How To Feed Bees Honey: A Complete Guide for Beekeepers
Bees can be fed honey during periods of dearth to prevent starvation; however, it is crucial that the honey is from your own disease-free hive to avoid spreading pathogens. Using honey from unknown sources can introduce devastating diseases into your colony.
Why Feed Bees Honey? Understanding the Need
Feeding honey to bees is a practice beekeepers employ when natural nectar sources are scarce or inaccessible. This typically occurs during the winter months, early spring before flowers bloom, or during prolonged periods of drought. It’s essential to understand the circumstances that warrant honey feeding to avoid unnecessary intervention and potential harm to the colony.
Benefits of Feeding Honey to Bees
- Survival: The primary benefit is preventing starvation. Bees need a constant energy source to maintain hive temperature and carry out essential tasks.
- Brood Rearing: In the early spring, even before significant nectar flows begin, bees may start raising brood. Feeding honey provides the necessary carbohydrates to support this energy-intensive activity.
- Colony Strength: A well-fed colony is a strong colony. Strong colonies are more resistant to disease and better equipped to forage for nectar when it becomes available.
Risks Associated with Feeding Honey from External Sources
Feeding bees honey from sources other than their own hive poses a significant risk of disease transmission. Honey can carry spores of diseases like American Foulbrood and Nosema. If the honey comes from a hive infected with these diseases, it can devastate your colony. Therefore, never feed bees honey from an unknown source or from a grocery store.
Preparing Honey for Feeding
If you are feeding honey back to your bees (from a previous harvest from the same hive), some preparation may be necessary.
- Dilution: Some beekeepers dilute honey with water (typically a 1:1 ratio by weight) to make it easier for the bees to consume, especially during colder months.
- Pasteurization is NOT recommended: While pasteurization kills some pathogens, it can also damage the honey’s beneficial enzymes and nutrients.
- Inspection: Before feeding, carefully inspect the honey for any signs of crystallization, mold, or fermentation. Discard any honey that shows these signs.
Methods for Feeding Honey
There are several methods for feeding honey to bees. The best method depends on the hive configuration, the time of year, and the amount of honey needed.
- Open Feeding: Not generally recommended, as it attracts robbing bees from other hives, which can spread diseases.
- Frame Feeder: A container that replaces a frame in the hive. Fill it with honey.
- Top Feeder: A feeder placed on top of the hive, often with a screen or other mechanism to prevent the bees from drowning.
- Entrance Feeder: A small container placed at the hive entrance. Typically only suitable for small amounts of honey.
- Division Board Feeder: Similar to a frame feeder but designed to hang in the hive like a frame.
| Feeder Type | Pros | Cons | Best Used When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Feeder | Easy to fill and monitor. | Takes up a frame space. Can be messy. | Supplemental feeding when space isn’t limited. |
| Top Feeder | Can hold a large amount of honey. Relatively easy to fill. | Requires an extra box on top of the hive. Can be difficult to clean. | Sustained feeding during a nectar dearth. |
| Entrance Feeder | Inexpensive and easy to set up. | Limited capacity. Can attract robbing. | Only needing small amounts, or for a very small hive. |
| Division Board Feeder | Efficient use of space inside the hive. Less likely to promote robbing. | May be difficult to clean. Requires lifting and moving frames. | Supplemental feeding when space is limited, or for nucs. |
Monitoring Honey Consumption
Regularly check the feeder to monitor how quickly the bees are consuming the honey. This will help you adjust the amount of honey you provide and prevent overfeeding. Also, observe the bees’ behavior. If they are actively foraging, you may be able to reduce or eliminate feeding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding Honey from Unknown Sources: As mentioned earlier, this is the most dangerous mistake.
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can discourage the bees from foraging naturally when nectar becomes available.
- Feeding Too Late: If you wait until the bees have already consumed their winter stores, it may be too late to save the colony. Monitor honey stores throughout the year.
- Using Dirty Feeders: Clean and sanitize feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I feed my bees honey from the grocery store?
Absolutely not! Honey from the grocery store is often a blend from multiple sources, and you have no way of knowing if it’s from disease-free hives. Feeding it to your bees could introduce devastating pathogens. Only use honey harvested from your own, healthy hives.
How often should I feed my bees honey?
The frequency of feeding depends on the bees’ needs. Monitor their honey stores regularly. If they’re low, provide honey. During winter, a large colony might consume several pounds of honey per week. During a summer dearth, they might need smaller amounts. Regular inspection is key.
Is it better to feed sugar syrup or honey?
Honey is the best food for bees, as it contains all the nutrients they need. However, sugar syrup (specifically sucrose syrup) is a commonly used and acceptable substitute, especially for stimulating brood rearing. Ensure you use a high-quality sucrose to avoid impurities that can harm the bees.
What is the best time of year to feed honey to bees?
The most common times to feed honey are during the winter months when nectar is unavailable and in the early spring to stimulate brood rearing. Also, you might need to feed during a summer drought if nectar sources dry up.
How can I tell if my bees need to be fed?
Check their honey stores regularly. You can lift the back of the hive to estimate the weight. A light hive indicates low honey stores. You can also open the hive and visually inspect the frames. Also, the bee’s activity may reduce.
Can feeding bees honey attract pests?
Feeding honey, particularly through open feeding methods, can attract pests like ants, wasps, and hive beetles. Use appropriate feeders that prevent access to the honey by these pests and maintain good hive hygiene.
What if I don’t have any honey to feed my bees?
If you don’t have honey, sugar syrup is a viable alternative. A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water is commonly used in the spring to stimulate brood rearing, while a 2:1 ratio (more sugar) is often used in the fall for winter stores.
Is it okay to feed bees crystallized honey?
Crystallized honey is difficult for bees to consume. You can melt it down by placing the container in warm water (not boiling!) until the crystals dissolve. Let it cool before feeding it to your bees.
How much honey should I give my bees at one time?
The amount of honey depends on the colony size and the need. A strong colony in winter may consume several pounds per week. Start with a few pounds and monitor the consumption to adjust the amount as needed.
How do I prevent robbing when feeding honey?
Avoid open feeding. Use hive feeders that prevent access to the honey by bees from other colonies. Keep hive entrances small to make it harder for robber bees to enter.
Do I need to add anything else to the honey before feeding it to my bees?
Generally, no. However, some beekeepers add essential oils (like lemongrass oil) to the honey to stimulate the bees and promote hive health. Always use food-grade oils and follow recommended dosages.
Can I feed my bees honey that has been stored for a long time?
Honey has a very long shelf life. However, inspect it for signs of spoilage (fermentation, mold) before feeding. If it looks and smells okay, it should be safe to feed to your bees.