If you have ever thought of constructing a homemade sugar water feeder for bees, then you are not alone. Many apiaries have been plagued with swarming wasps. Bees are unable to defend themselves against an intruder if the hive is not strong enough. There are many benefits to building a sugar water feeder for bees. In this article, we will explore the benefits of sugar water feeders for bees, the types of sugar water feeders, and how to build one.
Benefits of homemade sugar water feeders for bees
Compared to commercial sugar water feeders, homemade syrup is much easier to mix and handle. For small batches, you can use a 2-quart (2-liter) jar, while larger batches should use a 5-quart (17-liter) stockpot. In addition, white cane sugar has fewer additives and is relatively inexpensive. This recipe is also a great choice for beekeepers who want to give their bees a little something extra to eat.
One benefit of this homemade feeder is that it requires minimal upkeep. Bees can access the sugar water syrup through holes in the lid, making it much easier to clean. However, it’s best to place the feeder at least 100 yards from the hive, as sugar water that gets too close will dissolve medication and be less effective. Moreover, sugar water feeders should also be placed at least 100 yards away from the hive.
Another benefit of homemade sugar water feeders for beekeeping is that the sugar syrup is safe and affordable. You can easily obtain supplies at home, if you have the necessary knowledge and skills. A single gallon container of sugar water will last approximately two weeks, but you may need to replenish the syrup more often. You should replace the syrup in a frame feeder after a few days. Alternatively, you can purchase a frame feeder, which can replace one of the frames of the hive. The drawback of a frame feeder is that the bees can drown in it, but it can also keep robbers out of your hive.
Types of sugar water feeders for bees
Aside from commercially available ones, there are also some homemade versions. A division board feeder is similar to a jar feeder but is larger and requires fewer refills. It is also a little heavier and may cause more waste if it spills. To use one of these feeders, you will need to get a non-leeching, BPA-free pail and fill it with sugar water. Once filled, place the pail feeder in the empty super.
The first type of homemade sugar water feeder for bees is called the entrance feeder. It consists of a small jar on a platform that has small holes that the bees can access sugar water. The problem with this type of feeder is that it can attract robber bees, which will feed on the sugar water. For this reason, you should place it at least 100 yards away from the hive.
The other type is the pail feeder. These require the use of additional equipment, such as a spoon and a lid. Another type of homemade sugar water feeder is an inverted container that sits above the frames and super to prevent robbers from stealing the sugar water from the bees. However, this type of feeder can lead to moldy sugar water if left unattended. To prevent mold, you can use essential oils and Honey B Healthy.
How to build a sugar water feeder for bees
The first step to building a homemade sugar water feeder for your honeybees is to prepare the food. You can use a glass jar, such as a Mason jar, and fill it with sugar water. Next, you should place rocks in the jar, as these will act as stands for the bees. You should also prepare a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly.
Then, make a small lip around the top of the pail, or make a divider wall on the inside. This lip will prevent spills from the sugar water. Be sure to use a BPA-free, non-leeching pail for this project. Once you have the divider wall, you can start filling the sugar water. Make sure not to overfill it, as this will result in too much sugar. When the feeder is ready, turn it upside-down and let the bees feed themselves.
To make a homemade sugar water feeder, place it in an open container at least a hundred yards away from the hive. Bees cannot locate a feeder at a close distance. Moreover, an open feeder may also attract other bees from a distance. Hence, it is important to carefully monitor the sugar water feeder and to replace it when needed. A feeder that is too close to the hive may lead to the death of the bees.
