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Bees, especially honeybees, contribute significantly to the pollination of plants, thus playing a crucial role in both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems. However, during the winter and low-flower seasons, flowering plants are few and far between, making it challenging for bees to find adequate nourishment. This underscores the importance of supplemental feeding for these vital pollinators during such periods.
Feeding Bees in the Winter
Honeybees, unlike wasps and bumblebees, live through the winter as a colony. To survive, they stock up food supplies in the hive during the active months, which they consume during the inactive cold winter months. However, in some instances, the winter stores may not be sufficient, necessitating the need for supplemental feeding.
Supplemental feeding of bees during the winter should start in late autumn. Feeding late in the season ensures the bees can store enough food to sustain them through the winter without causing excessive moisture in the hive.
Beekeepers usually feed their bees a syrup made from water and sugar. However, the sugar-water syrup should not be used during winter feeding as it can freeze, and the high moisture content can cause dampness that endangers the colony. Instead, a winter feed called fondant is typically used. Fondant is a thick, paste-like sugar mixture that is safe and nourishing for the bees.
Low-Flower Seasons and Bees
During the low-flower seasons of early spring and late autumn, the nectar and pollen food sources are scarce. Providing supplemental feed during these times can be the difference between a colony surviving and thriving or dwindling and dying.
The type of feed offered during this time should be in a form that bees can easily take and digest. A sugar-water syrup is typically used since it closely resembles the nectar they collect from flowers. However, the concentration of sugar to water may be varied depending on the time within the low-flower season and the feeding objective.
Feeding Bees Sugar Syrup
The sugar syrup is made from water and white granulated sugar. Two ratios are recommended – 1:1 sugar to water ratio for stimulating spring buildup and 2:1 ratio for fall feeding meant to increase winter stores. The syrup should be clear and free of any contaminants that might harm the bees.
The syrup can be offered in specially designed bee feeders that are available in various designs. Feeder designs include in-hive feeders, jar feeders, and hive top feeders, among others. The particular feeder design chosen should be suitable for the temperature and hive design.
Bees and Dry Pollen Substitute
In addition to nectar, bees also feed on pollen which is a critical source of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. In the absence or insufficiency of naturally occurring pollen, dry pollen substitutes can be used. These are commercially available products formulated to mimic the nutrients in natural pollen. However, it is essential to ensure the bees can still collect natural pollen even when being fed a dry substitute.
Feeding Bees Grease Patties
Apart from sugar syrup and pollen substitute, grease patties are another form of supplemental feed. Grease patties are a blend of vegetable shortening and sugar, typically spread on wax paper to form patties. They do double duty by providing essential calories and serving as a delivery system for medications and supplements needed to treat various bee diseases and pests.
In summary, successful beekeeping during winter and low-flower seasons requires careful management and understanding of supplemental feeding needs. The supplemental feeding can be the difference between a thriving, resilient bee colony and one that may not survive through the harsh winter or low-flower seasons. It is therefore an essential practice for any serious beekeeper.
