For new package bees, the recommended specification is a light sugar syrup with a 1:1 ratio—one part water to one part white granulated sugar.
This mixture is specifically designed to mimic the consistency of natural nectar. You must use only white sugar; brown sugar should never be used as it contains impurities that are difficult for bees to digest.
Core Takeaway Supplemental syrup acts as "infant formula" for a new colony, bridging the gap between installation and the natural nectar flow. Its primary function is to provide the high-energy carbohydrates required to stimulate wax production and build the physical structure of the hive.
The Physiology of Establishment
Stimulating Wax Production
A new package of bees arrives without comb. To survive, they must build their "furniture" immediately.
The 1:1 syrup ratio is critical because it mimics the sugar concentration found in flower nectar. This consistency triggers the bees' biology to secrete wax, allowing them to draw out the foundation required for the queen to lay eggs.
Bridging the Resource Gap
New colonies often struggle to gather sufficient food for their first winter.
Feeding provides a consistent energy source, preventing starvation during early spring when natural nectar sources may be scarce or weather prevents foraging.
Critical Preparation Protocols
Proper Dissolution
To prepare the syrup, pour near-boiling water over the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
The final liquid should be clear with a light straw color. Ensure no crystals remain, as these can clog the small holes in your feeder, cutting off the colony's food supply.
Avoiding HMF Toxicity
Do not boil the sugar and water mixture together.
Boiling sugar water can produce hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that is toxic to bees. Heat the water first, remove it from the heat source, and then mix in the sugar.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The "Funny Honey" Risk
You must stop feeding syrup immediately if you place a honey super (the box for honey collection) on the hive.
If you continue feeding, bees will store the syrup in the super. This results in "funny honey"—a diluted mixture of sugar syrup and nectar—rather than pure honey suitable for harvest.
Weather Constraints
Do not feed liquid syrup during cold snaps when bees cannot take cleansing flights.
Bees need to fly to void their waste. If the temperature is too low for flight, liquid feed can cause dysentery within the hive. In these conditions, winter patties are the safer alternative.
Over-Feeding During Nectar Flow
Monitor the hive's natural reserves.
If a strong natural nectar flow is present and you see the hive's food stores increasing without your help, supplemental feeding is no longer necessary.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is Colony Establishment: Feed 1:1 syrup continuously until the bees have drawn out the majority of the wax foundation in the brood boxes.
- If your primary focus is Honey Harvesting: Cease all feeding immediately before adding honey supers to ensure the purity of your crop.
- If your primary focus is Survival in Cold Weather: Switch from liquid syrup to solid winter patties to prevent moisture buildup and digestive issues.
Feed your bees to support their work, not to replace it.
Summary Table:
| Specification | Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Syrup Ratio | 1:1 (White Sugar to Water) | Mimics natural nectar consistency |
| Preparation | Dissolve in hot water (no boiling) | Prevents HMF toxicity and feeder clogs |
| Feeding Goal | Colony Establishment | Stimulates wax glands for comb building |
| Stop Condition | Honey Super Addition | Prevents contamination of pure honey |
| Alternative | Winter Patties | Used during cold snaps to avoid dysentery |
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