Feeding Sugar Water to Bees

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Most beekeepers will face a situation where they need to feed their bees sugar water. While sugar water is not a replacement for honey, it will sustain a colony that is low on food. In this article, I will share with you how to make sugar water for bees and how to know the right time to use it. I will also explain how I use sugar water feeding in my apiary.

Honey bees collecting sugar water from feeder provided by beekeeper.

We beekeepers get some funny looks when we are pushing carts full of sugar through the market. But, we know that – done at the right time and for the right reason, feeding is an important part of good hive management.

How to Make Sugar Water For Bees

The first step in making sugar water (or sugar syrup) for your bees is understanding the proper ingredients. It is made by dissolving regular granulated white cane sugar in water. Do not use brown sugar, raw sugar or other ingredients as they may contain substances that will make your colony sick.

Bee food recipe chart with ratios for feeding honey bees sugar water image.

Sugar Water Ratios

There are 2 basic recipes using when making sugar water for honey bees. Both use the same ingredients (water and sugar).

The difference involves measuring the amount of sugar and water (the ratio) that you add together. You can measure by weight or volume it does not matter – don’t overthink this part.

1:1

To make 1:1 sugar water – mix equal amounts of granulated sugar and water. You can measure with cups or use weight as the unit of measure. It does not matter because either method will result in a 1:1 mixture. Equal parts sugar – water (i.e. 2 cups sugar – 2 cups water).

2:1

A 2:1 ratio contains twice as much sugar as water. For example, 8 cups of sugar to 4 cups of water. When using this mixture, use very warm water to dissolve the sugar easier. However, do not boil your bee syrup, this is not good and it is not necessary.

Recipe for 1 Gallon of Sugar Water

If you only have a couple of hives, you may want to mix up 1 gallon of liquid food at a time. These measurements will get you close to a gallon of liquid in a 1:1 ratio. Do not stress over exact measurements. Even in the field, nectar sources vary a bit in sweetness.

  • 10 2/3 cups of granulated sugar
  • 10 2/3 cups of warm water

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Additives

When mixing up bee syrup (sugar water) I do like to add a feeding supplement to encourage uptake and help prevent syrup from becoming moldy. This is not a requirement – plain sugar water is fine.

You can even use homemade supplement recipes – like using essential oils for bees. These are thought to promote better bee health too. Be cautious, these products are concentrated- add only a small amount.

How Sugar Water Feeding Affects Bees

Why are 2 different sugar water ratios used in feeding bees? I’m glad you asked. While both recipes provide carbohydrates, they have different effects on the honey bee colonies.

Bee larvae in honeycomb during Spring buildup.

Spring Feeding (for Buildup)

Spring is a time of colony growth as bees are busy raising bee brood. Newly started hives are struggling to get their colony established. Spring beekeeping is a busy time for bees and beekeeper.

Feeding honey bees a 1:1 ratio, promotes brood rearing. This thin mixture is closest to the sweetness of most natural nectars.

This same method of feeding 1:1 applies to any time throughout the season when you have a colony in need of food. Perhaps a new split hive could benefit from some supplemental feeding.

Worker honey bee storing sugar water honey in comb.

Fall Feeding (Food Storage)

As the cold season approaches, it is not uncommon to find hives that are not quite ready for Winter. The secret to Fall bee feeding. is to get out there and get it done in late summer before the weather cools.

The ratio of 2:1 sugar water promotes food storage. This mix is not as likely to encourage brood rearing and more likely to end up stored in comb. If your colonies don’t need extra feeding – that’s great!

Identifying When Bees Need Fed

Aside from seasonal issues, how do you know when your bees need sugar water? As beekeepers, we perform routine hive inspections during the season to assess colony conditions. Sometimes your beehive will tell you when they need help:

Signals from the Hive

  • seasonal variations
  • hive weight monitor
  • hive status

Seasonal Foraging

Every region has an ebb and flow of nectar and pollen producing flowers. Constantly monitor food stores and incoming nectar. In case your bees need help due to a nectar dearth.

Checking food stores during this time and possibly feeding to help build bee populations may be advisable.

Hive Weight

I am not one of those beekeepers who is a master at judging colony weight – but some folks can. If you gently lift the hive from the back (just a bit) you can tell if it is “light or heavy”. If all the hives in your apiary are heavy except for one – you may need to feed those bees sugar water – at least a few gallons (yes-gallons).

Two images with empty honey comb on left and comb with some capped honey on right.

Hive Status

The most important aspect of feeding bees has to do with hive status. Regardless of weather and forage, most new hives with a freshly installed package of bees will benefit greatly from supplemental feeding.

The same also applies when beekeepers split their hives to create new colonies. Having extra food is a big bonus that the bees will make use of at night and on rainy days.

Expert Tips

If you discuss your methods of feeding sugar water to your bees, be prepared for some criticism. Some beekeepers feel that you should never feed your hives, period. Others recognize the importance of feeding bees when hives conditions warrant.

No matter what you choose, be prepared to have some well-meaning beekeepers at the local beekeeping association meeting to tell you that you are wrong!

  • supplemental feeding does not take the place of natural nectar and pollen
  • do not give bees sugar water without a reason – you can overfeed
  • always try to evaluate why the colony needs sugar water (weather conditions, low population, etc.)
  • The biggest mistake made by beekeepers is failing to feed a new colony long enough. 

FAQs

When should I start feeding bees sugar water?

Only feed sugar water to beehives that are in need of extra nutrition. For newly established hives, feeding for a few weeks gives them a big boost.

Why would my established hive need sugar water?

Even healthy established bee colonies can experience food shortages. They may be victims of a lack of forage in the field such as that caused by a drought or the field force of bees may have been lost for some reason.

Does feeding bees sugar water make them lazy?

Feeding bees does not make them lazy. In fact, honey bees prefer natural nectar when good sources are available. They may ignore your sugar water if food in the field is plentiful.

Can I feed my bees sugar water all year?

There will be times when you should stop feeding bees sugar water. These include the cold months of Winter (unless you are in a very warm climate) and when your honey collection supers are on.

If my bees make honey from sugar water is it real honey?

The bees will use any nectar (or nectar-like substance) to make honey. Honey produced from sugar water instead of nectar – that’s a no no. And, its not real honey.

Does sugar water go bad?

Yes, sugar water you make for your bees can get moldy. Only make the amount your bees can use before it gets stale.

Computer that shows online beekeeping class on display, beekeeping unveiled - your hive awaits.

Final Thoughts

Making and feeding sugar water for bees is a lot of work and expense (if you have more than one hive). You should not have to feed every colony all season. If this is happening, something is wrong. How much extra sugar water your hives require will depend on your climate and other conditions.

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91 Comments

  1. Ray Little says:

    I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your website and I have been reading your book. I am in Bay City Michigan and we have four new packages of honeybees information and guidance is very important. Thank you so much for what you do Ray.

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to tell me. I hope you have a very successful season.

  2. Larry Roof says:

    Good thoughts about feeding my bees. Learned some things that will help me care
    for them better . God made these beautiful hard workers to help us in many ways . Thanks

  3. Barbara Walker says:

    I have a plant nursery business. I’ve just started my 37th year. I always feed the hummingbirds. This year I had about 12 on a daily basis. For years we would seldom see a honeybee. This year my hummingbirds left in August because they couldn’t feed because of so many bees. Hundreds of them. I have actually held up on fungicidin my plants because I didn’t want to harm the bees. I have no idea where their hive is located. I read on the computer to feed them the sugar water. I put out 3 feeders off my porch every morning and they cover it in like a mat on top of each other. I even have to refill it during the day. How can I locate their hive? Should I get a bee box? I know nothing about raising bees. My son enjoys feeding them. He has only been stung once when one got caught under his arm bringing his arm down from hanging the feeder. They swarm all around us and even get on our arms and hands. I’m concerned about cold weather coming and if they will survive. I also need to fungicide my plants but I don’t want to hurt the bees. What would be your best suggestion for my volume of bees?

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      Barbara, it does sound like you have had some bees move in nearby. This could be because of wild colonies moving into the area or some beekeeping neighbors. I would not get a bee box unless you have a passion for learning how to manage colonies. When they are feeding at a station they are quite calm and I enjoy watching them too. If you have the time, you could try to follow some of them after they fill up and leave – sometimes you can track them back to the hive. As for the fungicide, I would spray it a bit later in the day after most of the foraging bees have left and that may help prevent serious effects.

  4. Hi, I have left over bee syrup [sugar water] left from last year it was frozen in my shed all winter it has a few specs of mold on it ,can I reheat it an use it or use as is or throw it away and start with fresh

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      I would err on the side of caution and make fresh.

  5. Dave Carlson says:

    Why feed bees sugar water when there is no nutritional value to it?
    Wouldn’t a patty be better? Or honey?

