Bees are generally beneficial insects that not only make delicious honey but have a crucial role in the pollination of plants we human beings rely on for food. Whenever possible, it is best to leave bees alone to go about their business. Unfortunately, however, a bee nest on your property may cause trouble, potentially to the point of requiring bee removal.

The habits of bees are often mysterious. For example, many people wonder about how the weather affects bees. Can they fly in the rain, or do they stay in their hives to wait out the storm? The answers to these questions are as fascinating as they are complex.

Can Bees Fly in the Rain?

The severity of precipitation on a given day determines whether bees can fly in it. Bees can generally fly in a drizzle, mist, or light rain. However, if drops of water accumulate on their bodies, it weighs them down and affects their flying ability. Even if they can compensate for the extra weight, the extra effort can fatigue them, causing them to fall to the ground.

Heavy rains pose greater difficulties for bees. A heavy raindrop could break their wings or knock them down. Like all animals, bees need water to drink, but they cannot swim. Therefore, they could easily drown if they got knocked into a puddle by heavy rain.

What Do Bees Do When It Rains?

When the weather is not conducive to flying and foraging, bees usually stay in their hive and wait for more favourable weather. There are reasons for this other than the bees’ own safety. The nectar in the flowers can be diluted and washed away by heavy rains. Therefore, even if bees did take the risk and venture out of their hives in the rain, food would be more scarce , and the trip would hardly be worthwhile.

Nevertheless, the habits of bees in response to the weather depend partly on the species. Bumblebees are more likely than honey bees to go out and forage when the weather is wet and cool. Therefore, they may get caught in the rain.

Can Bees Predict the Weather?

Research indicates that bees not only stay home when the weather outside is wet, but before the rain starts, they often increase their foraging for a few days beforehand. This suggests that bees anticipate that rain might be coming and increase their foraging efforts beforehand to compensate for it. While it is not entirely clear how bees might know that rain is coming, one theory is that they might be able to detect changes in atmospheric pressure that presage a storm and react accordingly.

What Can You Do To Deter Bees’ Nests on Your Property?

Because bees are beneficial, their removal should only be a last resort. It is in everyone’s interest if you can deter bees from building a nest on your property to begin with. One of the best ways to do that is to control standing water on your property. Bees prefer brackish water for the nutrients it offers. If you have birdbaths, fountains, swimming pools, or water dishes for pets, you should keep these clean and clear. Leaky pipes should be repaired right away to discourage bees from taking up residence nearby. Remember that, while bees can fly up to five miles to find water, they prefer sources that are much closer.

Seasonal Pest Control in Halifax

The Four Seasons approach by Truly Nolen offers you many benefits when it comes to pest control. Our experienced team of local technicians will make periodic visits throughout the year to prevent pests from coming into your house. However, if you experience an infestation of pests between visits, such as wasps or possibly bees, as a Four Seasons customer, you can call us for help, and we will service your account at no extra cost. Find out more about the services we offer in Halifax.