Providing artificial nectar, commonly known as sugar syrup, is a valuable tool for supporting honey bee colonies. This supplement is used when natural forage is scarce (a nectar dearth) or to assist new colonies in establishing themselves. Feeding also stimulates the queen to increase egg-laying, helping to build up the colony’s population before a major nectar flow or winter. Remember, this syrup is purely a source of carbohydrates for energy and should only supplement, never replace, the complex nutrients bees derive from natural pollen and nectar sources.
The Essential Recipe for Bee Syrup
The foundation of a safe and effective bee syrup is plain white granulated sugar, which is pure sucrose. This refined sugar, whether derived from cane or beet, is easily digestible for the bees. It is imperative to avoid unrefined sugars, such as brown sugar, confectionery sugar, or molasses. These contain impurities and high levels of ash that bees cannot process. Undigested solids accumulate in the bee’s gut, potentially leading to dysentery, which is harmful during cold periods when bees cannot leave the hive for cleansing flights.
The concentration of the syrup must be adjusted based on the colony’s immediate needs, with two primary ratios guiding the recipe. The first is a 1:1 mixture, which means one part sugar to one part water, typically measured by volume. This thinner consistency closely mimics the natural nectar flow found in flowers, signaling to the colony that a period of abundance has begun. The 1:1 syrup is generally used in the early spring or summer to stimulate brood rearing and encourage the expansion of the colony’s population.
The second ratio is a 2:1 mixture, combining two parts sugar with one part water, resulting in a thicker syrup. This heavier concentration is primarily used in the autumn to help the bees build up their winter food stores. The thicker syrup contains less moisture, requiring less effort from the bees to evaporate the water and “ripen” it for long-term storage in the honeycomb. Using the correct ratio ensures the feeding aligns with the colony’s seasonal needs, promoting either growth or storage.
Preparation and Delivery Methods
Preparing the syrup requires care. To dissolve the sugar, use hot water, but the mixture must never be boiled once the sugar is added. Boiling the solution causes caramelization, where the sugar breaks down and forms Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Even in small concentrations, HMF is toxic to bees and can cause digestive distress.
A safe method involves heating the water until it is near boiling, then removing it from the heat source before slowly stirring in the sugar until it is fully dissolved. For smaller batches, hot tap water often provides enough heat to incorporate the sugar into a 1:1 mixture. The mixture must cool completely to room temperature before being placed into the hive. Feeding warm syrup can raise the internal hive temperature unnecessarily, and hot syrup can cause direct harm to the bees.
The syrup can be administered through several types of feeders, categorized as internal or external. Internal feeders, such as frame feeders or top feeders, are generally preferred. These methods allow bees to access the food within the protection of the hive, which helps prevent robbing. Robbing occurs when bees from stronger colonies or other insects steal the feed. External feeders, like entrance feeders that attach to the hive entrance, are also used, but they can increase the risk of attracting pests or triggering robbing behavior in the apiary.
Open feeding, where syrup is left in a large container outside the hive, should be avoided. This method encourages robbing and contributes to the rapid spread of diseases among colonies. It is also difficult to ensure that only your bees consume the feed, as it attracts bees from surrounding feral colonies and other managed hives.
Safety and Storage Considerations
Maintaining the freshness of the syrup is important for colony health. Sugar syrup, particularly the thinner 1:1 mixture, can ferment or grow mold if not consumed quickly enough. Fermented syrup, which may develop a cloudy appearance or a sour smell, must be discarded immediately, as consuming it leads to digestive problems for the bees.
Any syrup prepared in advance should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark location to inhibit microbial growth. Mix only the amount the bees can consume within a few days to ensure freshness. Also, strictly avoid feeding commercial or store-bought honey to bees.
The unknown origin of commercial honey means it may contain spores of serious bee diseases, such as American Foulbrood (AFB). AFB spores can survive for decades in honey, potentially infecting and destroying a healthy colony. If honey is used as feed, it should only come from a known healthy hive within your own apiary to eliminate disease transmission risk.
Feeder placement and design play a role in managing pests and colony interactions. Internal feeders help reduce the presence of ants, wasps, and other insects attracted to the sweet feed. If an external feeder is used, a reduced entrance size on the hive can help the bees defend against opportunistic robber bees from other colonies. Being mindful of these practices ensures the supplemental feeding supports the colony without introducing new hazards.