Water is indeed crucial for the well-being of honey bees (Apis mellifera), especially in hot, dry climates or during droughts. Water’s importance for bees goes beyond hydration, playing vital roles in colony function and survival.
Discover with us the different impacts of water supply, and the best way to provide your colonies with a quality water source.
The brood is in the center of the colony, needing stable humidity 1 and temperature 2 conditions. When the temperature is high in the brood, nurses cool it by ventilating with their wings. If this does not achieve the 32-36 ºC 3 necessary for the well-being of the larvae, they will also produce evaporation of water drops placed on the combs to reduce the temperature4.
Furthermore, due to the liquid composition of royal jelly, 60-70% water5, nurses have a high need to ingest water. When there is a need for water, the bees in charge of this work must continually go for it, as the water is not stored in the hive.
Bees usually get water from nectar (80% water), but when nectar is scarce, they search, collect, and carry water into the hive3.
They often prefer lightly mineralized water to pure water, as it provides essential micronutrients. This preference may vary according to the season and the availability of floral resources6.
Water consumption of 200- 250 ml per hive and day9 has been observed so that an apiary of 60 hives can consume up to 100 liters per week. A strong hive on a hot day can consume over a liter of water, with up to 800 workers each making up to 50 trips to water sources8.
Bees typically seek the nearest water source3, which can lead to issues when they go to swimming pools, fountains, or other areas near homes. They prefer shallow water to avoid drowning and often gather water from troughs meant for livestock or wildlife, which can deter these animals from drinking due to fear of bee stings.
To prevent such problems, beekeepers should provide drinkers with clean water within the apiary. This not only benefits animal welfare but also enhances productivity.
When bees must travel long distances for water, they expend energy, reducing honey production. A 2007 study10 in Poland found that bees collecting water from distant sources may not return to the hive due to energy depletion. Therefore, the closer the water supply, the better. Additionally, if the apiary is on elevated ground, the drinkers should also be elevated to minimize the energy bees use to transport water.
Recent studies show that providing clean, accessible water sources is crucial for colony health and reduces exposure to contaminated water. Providing water in the apiary has the added benefit of reducing the risk of bees being poisoned by agricultural pesticides11 found in contaminated water sources such as puddles, riverbeds, and livestock ponds.
Beekeepers and gardeners can support bee populations by creating shallow water sources with landing spots like pebbles or floating plants to prevent drowning 12. Understanding honey bees’ water needs is essential for beekeepers and conservationists, especially as climate change may lead to more frequent and severe droughts 13-14.
There are situations where the need to replenish water to maintain brood humidity or temperature is increased and can be mitigated. For instance, in hives that are very deteriorated or deformed, or where the closing elements like lids do not fit well, an internal “chimney effect” can occur, causing significant drying of the brood.
Similarly, in hives with poor thermal insulation or metal lids without interior insulation, excessive external temperatures can increase the need for ventilation and water evaporation. To address these issues, it is important to thermally insulate the hives properly, use lids or inter-lids that prevent airflow through the brood area, and ensure the hives are shaded.
by Juan Molina 
by Antonio Pajuelo 
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