Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common Bee Raft FAQ questions about safe water for bees, backyard water sources, birdbaths, fountains, ponds, shipping, returns, and wholesale options.
What is a Bee Raft and how does it help provide safe water for bees?
A Bee Raft is a decorative floating platform that gives bees a safe place to land and drink from your bird bath, fountain, pond, or backyard water feature. Bees need water just like any other living creature, but they can easily drown in open water without something to hold onto. The Bee Raft solves that with a simple, beautiful float that sits right on the surface.
Why do bees need a floating platform?
Bees are surprisingly poor swimmers. When they land on the edge of a bird bath or dip too close to a fountain, they often fall in and can’t get back out. A Bee Raft gives them a stable, non-slip surface to land on, drink from, and safely take off again. It’s a small thing that makes a real difference.
What size water features does the Bee Raft work in?
The Lotus Flower Bee Raft – Small is designed for birdbaths, garden fountains, decorative ponds, buckets, barrels, and other untreated outdoor water sources.
For larger ponds or garden water features, using multiple Bee Rafts provides additional landing areas for visiting bees. Larger Bee Rafts for swimming pools are coming soon.
Important: Bee Rafts are not recommended for chemically treated swimming pools, hot tubs, or spas. For poolside areas, we recommend setting up a separate freshwater station where bees can safely land and drink.
Will it work in my fountain if there’s a pump running?
Yes, in most cases. The Bee Raft floats naturally and is lightweight enough to move gently with water flow. In fountains with very strong jets or heavy current, it may drift around more, but it will still float and function. Many customers use it in low-to-medium flow fountains without any issues.
Is it safe for other wildlife, birds, frogs, fish?
Absolutely. The Bee Raft is made to be wildlife-friendly. It won’t harm fish, frogs, or birds, and it doesn’t contain any chemicals or coatings that would affect your water quality. Birds may even use it as a perch!
What is it made of?
The Bee Raft is made from a durable, lightweight foam material that’s designed to float indefinitely and hold up in outdoor conditions. It’s UV-resistant and built to last through seasons of outdoor use.
How do I clean it?
Simple, just rinse it off with water. If it gets algae buildup over time (totally normal in outdoor water features), a soft brush and mild soap will do the trick. Rinse thoroughly before putting it back in the water.
Will it fade or deteriorate in the sun?
The Bee Raft is designed for outdoor use and holds up well in direct sunlight. Like any outdoor product, some gradual fading may occur over time, but it won’t affect how it works.
How many do I need?
For a standard bird bath, one is usually enough. For larger water features or ponds where you want more coverage, two or three spread around the surface works great. Bees will find them.
Do I need to do anything special to set it up?
Nope, just place it in the water and let it float. That’s it. No anchoring, no assembly, no tools required.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within the United States. If you’re outside the US and interested in ordering, feel free to reach out through our Contact page and we’ll do our best to help.
I’m a store owner. Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes! We work with garden centers, nurseries, backyard living stores, and eco-friendly retailers. Head to our Contact page and mention wholesale in your message, or email us directly. We’d love to talk.