Honey Bees: Surviving Extreme Heat and How You Can Help!

Understanding Honey Bee Adaptations

Honeybees in the heat outside hive

Honey bees exhibit remarkable adaptations that help them cope with extreme heat. This showcases their resilience and social cooperation. When the internal temperature of a honey bee colony rises above the critical threshold of 96.8°F (approximately 36°C), a fascinating behavioral response is triggered among the worker bees.

These industrious insects position themselves at the hive entrance. They create a living barrier that serves two purposes: regulating internal temperature and facilitating airflow. As they fan their wings vigorously, they generate a cooling breeze. This breeze circulates throughout the hive, effectively lowering the temperature and creating a more hospitable environment for the colony's survival (Winston 1987).

The Role of Water-Foragers

In addition to the fanning behavior, a specialized group of worker bees, known as water-foragers, undertakes the essential task of locating and retrieving water. These foragers venture out into the heat, searching for nearby sources such as puddles, streams, or dew on grass.

Once they fill their crop with water, they return to the hive and deposit the liquid inside. This process is critical for the colony’s thermoregulation. The collected water is not only crucial for hydration but also plays a pivotal role in cooling the hive (Kuhnholz and Seeley 1997).

Water Distribution for Cooling

Inside the hive, the bees meticulously distribute the droplets of water they have gathered. This strategic move complements the fanning action, as the evaporation of the water droplets creates a cooling effect similar to modern air conditioning systems. This ingenious method of temperature regulation is vital, especially during extreme heat. It helps maintain a stable and suitable environment for the brood and the queen.

As external temperatures rise, the number of honey bees engaged in water foraging significantly increases. This demonstrates their collective effort to combat the oppressive heat (Vanderplank et al. 2019).

The Importance of Social Structure

This cooperative behavior highlights the remarkable adaptability of honey bees. It also underscores the importance of social structure within the colony. Each bee plays a specific role, whether foraging for water, fanning, or tending to the brood. Together, they work harmoniously to ensure the survival of the colony under challenging conditions.

The ability of honey bees to regulate their hive temperature is a testament to their evolutionary success. It serves as an example of how social insects can thrive in diverse and often harsh environments.

How You Can Help Honey Bees

Growing concerns about climate change and rising temperatures affect honey bee populations. You can support these essential pollinators by creating a more hospitable environment. Here are some ways to get involved:

Create Bee-Friendly Spaces

Encourage bees in your garden by planting flowers that attract them. Choose native plants, as they have adapted to local climates and provide the nectar and pollen that bees need. Avoid using pesticides, as they can harm bees and other beneficial insects.

Water Sources for Bees

Consider installing bee waterers in your garden. These simple setups can provide much-needed hydration for honey bees. Waterers can be made from shallow dishes filled with pebbles and water. The pebbles provide bees with safe landing spots. Be sure to change the water regularly to prevent stagnation and contamination.

Support Local Beekeepers

Buying local honey not only supports beekeepers but also encourages the sustainable practices of those who care for bees. Learning more about beekeeping can also be a rewarding experience. Many local beekeeping clubs welcome new members and offer classes.

Advocacy and Education

Raise awareness about the importance of honey bees and the challenges they face. Participate in community workshops or online campaigns that focus on bee conservation. Sharing information on social media platforms can also amplify your impact.

So head over to Pinterest for some ideas on DIY bee waterers, like the ones below, and help cool off our pollinators. 😉