As the weather warms, we are faced with the question -” Are bees my friend or foe?”  What is your first reaction when you see a bee?  Do you stand still and watch in amazement as a bee flies around or do you wave your arms, scream and run the other way.  Little eyes are watching our reaction so before you turn and run, let’s teach our children and grandchildren to respect bees and remember how important bees are to us and how we can help them exist like making a Bee Bath.

Are all bees the same?  What is the difference between a bee and a wasp or are they the same?  Bees and wasps differ in appearance, behavior and diet even though they are both part of the order “Hymenoptera.”  Is one better for pollination?  Teaching children about bees from an early age will help them to respect and assist in giving us ideas how to help them out.  Let’s learn about the differences between bees and wasps and then create a Bee Bath.

Bees vs. Wasps

Bees Appearance Wasps Appearance

Larger Body - fuller body, fuzzy hairs Slimmer - non hairy, shiny

Better Pollinators due to hairy body Still Pollinators - not as productive as bees

Bee Behavior Wasp Behavior

Less aggressive, Focused on Pollination Can be more aggressive around nests

Bee Diet Wasp Diet

Feed on pollen & nectar Eat insects, fruit & other food available

Let’s Create a Bee Bath

During the hot summer months, bees get hot and need to find ways to cool off.  One way for a bee to cool off is by drinking water.  Water cools the bee and its hive, assists with digestion and also is used to feed the larvae.  Bees will find water sources; however, many sources are too deep for the bees so choosing a shallow dish, plant saucer or tray is essential.  Making the ideal bee bath will not only be a fun outdoor project for you and your child/grandchild, but also helps the bees in many ways.

Supplies Needed:

• Shallow dish

• Pebbles, Marbles, Rocks or Natural Material, Moss, Sticks

• Fresh Water 

Let’s get started:

• Fill the shallow dish, tray or planter tray with pebbles, marbles, rocks or other natural materials that will stick above or out of the water.  This will serve as the spots where the bees will land and stand while drinking.

• Use fresh water to place in the shallow dish making sure that the pebbles, rocks, marbles, etc. stick out so that the bees have places to land and stand

• Replace water regularly.  Water will need to be replaced more often during hot weather.

• Find the right spot to place the Bee Bath.  Place the Bee Bath in the shade or partly sunny area.  Keep the Bee Bath out of the direct sun so that the water does not warm up too much therefore making it unsafe for the bees. The water should never be hot.  Place Bee Bath near flowers to encourage its use as well.

Keep educating your children and grandchildren about bees and start creating Bee Baths around your flower and garden beds.  

Photo Credit: www.flickr.com (1,2,4), pexels.com (3), Rosieshappymusings.blogspot.com, all creative commons (5)