BBKA Forum

Hello all,

I noticed a lot of bees on a a dung heap near my apiary. Any thoughts on what they are interested in? It’s only horse manure/old shavings from stables and some recent grass cuttings.

Assuming it’s damp, it’s not unusual for animals and insects to prefer water sources with salts and minerals in them even if they seem less than ideal to us. Old time beekeepers often supplied water sources with salt added. It’s pretty dry out there so maybe they are taking advantage of what’s nearest.

I’ve noticed pet dogs and cats often drink from puddles in preference to tap water.