Bumblebees are finding it increasingly difficult to find food in the increasingly sealed and built-up areas of settlements. The distances between the nest and the food source are increasing and the buzzards often reach their limits in search of pollen. They tire and sink to the ground.

A tired bumblebee can be offered sugar water

When feeding makes sense

If a bumblebee is lying on the ground weakened by a lack of food, you can help it with emergency food. Insects have often reached the end of their lifespan, or the colony is slowly dying out. In these cases, feeding the animal no longer helps.

offer sugar

A perfectly balanced sugar solution consists of 30 percent glucose, the same amount of refined sugar and 40 percent water. You can start the mixture in a shot glass. After the components have completely dissolved, the auxiliary food is ready for use.

How to feed:

  • Put liquid on a teaspoon and offer to the animal
  • Fill an upside down Lego brick with the sugar solution
  • use a broken straw as a drink

Dangers of adding sugar

With the collected pollen, bumblebees take in what is known as p-hydroxycinnamic acid, which is produced by plants. It activates certain genes that help detoxify the body. This substance is not present in pure sugar solutions. It gives the bumblebee short-term energy. However, long-term administration of sugar increases susceptibility to pathogens. Because of this, sugar feeding is often considered controversial.

prevent food shortages

While worker bees prove to be true long-distance fliers, queen bumblebees manage far less per day. They fly 10 to 20 seconds and then need a break of about 15 minutes. During this dormant period, they hide under leaves or plant material and don't move anymore. In order to help flying insects in the long term, you should redesign your garden.

create islands of flowers

So that the pollinators do not have to suffer from food shortages, we recommend plants for their honey production. Create flowering islands on the lawn that are not mowed and allowed to overgrow. Buckets and balcony boxes (€109.00) create corridors between a sealed urban area where the buzz can rest and recharge their batteries.

tips

Deadwood ensures natural habitats for relaxed garden visitors. Wild nature is allowed to develop here at the same time.

Category:

Animals in the garden