Garden drama: no more bee watering station

These tiny bees (I think they’re sweat bees) keep falling in. They’re not grabbing onto the rocks, so I’ve been fishing them out all morning. It’s just not going to work out. Too many little guys. I saw floating stuff to buy on Amazon to help them avoid this situation, but those remind me of rubber mats in restaurant kitchens. Cleaning those was always so gross.

Besides, the whole point was to stop mining bees from drowning in my swamp cooler. Since I found and sealed up the little nest in the yard, no more have gotten stuck. Thankfully.

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Matt85 · 36-40, M

I'm trying to picture what this bee station looks like so i can offer suggestions
it is very sad that the bees are perishing

Colonelmustardseed · 36-40

@Matt85 They won’t be anymore. Sealing up the nest they made forced the mining bees to move elsewhere. They were the ones that kept ending up in my swamp cooler.
Getting rid of the watering station (similar to a bird bath, but not as deep) will keep the little sweat bees from drowning in that.

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Colonelmustardseed · 36-40

@Matt85 I’ve never seen their nests. They’re so small, and the only time I’ve seen any have been when they’re stuck in water. 🥲

smiler2012 · 61-69

@Colonelmustardseed 🤔silly idea maybe can you not get some mesh wih small holes too stop the bees falling throuh intoo the water

Colonelmustardseed · 36-40

@smiler2012 That’s an interesting idea. Maybe it could work, and it would be easier to clean. 🤔

smiler2012 · 61-69

@Colonelmustardseed 🤔obviously you would have too keep it clear of the water otherwise it will just perish

NativePortlander1970

What about lily pads?

Colonelmustardseed · 36-40

@NativePortlander1970 I think my setup is way too small for them.

NativePortlander1970

@Colonelmustardseed Hopefully You get it perfected.

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