Bumblebees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers that provide protein for growth as well as carbohydrates for energy, making bee-friendly flowers an essential addition during bumblebee season. To maximize their chances of survival it’s essential that enough is grown!
Feeders can be installed outside or integrated into certain hive designs to make life easier for beekeepers and require minimal maintenance. They’re easy to use and require little upkeep.
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Feeding Tips
Bumble bees can typically find everything they require from flowers in their natural habitats; providing bees with such an environment may allow them to avoid needing additional sources of sustenance such as human-made sugar water.
Sugar syrup in a mason jar can be more cost-effective than purchasing costly commercial feeders, especially for feeding larger colonies. Use either small-mouthed mason jars for feeding smaller colonies, or larger mason jars if feeding multiple ones at the same time.
For spring feedings, use a 1:1 syrup of water and sugar; in fall and winter use a 2:1 mixture with hot water so the sugar dissolves more rapidly; add vinegar as needed to combat mold growth in your feeder; also avoid dark-colored or raw sugars as they can harbor pathogens; instead opt for white sugar that closely mimics nectar production for optimal bee health – place in an open location!
Types of Feeders
Some feeders are designed specifically for use inside of the hive, typically fitting on top of it and featuring ports where bees can land. They hold up to one gallon of syrup, making refilling simple; unfortunately however, nectar tends to seep down from beneath their lid and ports and become moldy, sticky, and full of dead bees very quickly if stored this way.
Division board feeders are made from plastic and installed into the hive in place of frames, featuring a cover with ladder-like structure to protect bees from drowning, which can then be filled without having to open up the hive for filling. They tend to induce less robbing than other feeders while still permitting outside bees from climbing into them from outside; wooden frame feeders may be made syrup-tight by coating them with candle wax or food grade sealant for sealability.
Feeding Materials
Bumblebees can often survive on their own, but at times of shortage or adverse conditions they require additional food sources to feed themselves. Feeders made of plastic tend to be durable and easy to keep clean.
One of the most popular feeder types for honeybee hives is a top feeder, which sits atop and can hold up to four gallons for a 10-frame hive. It features a tray that slides into its entrance for access, and has a cover to help protect their precious bees from predators or the elements.
Division board feeders, which replace regular frames in the hive, feature a special cover and ladder-type structure to protect bees from drowning, while being easily removable for refilling. Finally, baggie feeders offer another quick energy boost: fill a food-safe plastic bag (freezer bags are recommended) with sugar syrup before punching holes into its upper surface for bees to suck through.
Feeding Seasons
Bumblebees can usually find food on their own and don’t require direct feeding most of the year, however in times of shortage or conditions that prevent foraging they may require help from a feeder.
Step one in helping bumble bees is planting many bee-friendly flowers, which provide pollen and nectar essential for their colony.
Bumble bees collect pollen from flowers they visit by walking on their back legs, using stiff hairs known as corbicula to collect pollen in an envelope called corbicula and bring it back to their hive where it will be used to raise their first brood of the season.
Sugar syrup feeders should only be utilized during times of shortage or conditions that prevent foraging. It is important to keep an eye on both season and colony closely in order to know when it is time to stop feeding them.
