Bee's Behavior

Do bees fly in the rain? Where do bees go when it rains?

Worker bees are known for making many foraging trips in a day. They can take up to 15 foraging trips and visit up to 100 flowers in a single trip. That is how they manage to collect nectar to fill the brood boxes and supers with honey. They work extremely hard in summer, spring, and fall to have enough reserves in the winter. But, what about rainy days? 

Similar Articles you may like to read –
Do Bees Like The Full Sun?
Do Honey Bees Stay In The Same Nest Every Year?
Do Bees Feel Pain?
Do Bees Have Feelings

Do bees fly in the rain? Where do bees go when it rains?

Yes, bees do fly in the rain. Light and short showers have little effect on the foraging bees. But flying for long period can be dangerous to them. While they can fly comfortably with small water droplets on their wings, thorax, and abdomen, the build-up of excess moisture on the body creates extra weight when flying. The added weight, especially on the wings can increase the time of foraging flights or knock them down in extreme cases. The weight impedes the bee’s wing beats or breaks its wings.  Normally, their wings beat at 12,000-13,000 betas in a minute.  

Usually, when it rains when bees are out of the hive, they will seek shelter until the rain subsides. And if it rains while in the hive, they usually stay in until the rain subsides. 

How do bees prepare for rain?

Honey bees work hard to prevent damage in their or rains filling the hive. They fill every gap exposed to the elements with propolis which helps to create a water-tight seal. Beekeepers should also be cautious to protect the colony from rain by choosing an ideal location, steady not to topple in heavy winds.

Are bees able to predict rain?

According to research, bees are good at predicting the weather. In the case of rain, they can also estimate the intensity. That is why light showers do not influence their foraging patterns but will seek safety in the hive when there is a heavy storm. 

Bees Know When it is Going to Rain

Bees have an incredible ability to sense changes in the weather, including rain. Before it starts raining, bees can often be seen returning to their hives or seeking shelter under leaves or flowers. They can sense changes in barometric pressure and humidity, which signal an impending rainfall. Bees also rely on their keen sense of smell to detect changes in the air that indicate rain is on the way. Once they sense these cues, bees prioritize returning to their hives to wait out the rain. This instinctual behavior helps bees protect themselves and their colonies from the wet weather, ensuring their survival and well-being.

Does bad weather affect the honey bees’ behavior?

During unfavorable weather, honey bees tend to be more defensive than usual. Beekeepers are advised not to perform inspections on rainy, windy, or cold days. Some beekeepers think this is to protect their food reserves for the bad times ahead. However, researchers have found that they usually work extremely hard before a significant storm. They predict there will be a food shortage in the coming months; hence they work extra hard. Some of the ways that they may sense oncoming rain is through changes in temperature and humidity. 

More articles you may like to read –
Interesting Facts About Honey Bees
Are bees active at night?
How far do honey bees travel from the hive?
What smell do bees hate?

Rain usually dilutes the nectar from flowers or even washes it away. This makes the foraging trips unfruitful until the flowers get nectar production again. 

Are bees good swimmers?

Honey bees cannot swim, although they need water to survive. That is why beekeepers are advised to place stones or rocks if they supply them with water or use shallow sources. They use it to maintain the humidity level in the hive and dilute royal jelly and honey. They also cool the hive by evaporating water droplets on hot days. Honey bees prefer blackish water as opposed to clean, clear water. That is why you can find them in swimming pools, birdbaths, and other areas with standing water. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *