Beekeepers sometimes need to provide supplemental feeding for their colonies, especially when natural nectar sources are scarce or during the establishment of a new hive. This artificial nectar, typically a solution of sugar and water, serves as a carbohydrate source providing the energy honey bees need for daily functions. Providing this food allows bees to continue rearing brood, drawing out comb, and building up their population, which is beneficial for both new and struggling colonies. Supplemental feeding is a temporary management practice, designed to bridge gaps in the natural foraging environment and ensure the colony’s survival.
Understanding Syrup Ratios and Their Purpose
The concentration of the sugar syrup is intentionally varied to serve different purposes within the colony, with two primary ratios used by beekeepers. The 1:1 ratio consists of equal parts sugar and water, typically measured by volume, and is considered a lighter syrup that closely mimics the sugar concentration found in natural nectar. This thin syrup is primarily used to stimulate the queen to increase egg-laying, thereby promoting brood production and encouraging colony expansion during the spring. Because the 1:1 mixture contains a higher water content, the bees consume it readily and use the energy immediately rather than expending significant effort to dehydrate it for long-term storage.
The second common ratio is 2:1, which is a much heavier syrup made with two parts sugar to one part water, again often measured by volume. This thicker solution is formulated specifically for building up winter stores because it contains less moisture, requiring less effort from the bees to process and cap for storage. Feeding a 2:1 syrup helps the colony quickly pack away the necessary carbohydrate reserves needed to survive the cold months. Using the appropriate concentration is important because the bees’ physiological response—either immediate consumption for stimulation or dehydration for storage—is tied directly to the syrup’s density.
Essential Ingredients and Preparation Steps
The primary ingredient for bee syrup is pure white granulated cane or beet sugar, which is nearly pure sucrose. It is important to avoid brown sugar, powdered sugar, turbinado, or organic sugars, as these contain trace minerals, molasses, or higher ash content that can cause digestive issues or dysentery in the bees. The next ingredient is clean, non-chlorinated water.
To prepare the syrup, combine the measured sugar and water for the desired ratio and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. While hot water will speed up the dissolution process, it is important not to boil the mixture. Excessive heat can cause the sucrose to break down and lead to the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound toxic to bees. Using warm tap water or simply mixing and allowing time for the sugar to dissolve completely is the safest approach.
Some beekeepers optionally add a small amount of an acid, such as white vinegar or citric acid, to the mixture to help prevent the syrup from crystallizing. This addition also slightly lowers the pH, which may help deter the growth of mold and other microbes. For beginners, using only pure white sugar and clean water is sufficient, provided the syrup is mixed thoroughly. Once prepared, the syrup must be allowed to cool to ambient temperature before being offered to the bees, as feeding hot syrup can damage the colony.
Timing Your Feeding Schedule
The timing of supplemental feeding is directly tied to the colony’s stage of development and the availability of natural forage. In the early spring, beekeepers use the lighter 1:1 syrup to encourage the colony to expand its population in anticipation of the main nectar flow. This feeding continues until local plants begin to provide a steady source of nectar. Summer feeding, also using the 1:1 ratio, is reserved for periods of “dearth,” or mid-season gaps when natural forage is unavailable.
As the season progresses, the focus shifts to preparing the colony for its winter survival, which requires switching exclusively to the heavy 2:1 syrup. Fall feeding is intended to quickly build up the stored reserves for winter. It is important to complete this heavy feeding before the weather becomes consistently cold, generally before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Once temperatures fall below this threshold, the bees cannot easily break the cluster to consume liquid feed, and remaining syrup can be detrimental to their health.
Safe Feeding Practices and Storage
Beekeepers must be aware of the risk of “robbing,” where bees from other colonies attempt to steal exposed syrup. This behavior can lead to fighting, the spread of disease, and the rapid depletion of the hive’s stores. To mitigate this risk, use internal feeders, such as frame feeders or top feeders, which place the syrup inside the hive body. External feeders, like entrance jars, should be avoided, especially during the fall when natural forage is scarce.
Syrup should only be mixed in quantities the bees can consume within a few days, as its quality degrades rapidly, particularly the 1:1 mixture. In warm weather, the 1:1 syrup can begin to ferment or grow mold in as little as three to five days. Signs of spoilage include cloudiness, a sour smell, or visible mold; any spoiled syrup must be discarded immediately as it is harmful to the bees. Storing larger batches of unused syrup in a refrigerator can extend its freshness for up to a week.