Advice on feeding
Sugar Syrup for Bees – The Optimal Bee Feeding Ratio
A sugar syrup mixture of three parts sugar to two parts water has proven over time to be the most
effective bee feed for healthy colonies. This bee feeding ratio provides good stability,
the right consistency, and ensures quick uptake by the bees. When you mix sugar syrup for bees,
accuracy and cleanliness are essential — even small deviations can spoil the syrup or reduce feed acceptance.
Mixing Bee Feed – What to Watch Out For
When preparing sugar syrup for bees, there are several key points to consider. Because sugar syrup
spoils easily, it should always be made fresh. Especially during warm weather, syrup can ferment within a short time
if stored too long. Only prepare as much as you plan to feed within the next few days. Cool, hygienic storage will
extend the shelf life — but remember: the fresher, the better.
It’s equally important that the feed does not remain in the hive for too long. The bees should consume and store it in
the combs quickly. If sugar syrup sits too long in feeders or buckets, mold and fermentation may occur, which can lower
feed quality and harm your bees.
When a 1:1 Sugar-to-Water Ratio Makes Sense
A ratio of 1 part sugar to 1 part water creates a thinner bee syrup, mainly used for
spring stimulation feeding or comb building. This lighter syrup encourages the queen
to lay eggs and mimics a natural nectar flow, helping the colony build up brood earlier. However, this mix is not
suitable for winter feeding as it is less energy-dense and perishes faster. In late summer and autumn,
beekeepers should return to the 3:2 ratio to ensure long-lasting winter stores.
Avoid Hot Water When Mixing Bee Feed – Prevent HMF Formation
When mixing bee syrup, never use boiling or very hot water. While sugar dissolves faster in heat,
it increases the formation of
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that develops when fructose is exposed to high temperatures and is
toxic to bees. Studies from the Celle Bee Institute show that bee mortality doubles at only 1 g of HMF per kg of
feed compared with clean syrup. Always use cold or lukewarm water, stir thoroughly until the sugar
has completely dissolved, and avoid any heating.
Calculating the Right Amount of Bee Feed
The required feeding amount depends on colony size, season, and available stores. With
BeeInTouch, you can calculate the bee feeding amount precisely and plan your
bee syrup mix ratio efficiently. The “Bee Feeding Calculator” in BeeInTouch takes into
account both your colony count and current stores, helping you feed your bees economically and accurately.
Smart Digital Support with BeeInTouch
Inside BeeInTouch, every feeding can be documented directly in the Stock Card App. You can
easily see which colonies have been fed and use the bee feeding calculator to plan your next actions.
This allows for better seasonal planning, more efficient sugar purchases, and optimal nutrition for your apiary.
To learn more about how to estimate your colonies’ feed requirements correctly, watch this video:
BeeInTouch – Video Guide: How to Calculate Bee Feed
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With the right preparation and BeeInTouch’s smart digital tools, your colonies will be well-fed and ready for a strong
start into the new beekeeping season.