If you want to attract bees to your property, you can install an outside bee feeder. There are several types of feeders available, including Pollen feeders, Divider boards, and Sugar syrup feeders. All of them will attract bees. However, the right type of feeder depends on your preference.
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Pollen feeders
Pollen feeders are artificial devices that provide a source of pollen to bees outside the hive. These devices are designed to fit specific hive designs and are installed either above or below the nest. Pollen feeders are usually placed fifty yards from the hive, and must be placed at an angle that prevents rain from getting into the feeder’s opening.
Pollen feeders are inexpensive and easy to install outside your bee yard. You can purchase four-foot lengths of thin-wall PVC pipe from your local home improvement store. If you do not have any PVC pipe available, you can also make one yourself.
Frame feeders
Frame feeders are a great way to provide quick drinking access for bees, especially during the winter months. These feeders are typically placed outside the hive body so that bees can quickly access the syrup when they need it. They also come with ladders for easy access to the syrup, which avoids the inconvenience of opening up the hive to refill it. The feeders also contain pollen patties, which are made from a mix of pollen and fondant, which are placed on the topmost part of the feeder.
The Frame Feeder is also easy to clean and easy to use. Its unique design features a removable cap, inside wall supports, and textured interior walls. Unlike traditional plastic frames, it has a sturdier construction and avoids the risk of spills or leaks of syrup. It is also ideal for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of feeding bees.
Division board feeders
Division board feeders are an alternative to traditional frame feeders. Designed to replace a single frame, these feeders hold up to three quarts of syrup. They feature inner ladders that help the bees access the syrup, and grooved sides that prevent drowning.
Both of these feeders are similar to Langstroth frames, but each is different. They contain a large amount of syrup, which must be carried around in a separate container. While they are inexpensive, they are not the best choice for outside bee feeders because they can leak and drown the bees if the weather changes. Also, if you’re concerned about the environment, use #8 hardware cloth to cover the holes.
Another alternative is a pail feeder. A pail feeder, also called a division board feeder, is a plastic structure. The difference between a pail and a division board feeder is the size of the outer frame. A shallow feeder has a center entrance, while a deep feeder has an end entrance.
Sugar syrup feeders
One of the easiest ways to give bees sugar syrup is to install an outside bee feeder. Sugar syrup can be mixed with water and placed in a clean, open container. The feeder should be at least 100 yards from the hive, as bees will have a difficult time finding it if it is too close.
Before you put sugar syrup in the feeder, you should warm some water. This will dissolve the sugar crystals. Then pour the syrup into the feeder. To make the syrup even more enticing to bees, you can also add essential oils like spearmint or lemongrass. This will not only taste delicious, but it will also protect the bees from mites and help them find the food easier.
Bucket feeders
Purchasing bucket feeders for your outside bee feeder is a practical and simple way to provide the bees with the food they need. These feeders typically have a one-gallon size and include a stainless-steel feeder screen built into the lid. A standard syrup mix for spring feeding is 1:1 water and sugar; a 2:1 sugar to water mix is ideal for fall feeding.
When choosing a bucket feeder for your hives, make sure it is made of food-grade materials and is thoroughly clean. A bucket feeder should be easily inverted once filled with sugar water, so the bees are able to access it without difficulty. Some bucket feeders are easy to install, and others require drilling and taping.
