Water source for evaporative cooling

Providing a water source near hives in hot weather assists bees with evaporative cooling. Bees use water to cool the hive by fanning their wings at the hive entrance and spreading water droplets within the hive, promoting evaporation and heat dissipation. A readily available water source, such as a shallow dish with stones or a bee waterer, allows bees to efficiently collect water for cooling. This reduces the energy bees expend foraging for water and ensures they have the resources for evaporative cooling, helping to prevent hive overheating in hot conditions. Water sources are particularly important in dry or arid climates.