Mason jar bee feeders provide an affordable yet effective means of feeding bees, without the risk of wasps, birds or other nuisances becoming attracted.
Instead of entrance feeders that expose bees to drowning hazards, this hive top feeder positions jars above the inner cover to reduce risk from robbers accessing syrup. Includes feeder box, screen, and four punched lids designed to fit standard quart mason jars.
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How to Make a Mason Jar Bee Feeder
An easy DIY project to help the bees this spring that is both educational and encourages reusing materials is to make a Bee-Autiful Bee Hotel. It is quick, inexpensive and fun!
A basic feeder uses a standard mason jar with lid and wooden base attached by nails or glue; this allows multiple feeders to be placed above the inner cover without disrupting their colonies when refilling them.
This method helps deter robbers from accessing sugar water directly through the entrance, while being left outside means daily refills and less fermentation in cold weather conditions. Many beekeepers prefer this approach when feeding Warre, Langstroth or Top Bar hives that spend lengthy winter months.
Materials
There are various approaches to feeding bees. Each method offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages; ultimately, beekeepers must select one that works best for themselves.
Mason jar bee feeders are great because they’re simple to make with materials you probably already own and relatively cost-effective.
Frame feeders provide another means of feeding bees. By sitting directly atop of the hive frames, frame feeders allow bees access to sugar water without opening their hives. Frame feeders can be especially helpful during periods of drought or when starting new colonies which need additional food to grow stronger colonies.
Quad Hive Top Jar Feeders are an excellent solution for larger colonies as they can fit four jars at the same time. Placed directly atop of the hive, this feeder features a screen below its jars so that changing out new jars doesn’t expose bees to potential robbers – ideal for Langstroth, Warre or Top Bar hives.
Instructions
Build a bee feeder using items already found around your house or garden for an enjoyable and educational project that can ensure honey bees have food during winter when they need it most.
No matter the form or function, feeding bees is never easy or simple. One popular solution for beekeepers is baggie feeders – which involve placing syrup in food-grade plastic freezer bags before tightly closing them with zip ties – and using this method for feeding weak colonies or new packages of bees.
Frame feeders, which sit inside of hives and contain jars of sugar water, can also be purchased at most apiaries or online. In order for bees to gain access, these frames feature a central float which they land upon and use to access their sweet treat.
Recipe
Created a mason jar bee feeder is an easy DIY project that can ensure your bees have enough food for them to flourish, while simultaneously encouraging recycling old items – an eco-friendly choice. Use it during times when nectar supply drops low or to supplement a weak swarm.
Designed to work in Warre, Langstroth or Top Bar hives, this jar feeder can be made out of plywood and cut to size for installation in any of them. Simply ensure it will cover enough surface area on its placement (either inside the inner cover or empty super).
Add a window screen to the bottom of a piece of plywood and connect four pieces of wood into a frame that will support a mason jar. Next, cut a hole in its lid before filling it with honey or sugar syrup – bees can gain access to their food via this hole in its lid!
