What Do Bees Eat?
The answer to the question of what bees eat depends on what life stage they are in. While the world of bee sustenance may at first appear complex, it is actually fascinating and relatively simple to understand. By learning a few basic facts about bee nutrition, beekeepers and bee enthusiasts alike can ensure their bee colonies are healthy and well-fed.
Understanding What Bees Feed On
When it comes to bee diets, the types of food they seek will depend on their age. All stages of bee growth require a diet consisting of different mixtures of pollen and nectar. Worker bees, the most populous members of the hive colony, are responsible for collecting pollen and nectar from flowers for the larvae, the young bees that are still developing. This process of foraging for sustenance is as important to the health of the colony as the air they breathe.
The Buzz about Bee Nutrition
Pollen and nectar are essential to bee columns because they contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals necessary for proper bee nutrition. This means that without fruits and flowers, bee populations would dwindle and eventually die off. The carbohydrates present in nectar give bees the energy they need to fly, while the proteins present in pollen help nourish growing larvae.
What’s on the Menu for Our Busy Bees?
Far more than honey, bees love fresh fruits and vegetables. These include, but are not limited to: apples, blueberries, strawberries, onions, carrots, and squash. Not only do these foods provide the nutrients necessary for supporting a healthy colony of bees, they add an extra sweet flavor to the honey they collect!
Sometimes, bees will also eat water and mix it in with the honey they have stored in the hive for food. Additionally, bees also love sugar, but it should not be given to them in large amounts as it can cause problems with digestive issues.
Providing the Proper Nutrition for Bees
Bees can thrive and be healthy if given adequate nutrition. To maximize the health of a colony, beekeepers need to keep an eye on the bee diet and make sure there are plenty of open flowers available to collect nectar and pollen. If not enough flower sources exist, beekeepers may need to use supplemental feeders and other products to help ensure their bee colonies get the nutrition required to thrive.
When providing excess sugar for bees, keep in mind that sugary substances, like sugar water or high-fructose corn syrup, usually should not make up more than 10 percent of a bee’s total diet. This is because too much sugar can be bad for their health and can cause digestive issues.
The Sweet Truth Behind Bees’ Diets
At the end of the day, bees are just animals that need the proper nutrients to survive. By understanding the complexities of a honeybees diet, we can help support their health, encouraging successful and sustainable bee colonies all over the world.
When it comes to bee diets, it’s important to remember that bees love a diverse and balanced diet. A mix of pollen, nectar, and fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary to keeping a hive healthy and happy, and in turn, protecting our environment. By supplying them with the resources they need and protecting the environment they depend on, we can ensure that our bees continue to be a vital part of our world.
