DiY: Build a bee waterer
Especially on particularly hot summer days (especially in cities), suitable watering sources for bees are rare. Large containers like rain barrels and watering cans are often unsuitable as drinking sources, as bees can't swim. To drink water, they need to land properly and "sit down." But there are hardly any puddles, no lakes or ponds, and there hasn't been any morning dew for weeks. Now it's up to you to take action!
Become a bee rescuer...
...by building these busy insects a suitable watering hole for drinking. While bees get most of the liquid they need from the nectar they collect, this is often not enough to feed their brood, quench their own thirst, and cool the hive. If you want to keep the bees from dying of thirst, you shouldn't hesitate. A bee waterer is super quick to make! You can place it directly in your flowerbed or on your balcony table. A great side effect: While the bees drink, you can observe them up close. An exciting undertaking for children too!
This is what you need:
Material:
- a shallow bowl
- small stones, gravel or cork as "floats"
- Moss or small branches as "bathing islands"
- Water
And here's how it works:
Step 1: Place in the appropriate location
Find a suitable spot for your bee waterer. Have you left a corner of your flowerbed free of flowers? Perfect! Briefly level the soil or use an old tile as a base and place the waterer flat. Even on the balcony of a city apartment, bees will be (very!) happy to have a watering hole.
Step 2: Fill with material
Place pebbles, cork and other "floats" in the bowl.
Step 3: Let the water flow!
Now just add water and place the bathing islands made of moss or branches. Your bee waterer is ready!
You should note this:
- There must always be enough water in the drinking trough.
- The water should be changed regularly.
- The drinking trough should be in a sunny, windless place
- You should always remove dead mosquitoes and other small animals immediately so that they do not decompose.
We say THANK YOU for helping the busy bees!
You'll see, they'll happily pounce on the tempting water oasis! If you also want to incorporate nesting opportunities for bees into your garden, here are the DIY instructions for an insect hotel made from an old wooden box .
