Watering Bees Keeps Hives Buzzing Monday, October 8, 2012
California imports more than half the 1.5 million bee hives it
uses to pollinate almonds, avocados and other crops. The bees
come from all over the country, and may spend three or four days
in a truck. That's why beekeepers and the state are coordinating
to set up five watering stations at agricultural inspection
stops along California's border. Jackie Park Burris is with the
California State Beekeepers Association. She says water helps
cool and calm the bees. PARK BURRIS: "(It's) like being stuffed
in a elevator with a whole bunch of people, because those
beehives are put on that truck, and then they're all tight
together. And a beehive will regulate it's own temperature to 93
degrees, and if it has water it can do that." The watering
stations are essentially hose hook-ups which beekeepers can
connect to their soaking systems. They're being installed in
Truckee, Blythe, Needles, Yermo, and Benton. Funding for the
project comes from the California Stat