Making homemade honey bee food is an excellent way to keep your hive healthy and contented without harming the bees. Plus, you’ll save money by not purchasing expensive jars of commercial bee food.
Seasonally, bees require different amounts of sugar and water. We’ve discovered that a one-to-one ratio, either measured by weight or volume, works best as an approximate guide.
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Pollen Patties
If your hive is struggling to stay alive, feeding it homemade pollen patties could be beneficial. These supplemental feeds can increase brood production and build a strong hive.
When bee colonies are starved of food sources, it’s critical to provide them with protein and carbohydrate supplements. This is especially critical in monoculture areas where honey stores may not be enough over long periods of time or when honey stores are inadequate due to weather events, pesticides, mites or diseases.
A straightforward recipe uses pollen substitute, sugar and water to form a firm consistency that can be formed into patties. They’re freezer-friendly so they can be frozen for storage year-round; plus, these patties help stimulate brood production!
Fondant Patties
Fondant patties make an excellent emergency food source in wintertime when bees may run out of food stores. They can also be utilized during times of low nectar flow (like spring and fall) to keep your bees going strong.
Making homemade fondant patties is a cinch. Start by mixing equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, then bring to a boil before taking them off the heat to cool. You may add some essential oil for flavor or prevent mold growth with these tips.
Fondant is an affordable and safe source of nourishment for bees. Unlike syrup which may cause robbing, fondant does not cause disruptions in hives – making it the ideal choice for beekeepers looking to minimize disruptions within their colonies.
Honeybee Healthy
Bees require a variety of foods in addition to honey, with certain proportions depending on their season and what’s going on in their hive.
One of the most promising methods to improve honey bee health is providing supplemental forage. Studies have demonstrated that colonies with access to supplemental forage experience lower mortality rates than those without.
Another way to boost nutrition is by giving dietary supplements with phytosterols (plant-derived compounds that aid the body in absorption), phenolic acids and flavonols. These plant chemicals are found in many floral species and have been known to extend life spans, reduce Nosema infection rates, upregulate honey bee genes with antimicrobial properties and counteract pesticide stress.
Essential oils have also been scientifically proven to be beneficial. Lavender, pine, clove, spearmint and citrus essential oils have all been known for their effectiveness in improving bee health; these have been used in cosmetics and personal care products alike.
Sugar Water
In dry and cold climates, it may be necessary to give your bees sugar water. Doing so helps boost their energy levels.
Make your own syrup by mixing equal parts granulated sugar and water. You can measure this by weight or volume.
Heat the water until almost boiling before adding sugar. Doing this helps the sugar dissolve more rapidly.
Once the mixture reaches room temperature, transfer it to a bottle or jar with a funnel over the opening. Secure with an airtight cap or lid and store in your refrigerator.
Make a 2:1 (two parts sugar to one part water) syrup for your bees during the fall and winter months. This will stimulate wax production and keep them active both inside and outside their hive.
