Feeding bees

Bee food: The way to healthy and productive bees!

Proper nutrition plays a key role in the health and productivity of bees. Beekeepers have two main types of bee feed available: paste and liquid feed. Both feed types have their specific advantages and uses, depending on the season and the condition of the colony. A particularly interesting liquid feed is the one with inverted sugar, which offers special benefits.

Feed dough: The ideal choice for the cold season

Dough is primarily made of sugar and has a pastry-like consistency. This food is especially useful during the winter months, when bees are less active and unable to consume liquid food. The dough is placed close to the bees so they can easily reach and consume it. The advantage of dough is that the bees can use it directly as an energy source, without requiring much effort to consume and process it. This keeps the bees well-nourished and resistant to disease even during the cold season.

Liquid feed: Energy in the active phase

In contrast to dough feed, liquid feed is preferably used in the warmer months when bees are active and focused on gathering nectar. Liquid feed, usually consisting of sugar water, mimics the nectar that bees collect from flowers. It serves as a readily available energy source and supports colony growth during times when natural nectar is scarce. Liquid feed helps bees build up their honey stores for the winter and strengthens the entire colony. It should always be fed after the honey harvest to prevent the stored feed from being harvested along with the honey, thus preventing it from becoming adulterated.

Liquid feed with inverted sugar: A special source of energy

Inverted sugar liquid feed is a special type of liquid feed characterized by a unique manufacturing process. Inverted sugar is created when sucrose—table sugar—is broken down into its basic components, glucose and fructose. This process makes the sugar easier for bees to digest and ensures they can use the energy immediately. The great advantage of this feed is its similarity to natural nectar, making it an optimal addition to bees' diets, especially during times when flower nectar is scarce. It not only supports bee health by minimizing the risk of digestive problems but also promotes efficient honey production.

Time of feeding

When it comes to feeding bees, there are certain times when feeding is particularly important:

1. Late summer to early fall: After the last honey harvest, it is often necessary to feed the bees to ensure they can store enough food for the winter. This feeding helps the colony enter winter strong.
2. Spring: Spring feeding may be necessary when the bees have exhausted their winter reserves before sufficient natural food sources are available. This gives the colony an energy boost for the start of the new season and supports population growth.
3. Emergencies: If extreme weather conditions prevail or the bee colony has difficulty finding sufficient food for other reasons, additional feeding may be necessary to ensure the survival of the colony.

How to feed?

Feeding bees can be done through a variety of methods, depending on the season, the needs of the colony, and the beekeeper's preferences. Here are some common methods beekeepers use to feed their bees:

• Direct placement of food dough: Food dough can be placed directly on the top bars of the combs or on a sheet of plastic just above the bees. This method is particularly suitable during the colder months, as the bees can easily reach the dough without having to fly far.
• Feeding frames: These are usually located above the hives and can hold large amounts of liquid feed. They are ideal for feeding large quantities of sugar water or inverted sugar. Feeding frames can be used either in combination with a feeding tray or with a feeding bucket.
• Food bags: These are inserted into the side of the hive and allow the bees access to the food without having to leave the protection of the hive.