nutrient deficiencies in their diet at various times of the year.

#honeybees prefer sodium-rich water for most of the year but in autumn as pollen supplies lessen they prefer water which contains magnesium, calcium & potassium - micronutrients found in…
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…pollen!

#bees also source water on plants. Plants expel excess water and/or nutrients through small openings on leaves and stems through a process known as guttation.

So where do you come in I hear you ask?

Well during warm weather especially it is vital to ensure that
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…you provide #water for the #wildlife and bees in your garden/yard.
It is important though that this water is supplied in a manner that is safe for #bees.

#bees can’t lift off when they land in water and their wings get wet.

They need to be able to climb onto something…
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…with a gradual slope. They need to be able to access the water you supply in a safe manner.
So please ensure that water left out is in a shallow container and has pebbles/small stones or similar in it to allow safe access & an exit if the bee happens to land in the water.
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Please also ensure to keep the water topped up daily and don’t be afraid if the water is ‘nature’ dirty.
Also please be vigilant about other water sources in your patch which may be dangerous for #bees.
Buckets of water, watering cans and paddling pools/swimming pools are…
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…places where #bees get in to trouble and die. So empty or cover these wherever possible and check periodically for ‘floating bees’.

If you do see a floating bee don’t immediately presume she is dead! Fish her out as soon as possible and get her to a flower. It is…
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…amazing how often a seemingly ‘lost’ bee will quickly recover when given the chance to dry out and access to nectar or a 50/50 white sugar and water mix.

To recap: the wildlife in your garden needs water too. Especially during the summer.
If you are hot & thirsty chances
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…are the #bees are too. So as you reach for some liquid refreshment remember to top up our #wild friends too.
And be considerate and vigilant around the sources of #water you provide and keep in your garden/yard.
Please pass this on.
Thank you.
Retweet for the bees!
🙏🏼🐝
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