The recommended recipe for autumn feeding is a concentrated syrup consisting of 1 kg of sugar dissolved in 625 ml of water. If you are using imperial measurements, this ratio translates to 2 lbs of sugar to 1 pint of water. This high-density solution is designed specifically to help bees rapidly build winter food stores with minimal energy expenditure.
Success in autumn feeding relies on minimizing the water content your bees must evaporate. By using a thick, concentrated syrup and finishing by the end of September, you allow the colony enough time to ripen the feed into stable "honey" before the cold weather inhibits their ability to process it.
The Logic Behind the Ratio
Minimizing Evaporation Effort
Nectar collected in spring is naturally high in water, requiring significant energy to evaporate.
In autumn, you must provide a syrup with a much lower water content. This specifically spares the bees from the exhausting work of dehydration during a season when their energy should be conserved for winter survival.
Maximizing Storage Efficiency
The 1kg to 625ml ratio creates a dense caloric resource.
Because the syrup is thick, bees can store it in the comb almost immediately. This rapid storage is essential for building up the cluster's thermal mass before the first frost.
Critical Timing and Application
The September Deadline
The application of this syrup is strictly time-sensitive.
You must complete all feeding by the end of September. Once the ambient temperature drops, the colony's metabolism slows, and they lose the ability to draw down and process the feed.
The Ripening Process
Simply storing the syrup is not enough; bees must "ripen" it.
This involves enzymatic activity and moisture reduction to prevent fermentation. If you feed too late, the syrup may remain unripened, leading to dysentery or spoilage within the hive during winter.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoiding Weak Mixtures
Do not use "spring" or "stimulative" recipes (such as a 1:1 ratio) for this purpose.
Excess water in the hive during late autumn increases humidity. High humidity coupled with cold temperatures is a primary cause of colony loss in winter.
Ignoring Weather Signals
While the end of September is the general guideline, local weather dictates the absolute deadline.
If an early cold snap arrives, cease feeding immediately. Bees cannot cure syrup effectively when the temperature prevents them from breaking the cluster.
Ensuring Winter Survival
To effectively prepare your apiary for the dormant season, assess your goals and act on the following guidelines:
- If your primary focus is increasing hive weight: Administer the 1kg sugar / 625ml water mixture rapidly to ensure the super or brood box is heavy with stores.
- If your primary focus is preventing moisture buildup: strictly adhere to the end-of-September deadline to ensure all feed is capped and cured.
Properly timed, high-concentration feeding is the single most effective intervention you can make to guarantee your colony sees the spring.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Recommended Autumn Ratio | Purpose & Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Metric Ratio | 1kg Sugar : 625ml Water | High caloric density for rapid winter storage |
| Imperial Ratio | 2lb Sugar : 1 pint Water | Minimizes energy spent on water evaporation |
| Deadline | End of September | Ensures syrup is ripened/capped before cold |
| Key Outcome | Cured Winter Stores | Prevents fermentation, dysentery, and hive humidity |
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