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Creative & Safe Ways to Hydrate Las Vegas Bees All Summer Long
- Pete Rizzo
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Beyond the Birdbath: Steps You Can Take to Help Bees This Summer
Las Vegas summers are brutal, and honeybees work overtime to keep their colonies cool. They rely on water for evaporative cooling inside the hive, making access to a safe and reliable water source essential for their survival. But tossing out a dish of water isn’t enough—without proper design, it can become a death trap.
So how do you create a hydration station that’s safe, effective, and easy to maintain? Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Dangers of Common Water Sources
Before setting up a bee waterer, it’s crucial to understand why typical water sources can be hazardous:
Drowning Hazards: Bees aren’t built for swimming. Steep-sided birdbaths, deep bowls, and pools can trap them, leading to drowning.
Toxic Additives: Pool water, treated tap water, and standing water with algae can expose bees to harmful chemicals.
Slippery Surfaces: Wet plastic, smooth ceramic, and glass offer no grip for bees, increasing the risk of falls.
Bee-Human Conflicts: Without a reliable water source, bees will investigate pools, leaky faucets, and sprinklers, sometimes causing unwanted interactions.
By setting up a purpose-built bee water station, you solve these problems and keep pollinators hydrated safely.
The Golden Rules of Bee-Safe Watering
A good bee waterer follows three key principles:
Stable Landing Zones: Bees need non-slippery places to land while drinking—like floating corks, pebbles, or textured surfaces.
Shallow Access: The water level should be low enough for bees to reach safely without risk of drowning.
Fresh, Clean Water: Stagnant water breeds bacteria. Regular refills and cleaning are a must.
DIY Bee Hydration Stations: From Simple to High-Capacity
You don’t need fancy equipment! Here are some easy, effective ways to provide safe water for bees.
The Classic Shallow Dish (Quick & Easy)
Materials: A shallow dish (pie plate, terracotta saucer, or birdbath top), plus pebbles, marbles, or corks.
Setup: Fill the dish with your chosen materials so they protrude above the waterline. Add clean water daily.
Pros: Cheap, easy, and effective.
Cons: Water evaporates quickly, requiring frequent refills.
Upgrading a Birdbath
Materials: An existing birdbath, plus pebbles or small stones.
Setup: Add stones to create small, shallow “islands.” Ensure no deep pools remain.
Pros: Holds more water than a dish, blends into landscapes.
Cons: Requires careful arrangement and cleaning.
High-Capacity Tub Method
Materials: A shallow storage container or cement mixing tub, plus untreated wood chips or floating corks.
Setup: Fill with wood chips or corks to create a floating drinking surface. Add water just below the floating material.
Pros: Holds more water, reducing refill frequency.
Cons: Can be harder to clean; must use non-toxic materials.
The Self-Watering Damp Patch (Most Natural)
Materials: A small patch of soil or sand and a slow-dripping water source (like a leak-proof hose on low drip).
Setup: Keep the area damp but not muddy. Bees will land on the moist ground to drink.
Pros: Mimics natural watering holes, reduces drowning risk.
Cons: Tricky to manage drip rate, may attract other insects.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Waterer
Visibility: Place it near flowers where bees already forage.
Away from People: Keep it out of high-traffic areas to minimize disturbances.
Sun vs. Shade: Full sun speeds evaporation but attracts more bees; partial shade helps conserve water.
For Beekeepers: Position waterers at least 15-20 feet from hives to prevent disease transmission and robbing behavior.
Maintenance Matters: Keeping Water Clean & Safe
A neglected bee waterer can do more harm than good. Follow these maintenance tips:
Daily Refills: In Las Vegas heat, water can evaporate fast! Refill daily or as needed.
Weekly Cleaning: Dump out old water and scrub surfaces with a stiff brush and clean water. A splash of vinegar can help prevent algae.
Mosquito Prevention: Clean water regularly. If mosquitoes persist, use a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) product (like Mosquito Dunks), which is safe for bees.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“Bees aren’t using my waterer.” Give them time! Make sure it’s visible and has good landing zones. Some people add a tiny bit of sea salt or anise extract to attract bees, but clean water is usually enough.
“Wasps or ants have taken over.” Wasps also need water, and some may use your station. To deter ants, place the dish inside a slightly larger water-filled tray to create a “moat.”
“Water evaporates too fast.” Use a deeper container (while ensuring safe landing zones), place it in partial shade, or refill more frequently—helping bees in the desert means committing to the upkeep!
A Small Effort, A Big Impact
Providing a safe water source for bees is one of the most effective ways to support them through the scorching Las Vegas summer. It helps them cool their hives, reduces stress, and strengthens our local ecosystem. With just a little effort, you can make a huge difference for these vital pollinators!
Now, let’s get hydrating!
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.
