If you’re worried your bees won’t survive the winter season without food, try creating a candy board. Sugar stores moisture which can be converted to energy for them during this period.
Make a candy board by starting by crafting a frame out of scrap wood. Then, mix together sugar and water in a large container.
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How to Make a Candy Board
One of the “Big Three” causes of winter hive losses is starvation, and one way to prevent it is by providing bees with a candy board. This not only provides them with enough food reserves for survival during cold months but also protects the hive from moisture damage.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to monitor the health of your colony and hive throughout winter. If your bees are healthy, they likely have stored honey which will provide them with enough sustenance until spring.
When creating a candy board for your bees, begin by filling a large storage tub with granulated sugar. Then, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar into 3 cups of water and gradually add this to the sugar mixture – this will keep it from becoming too soupy and creating an unnecessary mess. Finally, incorporate some pollen substitute and drops of wintergreen essential oil for flavoring.
Ingredients
Winter months can be particularly hard on bees, particularly when there isn’t enough honey available to meet their needs. Therefore, having a backup source of supplemental feeding is essential until spring comes around again and they feel satisfied again.
Candy boards are an effective way to supplement beekeeping with additional food. A solid block of sugar that’s placed atop the hive and used as food until warmer weather returns.
Making a candy board that is thick enough to prevent leakage is essential. Furthermore, bees will try and penetrate through the paper if not taped securely.
To create a candy board for your bees, you’ll need the following materials. A frame, hardware cloth and sugar. With these items on hand, it’s time to get creative! Using this recipe ensures your bees have a safe and healthy winter!
Preparation
Candy boards are an efficient and delicious way to provide bees with winter food. Unlike syrup, you can prepare the candy board ahead of time and store it until needed to feed the hive.
The candy board is constructed with a block of sugar placed over the top of the hive to control condensation inside it. Condensation can be an issue during wintertime and prove fatal for bees if left unchecked.
Bees use this type of sugar to convert moisture into energy, helping them survive wintertime. The crystallized blocks are constructed in such a way that air leaving the hive draws over them and moisture seeps into the sugar.
To make candy, begin by heating water and melting sugar together. Mix until it reaches a syrup consistency. Gradually add honey-b healthy and pollen substitute into the syrup mixture until you achieve your desired consistency.
Cooking
Cooking is a term that encompasses various techniques, tools and ingredients used to alter food’s flavor, appearance and digestibility. It has been an integral part of social life since antiquity, from family meals to gatherings with friends to formal or ceremonial occasions.
When we think of cooking, many of us envision a culinary creation – either an exquisite feast or simply enjoying it as part of a social gathering. Eating is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures!
Celebration, joy and bonding with those you care about can all be wonderful moments. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to learn and share new things.
Cooking in the bee world is a skill that can be learned and practiced. It involves gathering raw food ingredients like flour and spices that will be used to create meals. Furthermore, cooking may serve to heal and restore health.
