Bee Water

[swabby]

I have an old bath tub for water resourses of the bees. I had placed some boards in it to prevent drowning. Today I noticed the bees at the pumphouse of my well pump. After further watching ,I saw that they were drinking water from a paint roller and plastic paint tray. The roller soaks up the water and the bees can suck it up as if they were getting nectar.
Although the bath tub is closer than the paint tray, I decieded to put a roller in the bath tub so my girls don't have to fly that far. I found this situation amusing and entertainment for this old man who enjoys observing the bees. :applause:

[btr568]

thanks for the tip,sounds like a good idea

[Brent Bean]

You may find them still going to the pump house, even if the bath tub is closer. Once they find an acceptable water source they will continue to us it until the other becomes unavailable.
If you want them to use the source you have so generously provided, get rid of the other. Then pull up a chair and have fun watching them.
:)

[alpha6]

This seems to be true. I have (had) an old cooler that I keep filled with fresh water with rocks for them to drink on right next to the yard but they prefer to fly about 600 meters to a natural stream that flows on the property. Guess they like "fresh" spring water better then whats in the cooler. :scratch: Won't matter next year...the cooler got "crushed" this year with when I was moving snow. :doh:

[Jeffzhear]

I lay burlap in the water and over the edges; keeps the bees from drowning and gives them access to the water.

[RayMarler]

check out Glenn Apiaries website, just do a google search for glenn apiaries. He has a great link for making a water pond which should do well for a bathtub. There are plants you can grow that crawl along the top of the water that will provide standing support for the bees as they come in for a drink. It'll make that old bathtub look pretty with character!

[swabby]

Thanks Ray.

[kaisfate]

what about freezing? I have an old cast iron bathtub that I am thinking about making into a "pond" but we get freezing temps here in the winter. Should I bury it maybe halfway? I know I could wrap it in insulation or something but that would be ugly :) Also, what can I do to limit evaporation during 100 degree summer afternoons?

TIA

[dcross]

what about freezing? I have an old cast iron bathtub

Based on your average temps, you don't need to worry one bit about that bathtub freezing:) Pipes maaaaaaaaybe.

Also somebody mentioned Glenn's website: http://www.glenn-apiaries.com/beepond.html