What do bees use to cool the hive?

Bees use water through evaporation to cool the hive effectively. When they collect water, they may bring it back to the hive and distribute it throughout the cells. This water serves as a critical cooling agent. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, which helps to lower the temperature inside the hive, ensuring that the brood remains in a suitable temperature range and preventing the honey from fermenting.

The combination of water and the bees' wing beats enhances the cooling effect, much like how human perspiration cools the body through evaporation. This method is particularly vital during hot summer months when maintaining optimal hive conditions is crucial for the health and productivity of the colony.