A highly recommended alternative use for an entrance feeder, such as a Boardman feeder, is to utilize it as a dedicated water source for your colony. Rather than filling the jar with sugar syrup, which can trigger aggressive behavior in the apiary, you provide clean water directly at the hive entrance.
Core Takeaway Using an entrance feeder for water solves two problems simultaneously: it ensures your bees have hydration during dry spells without attracting robber bees, and it keeps your colony from seeking water in inconvenient places like neighbors' swimming pools.
Why Water is a Superior Choice
Eliminating the Risk of Robbing
The most significant danger of using an entrance feeder for sugar syrup is that the scent of sugar at the front door attracts robber bees and wasps from other colonies.
Water, however, is odorless to potential intruders. By filling the feeder with water, you provide a critical resource to your specific hive without signaling a "free meal" to every other insect in the vicinity.
Controlling Resource Location
Bees are opportunistic and will find the nearest water source, which can often lead to conflict with humans.
Providing water at the entrance prevents bees from collecting it from inconvenient locations, such as pet bowls, birdbaths, or neighborhood swimming pools. This is especially beneficial in areas where natural water sources are scarce.
Operational Advantages
Simplified Monitoring
One of the primary mechanical benefits of the entrance feeder design is visibility. Because the jar sits on the outside of the hive, you can track consumption levels at a glance without disturbing the colony.
Ease of Installation
The setup remains identical to syrup feeding: a compatible jar is attached to the plastic base and slid into the hive entrance. It is essential to ensure the feeder is level to prevent the water from leaking into the hive bottom board.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Vulnerability to Freezing
While excellent for warmer months, the entrance feeder has a significant design limitation regarding temperature.
Because the jar is exposed to the outside air rather than insulated inside the hive, the liquid is highly susceptible to freezing during winter. You must remove these feeders before temperatures drop to freezing, or the expansion of ice may crack the jar or block access.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To get the most out of your equipment, match the usage to your current environmental conditions.
- If your primary focus is preventing robbing: Switch your entrance feeders to water immediately, especially during a dearth when nectar is scarce.
- If your primary focus is winter preparation: Remove entrance feeders entirely to prevent the liquid from freezing and chilling the hive entrance.
- If your primary focus is convenience: Use this method to monitor hydration levels daily without needing to smoke or open the hive.
By repurposing this common piece of equipment, you turn a potential security risk into a vital life-support system for your colony.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Sugar Syrup Use | Water Alternative Use |
|---|---|---|
| Robbing Risk | High (Attracts intruders) | Low (Odorless to robbers) |
| Resource Location | Supplementary feeding | Vital hydration source |
| Monitoring | Visual jar check | Visual jar check |
| Best Season | Early spring/Nectar dearth | Hot summer/Dry spells |
| Temperature | Susceptible to freezing | Susceptible to freezing |
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