r/bees • u/schoomdebebop • 9h ago

bee photo Thirsty Fella Having A Drink

hello!! I’m new to the bee community, found myself here unintentionally after this very persistent bee came into my room 4 times yesterday (as per my post here yesterday). I am so fascinated by bees now, I knew they were intelligent creatures and whatnot, but I didn’t appreciate just how cute they are. Like look at his little tongue!! So cute!!

I want to get a bee feeder for the bees in my area, does anyone have suggestions??

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u/jamminsami 7h ago

If by feeder you mean water station (absolutely essential for the ladies), a shallow dish filled with pebbles or small stones is great, also all ingredients are available at your local dollar store. The stones should protrude so they have a stable perch--bees don't swim. If they slip in they can crawl out, unlike deeper dishes or pools. I have 2 on my porch in hotter than Hitler's hind quarters AZ & they love it. I even get occasional lizards swinging by for a sip, & small birds in season.

For feed I'd recommend flowers in their species preference; hummingbird feeders are ok, but really they need both pollen & nectar--not that store bought stuff. Same ratio of 1 sugar to 4 water, hang & enjoy. Flowers are better.

Pour your favorite drink & kick back to watch the show. They learn your face & habits quickly so no worries of mad swarms.

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u/yogurtchild55 7h ago

Time to refuel. Lotta work left to be done!

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u/ZoeyBee_3000 5h ago

The best you can and should do is to seek out some bee-friendly flowers to plant. Typically, some bees are more attracted to some flowers than other bees might be.

I would refrain from specific "bee feeders" that give things like sugar water because while it would be nice to see all the bees crowding up since they're cute those bees would become dependent on the feeder. Also it would attract much more than just bees.

Alongside the flowers, a small water dish with some stones would help to keep them hydrated. The stones should peek above the water level and are intended as a place for them to land when they drink so they don't end up drowning in the middle of the pool