You are walking along and you spot a bee on the pavement. It is not flying. It is barely moving. You want to help but you are not sure how. Here is what to do, step by step.
Why bees get tired
Bees burn through energy fast. On a long flight, in cold weather, or when flowers are scarce, a bee can run low on fuel before it makes it home. A short rest and a little food are often all it needs.
Is the bee tired or just resting?
Most bees on the ground are fine. They stop to rest, warm up, or wait out a cold spell. A resting bee often grooms itself or shuffles about. A tired bee sits very still and low, with little movement. Watch for ten minutes before you step in.
Step one: move it to a flower
A flower is always the best fix. Bees feed on nectar, the natural fuel they are built for. If there is a bloom nearby, gently guide the bee onto a petal using a leaf or a piece of card. Let it feed in its own time.
Step two: if there are no flowers
No flowers in reach? You have two options. At home, you can offer a little sugar water. Here is the safe mix for saving a bee with sugar water. Out and about, bee rescue kits hold bee-safe syrup ready on your keys. One drop near the bee’s head is enough.
Step three: give it space
Step back once you have offered food. A bee needs calm to feed and recover. Recovery takes five to twenty minutes. A bumblebee may rest longer. Try not to hover or touch it.
When a bee cannot be saved
Some bees are at the end of their lives, and no food will help. If a bee does not recover after a good while, move it to a sheltered spot and let nature take its course. For more on what to do, read our step-by-step guide to reviving a bee.