As a beekeeper, one of the most important skills you'll develop is knowing when and how to feed your bees. While honey bees are remarkably self-sufficient, there are times when they need our help to survive and thrive. Sugar syrup is a common supplemental food source for honey bees, but there's more to it than just mixing sugar and water. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about sugar syrup for bees, including ratios, recipes, sugar types, and feeding schedules.
Why Feed Sugar Syrup to Bees?
Before we dive into the details, it's important to understand why we feed sugar syrup to bees. There are several scenarios where supplemental feeding becomes necessary:
New colonies or package bees
Weak or struggling hives
Periods of nectar dearth
Preparing for winter
Stimulating brood production in early spring
In these situations, sugar syrup can provide the energy bees need to build comb, rear brood, and maintain the colony's health.
Sugar Syrup Ratios: What You Need to Know
The ratio of sugar to water in your syrup depends on the time of year and the purpose of feeding. Here are the most common ratios used by beekeepers:
1:1 Syrup (Light Syrup)
This ratio consists of equal parts of sugar and water by weight or volume. It's most similar to nectar and is used for:
Feeding package bees or new colonies
Stimulating brood rearing in spring
Encouraging comb building
1:1 syrup is typically used in spring and early summer.
2:1 Syrup (Heavy Syrup)
This thicker syrup contains two parts sugar to one part water. It's used for:
Fall feeding to help bees build up winter stores
Supplementing food stores during nectar dearths
The lower water content makes it easier for bees to process and store.
3:1 Syrup (Very Heavy Syrup)
Some beekeepers use this extremely thick syrup in cold climates during late fall or early winter. It contains three parts sugar and one part water and is less likely to freeze.
Choosing the Right Sugar
The type of sugar you use is crucial for the health of your bees. Here's what you need to know:
Best Choice: White Granulated Sugar
White granulated sugar from cane or beet sources is the best option for feeding bees. It's pure sucrose, the closest natural sugar to nectar.
Acceptable Alternatives:
Sugar cubes (pure granulated sugar)
Drivert sugar (92% sucrose, 8% invert sugar)
Avoid These Sugars:
Brown sugar (contains molasses, harmful to bees)
Confectioners' sugar (contains cornstarch)
Organic sugar (higher ash content, harder for bees to digest)
Evaporated cane juice (contains impurities that can cause dysentery)
Feeding Schedules and Best Practices
Knowing when and how to feed your bees is as important as what you feed them. Here are some guidelines:
Spring Feeding
Start with 1:1 syrup to stimulate brood rearing and comb building
Feed consistently until natural nectar flows begin
Monitor consumption and refill feeders as needed
Summer Feeding
Generally not necessary unless there's a nectar dearth
Use 1:1 syrup if feeding is required
Fall Feeding
Switch to 2:1 syrup in late summer or early fall
Feed until hives reach target winter weight or bees stop taking syrup
Aim to complete feeding before temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C)
Winter Feeding
Avoid liquid syrup in cold temperatures
Use candy boards or fondant if emergency feeding is necessary
Feeding Methods and Equipment
There are several ways to provide sugar syrup to your bees:
Entrance feeders: Easy to use but can promote robbing
Top feeders: Convenient for refilling without opening the hive
Frame feeders: Fit inside the hive but reduce space for frames
Bucket or jar feeders: Can hold large quantities of syrup
Choose a method that works best for your hive setup and management style.
Important Considerations
When feeding sugar syrup to your bees, keep these points in mind:
Never feed bees when honey supers are on the hive to avoid contaminating honey for harvest.
Be cautious of robbing behavior, especially when using entrance feeders.
In warm weather, 1:1 syrup can ferment quickly. Only provide what bees can consume in 3-5 days.
Remove syrup feeders once natural nectar flows begin.
Always use clean equipment to prevent the spread of disease.
Feeding sugar syrup to bees is an essential skill for beekeepers. By understanding the different ratios, choosing the right sugar, and following best practices for feeding schedules, you can help your colonies thrive during challenging times. Remember, while sugar syrup is an excellent supplemental food source, it's not a complete replacement for natural nectar and honey. Always strive to provide your bees with diverse forage and only feed when necessary.
By mastering the art of feeding sugar syrup, you'll be better equipped to support your bees throughout the beekeeping season, ensuring strong, healthy colonies year-round.