How to Feed Bees

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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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

Step1
Heat 1 qt. non-fluoridated water just to the point where it is warm enough to dissolve sugar.
Step2
Fill a quart jar with the warm water.
Step3
Mix 2 c. sugar into the water until dissolved.
Step4
Place the jar in the entrance feeder and at the hive after the mixture has cooled.

Bee Candy

Step1
Gather ingredients: 2 c. granulated sugar, 2 tbsp. corn syrup, 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar, and 1 1/2 c. water.
Step2
Combine and heat ingredients.
Step3
Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step4
Heat without stirring to 238 degrees F or until the mixture reaches "medium ball" stage on a candy thermometer.
Step5
Pour onto a cold platter and cool until warm to the touch.
Step6
Beat until light.
Step7
Pour into molds or shallow dishes.

Honey

Step1
Gather honey that is unfit to market, or use excess honey.
Step2
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.

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