As the UK basks in a hot weather this weekend, Brits are being reminded to not only protect themselves from the sun but also to look out for our buzzing friends - the bees. One piece of advice is to place a spoonful of sugar mixed with water outside on a 'colourful' spoon.
While it may seem strange, as sweet treats usually attract unwanted pests like flies and ants, these little pollinators would greatly appreciate the kind act. Bees that appear lifeless or are resting on the ground are often just exhausted and in need of hydration due to the heat.
The Met Office has forecasted "another warm and sunny day for most" today (Sunday, May 11), with highs of 26C, before thunderstorms approach. By providing a spoonful of sugar water in your garden, you can help revive bees. However, this should only be done as an emergency last resort, such as when there are no bee-friendly flowers around and you are certain that the bee is not just resting.
The sugary solution provides them with the necessary energy they need to return to their hive and continue their vital pollination work, reports Yorkshire Live.
Bees perceive colours differently from humans. They have a strong preference for blues, purples, and pinks. They can also detect yellow and orange hues, but red appears to them as black.
Setting out a small amount of sugary water on a vibrant spoon could be a lifesaver for exhausted bees. Experts also recommend placing the spoon near bright flowers like pinks, purples, or blues in your garden to assist any sluggish bees that may be nearby.
The Bumblebee Conversation Trust advises: "If there are no bee-friendly flowers around, mix 50/50 white sugar and water to give the bumblebee a one-off energy boost. Simply offer a drop or two of sugar water, on a spoon or similar, to the bumblebee's head and then allow it time to recuperate.
"Please do not use brown sugar or honey. Brown sugar is harder for bumblebees to digest, and honey can contain pathogens, which might make the bumblebee ill."
Bees are indispensable allies when it comes to the environment. They pollinate 70 of the roughly 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts vital for global nourishment.
As crucial pollinators, bees are integral to the health of our ecosystem; their decline would precipitate widespread ecological disruption. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling due to urbanisation, climate change, and the usage of pesticides.
Sir David Attenborough, the esteemed broadcaster and naturalist who recently celebrated his 99th birthday, has previously sounded the alarm on the catastrophic consequences of bee extinction for humanity, suggesting we might only survive four years without them. To aid these vital pollinators, he recommends leaving a sugar and water concoction in your garden.
Bees may seem lifeless during certain times of the year, but Sir David clarifies that they are merely exhausted and unable to return to their hives, which can lead to them being lost.
For those encountering a fatigued bee within their home or outside, Attenborough advises a straightforward solution of sugar and water to revive the insect. He suggests mixing two tablespoons of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water and placing it on a spoon for the bee to feed on.
"This time of year bees can often look like they are dying or dead, however, they're far from it," Attenborough told Country Living. "Bees can become tired and they simply don't have enough energy to return to the hive, which can often result in being swept away.
"If you find a tired bee in your home, a simple solution of sugar and water will help revive an exhausted bee. Simply mix two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water, and place on a spoon for the bee to reach."
The Bumblebee Conversation Trust adds: "We can help bumblebees by leaving them alone to rest, and providing areas of long grass and undisturbed leaf litter so they have safe places to rest. If you find a bumblebee resting in a place where it might get squashed, and it's safe for you to do so, you can gently move it to a more sheltered location or onto a nearby bee-friendly flower."
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Bees may become exhausted after long foraging trips or when resources are scarce, especially older bees with diminished energy levels. Dehydration, too, is a critical concern for their stamina. During autumn, the decreasing availability of nectar and pollen forces bees to travel further, leading to fatigue.
While sugar water can provide a quick boost for tired bees, it's important to remember that it shouldn't be relied upon as a permanent solution. Bees require a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins for their health, which sugar water simply doesn't offer.
Determining if a bee is tired involves observing its behaviour and energy level. To assist a weary bee, a quick fix could be a spoonful of sugar water, but it's not a solution to regularly rely on since bees need nectar and pollen for adequate nutrition.
While sugar water can momentarily aid a weak bee, it's no match for the nourishing benefits of natural nectar and pollen. Overuse of sugar water can also attract other insects, spur yeast growth, and disrupt the crucial role bees play in pollination.
Depending on sugar water could render bees overly reliant on humans rather than their natural foraging habits, raising concerns amongst wildlife advocates. A far superior tactic to ensure the welfare of our buzzing friends is to cultivate blooms that lure them and provide a steady stream of fresh water in your gardens.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has advised: "A bumblebee's diet is made up of pollen and nectar from flowers, which provide all the nutrients and energy that bumblebees need to thrive. The best way to help bumblebees and other pollinating insects is to grow plenty of bee-friendly flowers, especially during the bumblebee season from March to October."
