Turn Any Bird Bath Into A Bee & Butterfly Water Station With A Simple Solution From Amazon

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Most nature lovers know that the success of a garden relies heavily upon pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other hardworking wildlife are responsible for thriving flowers and fruit production that we often take for granted. Like us, these creatures also require water to survive. In addition, pollinators need a safe place to land to take a drink easily and safely, as there is a drowning risk if they fall or are blown into the water source. Amazon carries a solution to easily convert your current bird bath into a more reliable watering station: floating bee islands.

Retailing for $11.99 for a 4-pack, the DECOHS Floating Bee Island is a perforated EVA foam insert that can be placed in a basic bird bath, creating an ideal hydration station for bees and butterflies alike. The foam discs are lightweight enough to sit on the water's surface rather than sink, providing a place for bees and butterflies to perch and drink water through the disc's holes. Measuring just under 8 inches in diameter, a float can seamlessly fit in most bird baths.

At the time of writing, customers had given the product an average rating of 4.2 stars with over 200 reviews. Buyers appreciate how the float effectively provides drinking access for common garden pollinators while reducing their risk of drowning. One five-star reviewer on Amazon's website states, "These floating discs are a total lifesaver for my bees! I'm a beekeeper, and these little wonders keep them safe while they drink, along with every other thirsty insect." 

While these nifty little floats can provide bees with safe access to drinking water, there are some helpful tips for the best odds at success. Firstly, several reviewers note that the floats get gross quickly; since the material is highly porous, it's easy to imagine the foam harboring algae or other bacterial growth. Because they are said to be quite durable — one reviewer says that their cows were biting and stepping on them — you can clean them as they get grimey. While the product's specifications don't instruct users how to clean the bee floats, EVA foam can generally be cleaned with mild dish detergent and then rinsed clean. If you find that your bird bath water and your float, are becoming dirty quickly, consider changing the water in your bird bath more frequently; a clean  water source should slow the growth of bacteria.

One Amazon reviewer explains that the bee float can be cut down: "It's much bigger than it needs to be, but I do notice there are a lot of bees using it!! It's deteriorated in some places, so I've simply cut it down into smaller pieces." The option of cutting the floats down could also be an asset if you have a small bird bath that fits on your patio. Lastly, while the floats are praised for their durable design, you'll need to keep an eye on the elements. One review states that they can blow away in windy weather, while another states that they will deteriorate in freezing conditions; just be sure to bring them inside when temperatures begin to plummet. Along with access to fresh drinking water, make sure you include some of the 10 best plants for your pollinator garden, and implement strategies to bring more pollinators to your yard and garden.