How to Feed Bees

Feed your bees regularly in early spring before nectar flows and again in the fall. Feeding bees is especially important during a drought.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Sugar Water

1. Heat 1 qt. non-fluoridated water just to the point where it is warm enough to dissolve sugar.
2. Fill a quart jar with the warm water.
3. Mix 2 c. sugar into the water until dissolved.
4. Place the jar in the entrance feeder and at the hive after the mixture has cooled.

Bee Candy

5. Gather ingredients: 2 c. granulated sugar, 2 tbsp. corn syrup, 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar, and 1 1/2 c. water.
6. Combine and heat ingredients.
7. Stir until sugar dissolves.
8. Heat without stirring to 238 degrees F or until the mixture reaches "medium ball" stage on a candy thermometer.
9. Pour onto a cold platter and cool until warm to the touch.
10. Beat until light.
11. Pour into molds or shallow dishes.

Honey

12. Gather honey that is unfit to market, or use excess honey.
13. Place honey in entrance feeder and at the hive.

Tips & Warnings

• Use recycled quart-size salad dressing jars to store the feeding mixture.
• To use dry sugar, remove the top cover from the hive. Pour 1 lb. granulated sugar around the handhold in the inner cover. Replace the hive top.
• Do not boil sugar and water. This will cause the mixture to crystallize.