How to help a bee in distress

04/12/2025

🐝 When you find a bee that cannot fly

Sometimes we find a bee sitting on the ground, motionless or unable to fly.

This does not necessarily mean that it is sick or dying – very often it is just exhausted and out of energy.

During the year, there is a period known among beekeepers as the June gap.

This is the time between the flowering of spring plants and the beginning of the main summer and autumn flowering.

Bees can use up their last reserves of energy during flight and no longer have the strength to return to the hive.

🍯 First aid for bees in distress

If you come across a bee that:

you can provide simple first aid.

The procedure is very simple:

2 parts white sugar

1 part water

Mix the sugar in the water and offer a small amount of syrup to the bee (for example, on a spoon, lid, or finger).

The bee will start to drink and regain the energy it needs within a few minutes.

If you help it in time, it will fly away again.

It's a small gesture, but it makes a big difference.

⚠️ Important notice

This procedure should only be used as emergency and one-time assistance.

Bees need a varied and natural diet.

Sugar solution is not a substitute for nectar or pollen.

Never use honey.

❌ Honey can transmit diseases between colonies, and its use could cause more harm than good.

✔️ In an emergency, use only white sugar and water.

🌼 How to help bees in the long term

The best way to help bees is not with sugar, but by providing an environment where they can find food themselves:

Bees don't thank us with words,

but their work is indispensable for the landscape and for us.

Words are like bees – some bring honey, others leave a sting. 🐝

Beekeeping at Vydra