Feeding with a 1:1 sugar water mixture can increase brood production and help the colony build reserves ahead of the autumn nectar flow, but can also attract robbers into the hive.
Though bees can tolerate extremely hot temperatures, they do not fare well in extreme drought conditions. Be mindful to observe and feed only when necessary to ensure their wellbeing.
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Water
Most beekeepers provide additional sugar syrup during spring and summer to their colonies to aid with nectar flow, or prevent starvation if weather becomes unseasonably cold or hot, restricting them from accessing natural foraging sites. This practice has proven invaluable.
Feeding bees with a 1:1 mixture of water and white granulated sugar enhances their hydration while simulating natural sources of nectar. While many beekeepers make their own sugar syrup from scratch, others purchase pre-packaged syrup from suppliers.
Beekeepers know the importance of providing honey bees with access to clean, easily accessible water sources is essential in maintaining their health. From feeders, streams, birdbaths or potted plants – check their daily for any signs of leakage! Many beekeepers add a tablespoon of chlorine bleach into the water source in order to attract bees while also protecting against potential infections caused by bacteria in the environment. As seasons pass beekeepers will gradually decrease or discontinue providing supplements as they observe foraging patterns and local flora so they can anticipate when natural nectar sources become available – beekeepers gradually reduce or stop providing additional feeding as they learn foraging patterns or recognize natural nectar sources become available!
Nectar
Nectar found in flower petals attracts pollinators and provides energy they need to travel between plants. Nectar contains proteins, amino acids and phenols that attract specific pollinators or protect plants against herbivores.
Nectar composition differs between plants; flowers that attract hummingbirds typically produce nectar with higher sugar concentrations, while lilacs, buttercups, and clover have nectar with much lower levels.
Water content of nectar is also essential in feeding bees in summer. A thin solution of sugar dissolved in water is typically the preferred means for providing nourishment to bees during spring and summer; measuring cups or weights don’t matter much since bees will convert this sugar syrup into honey reserves for winter use.
Plants
Plants provide nectar and pollen, essential elements of bee brood rearing. Select native species suitable to your region with long blooming periods – be wary of fancy cultivars which may not provide as much nectar and pollen to bees! Research has indicated that such fancy cultivars may not provide them with what they need to raise brood successfully.
Summer may be peak time for flowers, but to ensure an ample supply all year round it’s essential that they bloom even during late winter and autumn months. To do this, consider growing varieties that continue blooming late into autumn season.
Helianthus (sunflowers) bloom throughout summer heatwaves and attract long-tongued bumblebees, while fragrant blue sage (Rosmarinus officinalis), another tough perennial with reseeding ability that draws gold finches like no other flower does; its scent draws long-tongued bees as well. Sappy, fragrant salvia flowers also attract bees with wide range of colors available from this family; another reliable perennial is orange-yellow Rayed Coneflower (Rhodiola hirta or R.fulgida).
Feeding
Most beekeepers do not feed colonies during summer; however, nectar dearth and high temperatures could necessitate feeding your colonies. Our beginner’s beekeeping guide contains further information regarding when and how you should feed.
Feeding can also speed the development of comb, honey stores and protection against pests and diseases – weaker colonies are more prone to SHB, Varroa mites and other pests that need to be controlled quickly.
Feeding bees is generally accomplished using a pail feeder filled with sugar syrup that is placed directly onto the hive, or alternatively pollen patties made up from dry substances should also work well (remembering to keep these away during winter to reduce SHB attraction). Fondant emergency feed may also be used when colony food reserves run low – either directly on top of the hive or put onto candy boards (available in two styles or easily made at home) which provide access to fondant for loading directly on to bees (for DIY enthusiasts!). Feeding should consist of 1:1 solutions of sugar/carrier/carrier for maximum effectiveness.
