Quick Answer
The standard ratio for making bee syrup is 2:1 sugar to water. This means 2 parts sugar dissolved into 1 part water by volume. For example, 2 cups of white sugar combined with 1 cup of water makes bee syrup with a 2:1 ratio. This thickness provides the right concentration of sugars needed to supplement honey stores and feed bees.
What is Bee Syrup?
Bee syrup, sometimes called bee feed or artificial nectar, is a supplemental food source provided to honey bees. It is essentially a simple sugar syrup made from white refined sugar dissolved in water. Beekeepers use syrup to feed bees when their honey stores run low, such as over winter or during times of drought when nectar is scarce in the environment. The syrup provides carbohydrates in the form of sucrose that fuels bees’ metabolisms and activities.
Why Feed Bees Sugar Syrup?
There are several reasons beekeepers will feed bees sugar syrup:
- To provide food for newly established colonies in the spring and fall
- To help build up honey bee populations quickly
- To replace honey stores that were harvested from a hive
- To supplement food reserves in times of nectar dearth
- To stimulate wax comb production
- To prevent starvation of weak or sick hives
Feeding sugar syrup can help honey bee colonies survive periods when insufficient nectar and pollen resources are available from floral blooms. The syrup provides carbohydrates bees need for energy. Well-fed bees are better able to maintain hive temperature, rear brood, and bolster immunity. Strong, populous bee colonies are also important for pollination services.
What Ratio of Sugar to Water for Bee Syrup?
The ideal ratio of white granulated sugar to water for bee syrup is 2:1 by volume. This translates to:
- 2 cups sugar : 1 cup water
- 4 cups sugar : 2 cups water
- 6 cups sugar : 3 cups water
And so on for any volume of syrup being prepared. The 2 parts sugar to 1 part water creates a syrup concentration of around 50% sugar, similar to the sugar content of natural floral nectar bees collect. This 2:1 ratio is thick enough to properly coat bees’ food storage cells in the hive, but fluid enough for worker bees to efficiently handle and process.
Why a 2:1 Sugar to Water Ratio?
Beekeepers and entomologists have determined the 2:1 ratio is ideal for the following reasons:
- Bees biologically thrive on a 50% sugar solution.
- The thickness allows it to be stored in wax comb cells.
- It has a lower moisture content, which prevents fermentation.
- It won’t crystallize at average hive temperatures.
- Bees can metabolize it efficiently.
Thinner syrups with higher water content may not store well in the comb, while thicker syrups are difficult for bees to manipulate and can crystalize in cold weather.
Using Other Sugar:Water Ratios
In certain situations, beekeepers may use sugar syrup ratios different than 2:1:
- 1:1 ratio: Equal parts sugar and water create a thinner, more liquid syrup. This can be useful in early spring to stimulate brood rearing before natural nectar flows.
- 3:2 ratio: 3 parts sugar to 2 parts water results in a thicker, but still pourable syrup. This is sometimes used in the fall to help bees store away supplies for winter.
- 3:1 ratio: A heavy syrup with 3 parts sugar to 1 part water. It has a putty-like consistency. Used in the late fall to pack in honey for overwintering.
During times of extreme drought or nectar dearth, ratios up to 4:1 may be needed. The thickness helps bees pack away the maximum amount of sugars. These heavy syrups should only be fed for short periods to prevent dysentery.
How to Make Bee Syrup
Making sugar syrup for bees is a simple process:
- Mix white granulated sugar and water in the desired 2:1 ratio.
- Heat the mixture to boiling while stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
- Once fully dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Optionally, add electrolytes or supplements once cooled.
- Pour syrup into hive feeders.
The mixture must be brought to a full boil to ensure all sugar fully dissolves into solution. Undissolved sugar crystals can be harmful to bees.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature before use. Bees will not take hot syrup. The finished bee syrup can be stored refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a month before use.
Tips for Making Bee Syrup
- Use only refined white sugar, not brown sugar.
- Avoid honey or molasses as they can harbor diseases.
- Boil in a large pot to prevent boil overs.
- Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Use soft or distilled water if water is hard.
- Make only small batches that will get used up quickly.
What Type of Sugar for Bee Syrup?
White refined cane sugar or beet sugar are recommended for making bee syrup. Raw sugar, turbinado, brown sugar, or organic sugars are not ideal choices.
Why Not Use Brown Sugar?
Brown sugars contain impurities from molasses that can contaminate the syrup. The impurities provide surfaces for bacteria and fungi to grow. Contaminated syrup can sicken and even kill bee colonies.
