When the sun’s blazing and flowers are wilting, bees are busy staying cool. Whether they live in a buzzing hive, a bumblebee nest, or a solitary soil burrow, these clever pollinators have smart ways to beat the heat.
Honeybees: Built-In AC
Honeybees are fanning pros. On hot days, some collect water and others spread it inside the hive, then fan their wings to cool things down - like a bee-powered air conditioner! When it’s really hot, they “beard” by gathering outside the hive to reduce indoor heat.
Bumblebees: Fluffy Fan Operators
Bumblebees, especially tree bumblebees (Bombus hypnorum), nest in warm places like bird boxes and attics. To cool things down, they station themselves near the nest entrance and fan their wings to boost airflow. They also take breaks during the hottest hours and forage when it’s cooler.
Solitary Bees: Smart Nesters
Solitary bees don’t have wing-fanning squads, so they plan ahead. Mason bees, leafcutters, and mining bees choose shady soil, hollow stems, or cool crevices to nest. Some seal their bee homes with mud or leaves to trap moisture and regulate temperature.
How You Can Help
Support bees during heatwaves by offering shallow water (with pebbles for landing) or a watering station, planting shady blooms, and avoiding nest disturbance. Beekeepers can provide shade and ventilation to help hive-dwellers stay cool.
In a Nutshell, or a Flower! 🌸
Bees don’t just survive the heat - they outsmart it. With teamwork, clever nest sites, and tiny wing-fans, they’ve got summer sorted. Let’s help them keep buzzing!
