Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Honey bees will cover objects too large to move in the hive—such as these two
mice—with propolis. The propolis retards bacterial and fungal growth and keeps
the bodies from rotting. They just dry out when covered with this material.
Water
Water is crucial to honey bee survival. Nectar, which is mostly water, provides
much of the needed moisture in a colony but not all of it.
Foragers will collect water when there is a need in a colony. Water is used to
dissolve crystallized honey, to dilute honey when producing larval food, for evap-
orative cooling during warm weather, and for a cool drink on a hot day. A full-
sized colony at the height of the season will use, on average, a quart or more of
water in excess of the nectar collected, daily.
Water isn't stored, like nectar or pollen, but rather is added to honey, or placed
in cells or on top bars so it evaporates, cooling the colony in the process.
Foragers seem to seek water sources that are scented, and the greatest scented
water source in an urban or suburban neighborhood is a chlorinated swimming
pool. The rising aroma is like a neon sign that says “Free Water Here—All You
Can Drink.”
Stagnant pools of water and swamp land are also attractive because of the scent,
and roadside ditches with rain runoff will see bees, as will storm drains and farm
animal yards. The latter are especially attractive because of the minerals and nutri-
ents that are dissolved in the water.
Foragers will mark unscented sources of water with their Nasonov pheromone
so others can locate the source too.
Once bees learn of a close, accessible, and reliable water source they will re-
main loyal to it. If that source dries up they will find another source and visit that
until it, too, goes dry. It is in your best interests to keep their daily drink in your
backyard.
