Bees play a critical role in our ecosystems by pollinating plants, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to food production. Yet, many well-meaning people try to help bees in ways that can actually do more harm than good. If you’ve ever considered leaving out fruit or sugar water for bees, it’s time to reconsider your approach.
In this guide, we’ll explore a simple, science-backed method to truly support your local bees—based on insights from experienced beekeepers. You’ll learn why some common practices are dangerous, how to create a bee-friendly watering station, and what else you can do to protect and support pollinators in your area.
Why Skipping Fruit Is the First Step to Helping Bees
Many people think they’re helping bees by placing pieces of fruit or sugary treats in their yard. While the intention is kind, the reality is more harmful than helpful.
The Problem with Feeding Fruit to Bees
When fruit is left outside:
- It ferments quickly, especially in warm weather.
- Fermentation encourages the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.
- It attracts wasps, ants, and other pests, which can cause stress or even physical harm to bees.
- Spoiled fruit can spread disease through the hive if bees carry contaminated material back.
Even a small piece of rotting fruit can impact the health of an entire colony. Beekeepers frequently warn against this seemingly innocent act because it disrupts the natural foraging behaviors and compromises hive hygiene.
What Bees Actually Need: Clean, Mineral-Rich Water
Bees don’t just drink water—they use it to regulate the temperature inside their hives. This process, called thermoregulation, is essential for:
- Cooling the hive during hot days
- Thinning honey for consumption and feeding larvae
- Maintaining optimal humidity levels
For all these reasons, clean, safe, and accessible water is one of the best things you can offer bees.
How to Set Up a Bee-Friendly Watering Station
Creating a bee hydration station is simple, inexpensive, and one of the most powerful ways to support pollinators in your environment.
What You’ll Need
- A shallow dish or plate (such as a plant saucer or ceramic plate)
- Fresh, clean water
- Small pebbles, stones, or sticks to provide landing spots
- Optional: A pinch of pink Himalayan salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose the Right Dish
Select a dish that’s wide and shallow. Bees can drown in deep bowls or cups. A plant saucer or ceramic plate is ideal because it allows plenty of space for bees to land and drink safely.
Add Landing Materials
Place pebbles, river rocks, or small sticks inside the dish. These materials should sit above the waterline so bees have a place to rest while they hydrate. This step is critical—without landing spots, bees risk drowning.
Fill with Clean Water
Add just enough water to fill the dish so it touches the rocks but does not fully submerge them. Rainwater or filtered tap water is best. Avoid water treated with chemicals like chlorine when possible.
Add a Mineral Boost (Optional)
Sprinkling in a tiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt provides essential minerals that support bee health. Bees need trace minerals for hive temperature regulation and overall colony function. But don’t overdo it—a pinch is more than enough.
Place in a Safe Spot
Position your bee watering station:
- In partial shade to prevent overheating
- Away from heavy foot traffic to keep bees undisturbed
- Near flowers or flowering plants, if possible
Bees will return regularly once they find a safe, consistent water source.
Why Himalayan Salt Helps Bees
While bees get some nutrients from pollen, many minerals—like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—are missing from their diet. Pink Himalayan salt naturally contains these in trace amounts, and it mimics what bees might find in mineral-rich puddles or wet rocks in the wild.
Adding a pinch to their water source allows them to supplement their needs without relying on potentially harmful sources like birdbaths, dirty puddles, or human food.
Additional Ways to Support Bees
Setting up a bee-friendly watering station is a great start, but there are other ways to make your environment more pollinator-friendly.
Plant Native Flowers
Bees are drawn to native plants and wildflowers. Consider planting a variety of species that bloom in different seasons, so bees have access to food year-round. Some favorites include:
- Coneflowers
- Lavender
- Black-eyed Susans
- Bee balm
- Sunflowers
Avoid ornamental plants that are sterile or hybridized to the point they produce little to no pollen or nectar.
Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
Many garden chemicals—especially those containing neonicotinoids—are lethal to bees. Choose organic gardening methods, and never spray chemicals when plants are in bloom.
Leave Wild Spaces
If possible, let part of your yard grow wild. Patches of tall grass, old logs, and even undisturbed soil offer valuable nesting areas for solitary bees like mason bees or leafcutters.
Support Local Beekeepers
Buying raw, local honey and bee products helps support responsible beekeepers who prioritize bee health. Local bees are often better adapted to local climates and diseases, and your support helps maintain healthy populations.
Tips for Maintaining Your Bee Watering Station
- Refill regularly: Check daily during hot weather and refill with clean water.
- Clean weekly: Rinse out the dish and clean the pebbles to prevent mold and algae growth.
- Watch for mosquito larvae: If mosquitoes appear, clean more frequently and change the water daily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use deep containers without landing materials.
- Don’t add sugar or honey to the water—this can spread disease.
- Don’t place the station in full sun without shade—hot water discourages bees.
- Don’t neglect cleaning—dirty stations can do more harm than good.
FAQs
Why can’t I just leave out sugar water for bees?
Sugar water can encourage bees to rely on artificial food sources rather than forage naturally. It also increases the risk of spreading disease within colonies and attracts pests.
Is it okay to put honey in their water?
No. Honey, especially non-local honey, can contain spores of diseases like foulbrood. This can be deadly to bee colonies.
Why is salt good for bees?
Bees need trace minerals to regulate hive temperature, thin honey, and support young bees. A small amount of pink Himalayan salt mimics natural mineral sources.
Can I use a birdbath instead?
Birdbaths are often too deep and lack safe landing spots for bees. If using a birdbath, modify it with floating sticks or rocks to ensure bees don’t drown.
What if I see ants or wasps using the water station?
Place the water station on a pedestal or stand, and surround the base with diatomaceous earth to deter crawling insects. You can also move it farther from ant pathways.
Do bees drink a lot of water?
Yes! Especially in summer. A single colony can collect up to a gallon of water a day to maintain hive temperature and moisture levels.
Final Thoughts
Helping bees doesn’t require big changes—just thoughtful, intentional steps that align with their natural behaviors. By skipping fruit and sugar water and instead providing a clean, shallow water source with landing spots and essential minerals, you’ll be giving bees exactly what they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Every small act of kindness counts. Whether it’s setting up a bee watering station, planting native flowers, or avoiding harmful chemicals, your efforts make a big difference for these crucial pollinators. So skip the sugar, offer some fresh water, and watch your garden buzz with life.