I need to make a water source setup for bees. Two found their way into my swamp cooler and drowned. I found them while refilling the water ( has to be done manually because it’s broken. I might have gotten one out in time because she’s not where I left her. She was weakly holding onto the stick I used to fish her out with, so I thought she’d probably die too. Maybe not.
This morning, I saw a harvester ant lurking around, drinking up droplets of water from the ground. Just now, I saw her digging a hole under the swamp cooler. Looking closer, I see she’s a queen. (Wing scars on her back) I caught her and am taking her to the park. Interesting as ants are, I don’t want them living too close to me. Certainly don’t want a colony residing where I often have to stand.
Can’t get a good pic of her scars. Definitely a queen though. 😬
This is the simplest one i know of. Although the pebbles shouldn't be so level ....its better to push your fist into them in places to make multiple levels so if the water evaporates, the bees can use a lower level .
The down side is, every few months you have to clean all the pebbles of slime.🤷
But its pretty and very affective. Also good for tiny birds that struggle with larger, deeper bird baths .
