Bees are crucial for ecosystems, pollinating wild plants and many crops essential for human food. While they primarily forage for their own sustenance, supplemental feeding can sometimes benefit their well-being.
Natural Bee Diet
Bees obtain nutrition from two main floral sources: nectar and pollen. Nectar provides carbohydrates, the primary energy source for adult bees. Pollen supplies essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals necessary for bee growth and larval rearing. Young bees consume a pollen-rich diet, while foraging bees require more carbohydrates for energy.
When Bees Need Extra Food
Supplemental feeding benefits bees during specific circumstances. These include periods of nectar dearth, such as during droughts, extreme heat, or between flowering seasons, which impact a colony’s food stores. New colonies or swarms establishing themselves also require extra food to build comb and support brood production. Hives recovering from stress, like disease outbreaks or pest infestations, may need supplemental nutrition to regain strength. Preparing hives for winter is another common time for feeding if natural honey stores are insufficient.
Safe Supplemental Bee Foods
When supplemental feeding is needed, safe options include sugar syrup, pollen substitutes, and water.
Sugar Syrup
Sugar syrup, a common carbohydrate source, is made from granulated sugar and water. A 1:1 ratio is used in spring to stimulate brood rearing and comb building. A thicker 2:1 ratio is provided in fall for winter stores, requiring less bee processing. Dissolve sugar completely in warm, not boiling, water and cool before feeding.
Pollen Substitutes
Pollen substitutes or patties provide protein, fats, and micronutrients when natural pollen is scarce, especially for brood rearing. These mimic natural pollen’s nutritional profile and should be introduced carefully.
Water
Water is crucial for hydration, diluting honey, feeding larvae, and hive temperature regulation. Provide a clean, accessible water source, especially in hot weather, using shallow dishes with landing spots to prevent drowning.
Providing Food and Water for Bees
Supplemental food and water can be delivered using various methods.
In-Hive Feeders
In-hive feeders, such as frame or top feeders, are placed inside the hive. Frame feeders replace a hive frame, while top feeders sit on top, allowing bees access to a reservoir. Internal feeders help prevent robbing and pests; top feeders can be refilled without opening the hive.
External Feeders
External feeders, like entrance (Boardman) feeders, consist of a jar outside the hive with a tray sliding into the entrance. While easy to monitor, external feeders can attract other bees and pests, increasing robbing risk, and liquid may freeze. It is recommended to place food inside the hive, especially in the evening, to minimize attracting robber bees and disease spread.
What Not to Feed Bees
Several foods should never be given to bees due to potential harm.
Unknown Honey
Avoid honey from unknown sources, as it may contain American Foulbrood spores. These resistant spores can spread disease throughout the hive and to other colonies.
Processed Sugars
Processed sugars like brown sugar, powdered sugar, molasses, or corn syrup are unsuitable. Brown sugar and molasses contain indigestible impurities, causing digestive issues. High-fructose corn syrup, especially when heated or old, can form harmful hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), damaging bee guts.
Artificial Sweeteners and Fruit Juices
Artificial sweeteners are toxic and must never be used. Fruit juices can ferment, leading to digestive problems.