During late winter or early spring, it's sometimes necessary to supplement your honey bees' food source. Bees normally get their food from pollen, nectar or honey and water. Bees need a constant source of carbohydrates for energy. If extra combs of honey are not available to feed your hive, you can make a syrupy sugar water as a supplement until spring blooms appear.
- Large stock pot
- Distilled water
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
Do not use molasses, brown sugar or corn syrup. They contain more complex sugars that bees can't digest easily. Do not burn the sugar. Caramelized sugar can harm bees.
Fill a large stock pot with distilled water and sugar. Use one part water to two parts sugar. Use cane or beet sugar.
Place the pot on the stove and heat the water. Set the stove to medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar completely in the water.
Add 1 1/2 tbs. of apple cider vinegar for each gallon of syrup. This will prevent the sugar water from freezing.
Things You'll Need
Warnings
References
Warnings
- Do not use molasses, brown sugar or corn syrup. They contain more complex sugars that bees can't digest easily.
- Do not burn the sugar. Caramelized sugar can harm bees.
About the Author
Currently residing in Myrtle Beach, SC, Tammy Curry began writing agricultural and frugal living articles in 2004. Her articles have appeared in the Mid-Atlantic Farm Chronicle and Country Family Magazine. Ms. Curry has also written SEO articles for textbroker.com. She holds an associate's degree in science from Jefferson College of Health Sciences.
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