While bees will take brown sugar syrups in the short term, these syrups have been shown to have detrimental effects over time. Stick with white sugar to provide bees with the purest carbohydrate source possible.
Adding Supplements to Bee Syrup
In some cases, beekeepers may add supplements to the basic sugar syrup to boost nutrition:
- Electrolytes – Such as sea salt, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride help bees maintain electrolyte balance.
- Protein – Pollen substitute adds essential amino acids for brood rearing.
- Probiotics – Beneficial bacteria support bee gut health.
- Essential oils – Herbs like thyme and peppermint can mimic pheromones and attract bees.
- Vitamins – B-complex vitamins and vitamin C strengthen immunity.
If adding supplements, wait for the syrup to cool first. Hot syrup can degrade nutrients. A dose of 0.5 teaspoons of electrolytes per gallon of 2:1 syrup is commonly recommended. Only add one supplement at a time, and follow label directions for amounts.
How to Feed Bees Sugar Syrup
Once cooled, the bee syrup can be fed to honey bees using several methods:
Hive Feeders
Specialized hive tools designed to dispense syrup inside the hive:
- Boardman entrance feeders
- Frame feeders
- Top hive feeders
- Division board feeders
External Bee Feeders
Container feeders that sit outside the hive:
- Barrel feeders
- Tray or trough feeders
- Jar or pail feeders
Internal feeders have the advantage of letting bees store syrup in comb. External feeders are easier to monitor and refill. Use hive reducers in spring and fall to restrict hive entrances when feeding.
When to Feed Bees Sugar Syrup
Feed bees at times of nectar dearth when natural forage is limited:
- Early spring before major nectar flows start
- Mid to late summer during nectar droughts
- Over winter when bees are confined to the hive
- Anytime honey stores seem low
Aim to feed in the evening when most foragers are present. Avoid feeding in cold weather. Thick syrups may need to be diluted on hot summer days. Place hives in full sunlight to encourage bees to take syrup.
Signs Bees Need to Be Fed Sugar Syrup
Look for these signs a colony may benefit from supplementary sugar syrup feeding:
- Very few honey frames in the hive
- Small honey bee cluster size
- Listless, crawling bees on the ground
- Increased robbing behavior
- Spotty brood pattern
- Queen slowdown or cessation of egg laying
- Lack of wax comb production
Timely feeding of sugar syrup can help stressed colonies rebound and prevent colony losses. Monitor hives and be prepared to feed whenever natural forage conditions are poor.
Risks and Cautions When Feeding Bees Sugar
While sugar syrup is an invaluable beekeeping tool, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Syrup storage can promote hive beetles and small hive beetle larvae.
- Excessive feeding can lead to backfilling brood nests.
- Rate of feeding must match needs to avoid overfeeding.
- Fermentation and mold growth will occur if syrup is improperly stored.
- May mask issues with poor queen performance.
Use syrup judiciously and ensure it does not become a crutch. Monitor hive health and watch for any issues. With proper care and dosing, supplementing with sugar syrup will greatly benefit honey bee nutritional status and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sugar syrup go bad?
Yes, sugar syrup can spoil if left unused for too long. Yeasts and fungi in the environment can contaminate the syrup, causing fermentation and mold. Discard any bee syrup that smells alcoholy or looks moldy. Only mix up small batches that will get used within a month.
Is beet sugar ok for bee syrup?
Yes, beet sugar is a fine choice for making bee feed. It provides the same sucrose content as cane sugar. Granulated beet sugar dissolves easily into syrup just like cane sugar. Either type of white refined sugar works well.
Can I use organic sugar?
It’s best to avoid organic sugar. Many types contain impurities or residues that can be harmful to bees. Stick with conventional white sugar as the safest option.
What temperature should the syrup be?
Cool the sugar syrup to room temperature, around 60°F to 80°F, before feeding to bees. Hot syrup above 100°F can kill bees. They will not take syrup that is too cold either.
Can I reuse leftover syrup?
Avoid reusing leftover syrup from hive feeders. It risks spreading diseases between colonies. Only refridgerate clean syrup in a closed container for later reuse up to a month.
Conclusion
Feeding bees sugar syrup made with a standard 2:1 sugar:water ratio provides an invaluable source of nutrients when natural forage is scarce. The approximate 50% sugar concentration gives bees the right amount of carbohydrates for metabolism and energy needs. Care should be taken to properly mix, dose, and store syrup for bee health. With some basic guidelines, beekeepers can easily whip up nutritious sugar syrup to supplement bee nutrition any time of year the colonies require it. Monitoring hive conditions and being proactive with feeding regiments helps keep honey bees happy and productive.