HFCS is widely used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages for human consumption, while commercial beekeepers also utilize it to increase brood production after bees have been moved for pollination services or when field nectar becomes scarce, and increase overwinter food reserves of colonies.
Problematic is that when heated to high temperatures, HFCS produces hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which is toxic to honeybees.
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1. It’s cheaper
Small backyard beekeepers generally rely on sugar syrup, while commercial operations employ high fructose corn syrup, an easily available and cost-effective option that may explain why their colonies seem more susceptible to colony collapse disorder than those managed by smaller operations.
But the syrup can also contain an extremely toxic compound known as hydroxymethylfurfural that kills bees almost instantly if heated to 120 degrees Fahrenheit; nearly all bees fed this substance died within 25 days.
Conversely, bees fed sucrose syrup produced more honeycomb than those fed HFCS. Sucrose can be produced from various plants and naturally present in nectar; its components fructose and glucose can be broken down using an enzyme known as invertase; while HFCS requires no such conversions – resulting in significantly cheaper production and purchase costs for beekeepers.
2. It’s safer
At one time there was considerable debate as to which kind of syrup is better for bees; 42 variety or 55 variety. The difference lies in their respective fructose solid content: 42 variety contains more fructose solids while 55 variety does not. Both products provide ample amounts of fructose – something honey bees need in abundance; HFCS (and sugar cane syrup as well) contains high concentrations of fructose which honey bees need but unfortunately contain HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural), which can prove toxic towards bees and must therefore be avoided altogether.
Since the 1970s, many apiarists have been replacing honey in their hives with high fructose corn syrup as a food source for their bees to consume. Unfortunately, this practice may contribute to Colony Collapse Disorder because bees fed this form of replacement food cannot defend against toxicants like imidacloprid – a neonicotinoid pesticide responsible for killing bees – with imidacloprid; an imidacloprid neonicotinoid that works even in small doses against our bees hives – just one dose can kill an entire bee colony! Therefore it is vital that in addition to feeding our bees during nectar flows, regular inspection is important in order to maintain health within each colony as hive.
3. It’s better for the environment
As is likely evident, corn syrup solids do not make an ideal substitute for honey; however, their sweet taste and solubility make them useful in many recipes – for instance baby food, dessert sauces, cereal bars, and fruit preparations all utilize corn syrup solids as part of their ingredients list.
Small backyard beekeepers typically feed a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water, while commercial operations often use high fructose corn syrup, as it’s cheap and easily available in the U.S. with similar fructose-to-glucose ratio as honey.
However, HFCS contains a toxic chemical called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), when heated above 120 degrees Fahrenheit it releases a chemical that is deadly for bees. So toxic is it that feeding bees HFCS syrup increases their chances of Colony Collapse Disorder more than cane sugar or nectar-fed ones; unfortunately though not much HFCS syrup needs to reach dangerous HMF levels before becoming toxic – thus emphasizing how important it is only giving bees sugar syrup when absolutely necessary!
4. It’s easier to make
Corn syrup offers both economic and logistical advantages over other forms of honey production. Mixing powdered sugar with water produces 2:1 syrup – ideal for quick boosts to nucs or weak overwintering colonies during spring’s early blooming stage.
Granulated sugar requires heating in order to dissolve it and can form crystals when it cools, forcing bees to work extra hard in order to process it into the 2:1 syrup required for brood rearing.
Researchers have recently discovered that high-fructose corn syrup may impede bees’ ability to defend themselves against pathogens and pesticides in their environment. Researchers discovered that bees fed an intensive diet of HFCS lack an enzyme known as p-coumaric acid that activates their immune system genes, aiding detoxification processes. Therefore they become more vulnerable against chemicals found in their surroundings.