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      In my opinion, cane sugar water is closest to natural nectar. It does not take the place of real nectar but it is a carb source and will keep the bees alive. Honey (of their own) would be great but most beekeepers don’t have that and feeding honey from unknown sources is risky for disease. Also, the smell of honey in the bee yard being feed tends to make robbing worse. Patties can be very beneficial but carbs in that form do not encourage brood rearing as much as liquid feed. Natural nectar and real honey is always best. But, there are time when I feel like sugar water can be a boost. Each beekeeper must weigh the pros and cons and make a choice for his/her apiary.

  6. Mary Jones says:

    I live in N. Central Arkansas. We have had 2/10 in of rain since May. Everything is dying if it is not watered. I try to water some plants, but I did not get much garden planted this year. I have some bees coming to my hummingbird feeders, and oriole feeder. Last night I found your web page. I am wondering how much and which strength I should feed theses bees. One of my neighbors said they try not to start feeding theirs till later in the fall, however they have a large garden. The quart hummingbird feeder I have has an open trough like a chicken waterer. I filled it 2/3 full last night with 2:1 nectar. This morning there is a mass of bees on the tray as well as on the jar and all over the ground below the feeder. My neighbor said they feed theirs in a shallow pan with corn cobs in it to reduce drowning. I have pulled a couple supplement tub lids and picked some gum balls to use instead of corn cobs. I have a batch of 1:1 nectar cooling.

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      Hi Mary, It has been dry here to and of so hot. Thankfully, I have not seen my bees on the hummingbird feeder – yet. One to one sugar water, just plain granular sugar is the best liquid. I am assuming you are just wanting to help the hungry bees and these are not your own beehives. If so, providing a little sugar water in a drown-free environment is okay. Just know that you may have a veritable “bee tornado” out there. What you are doing sounds okay – just place it well away from your home and feeder. Bucket feeders are another option but unless you are feeding bees from your hives – that can get expensive. https://carolinahoneybees.com/bucket-feeder-for-bees/

  7. Mary Hayden says:

    I do have a question. I keep hummingbird feeders in my backyard and have for years. Recently in the afternoon I find the feeders are surrounded by bees. I’ve never had this happen before. A neighbor several streets over keeps beehives and I’m wondering if these belong to her hives. Is this sugar water which is a ratio of 4:1 Is ok for the bees? Also since the bees are around, the hummingbirds don’t seem to be interested in this feeder.
    What should I do if anything? I want to help the bees but I’d like the hummingbirds to come back! Thanks.

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      Hi Mary, those bees are hungry. There must not be natural nectar sources in the area right now. If you know your neighbor, you might ask her if she is feeding her bees. Put in a nice way – she may not know they are that hungry. Unfortunately, beekeepers can not control where bees fly – but we do have a responsibility to try to maintain them. Likely, in a few weeks something will begin to bloom again and the bees will refocus.

  8. Jacqueline Brennan says:

    Hello Miss Charlotte I have two new hives (packages). My question is how long do I feed them sugar syrup? Is this something that you do all summer long? I want to make sure they are prepared for this coming winter. The hives are doing very well. I have added a second brood boxes and they are starting to fill up. I am not anticipating any honey supers this year? Thankyou for all of your help!

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      Check out my post on Feeding Package Bees Successfully.

  9. Carol Webb says:

    How often do you change the water for a frame feeder? I received a package of bees Thurs, today is Monday. Very small amount of sugar water gone. Small amount of bees built 2 frames of 1/3% of frame in that time. I’m in middle Georgia.

    1. Charlotte Anderson says:

      I don’t usually change it out unless its been in there 3 weeks or so. They may be getting enough nectar in the field right now. But I would continue to offer them some along because the field nectar will go away eventually and then the bees will be thankful for the syrup.

  10. Charlotte Anderson says:

    My guess would be that although you don’t have hot/cold seasons – you do have foraging seasons. Sometimes there is more natural nectar around and the bees don’t need the extra food as bad. I know for myself, I see this happen here. If I place a feeder outside when other natural food is available – it is mostly ignored! Aren’t bees fascinating!

  11. john dalzell says:

    I live on a tropical island – Guam. I have no bee hive on my property; however, I have placed a sugar water feeder outside for the bees that are in the area. I live in a typical housing area and not on a range and the property is not large.
    I’ve been feeding the bees hundreds if not thousands for months, about a year or so. They would arrive a sunrise and leave a sunset. Everyday like clockwork.
    Then we started attracting the Greater Banded Hornets. Wife and I were killing about 20 of these beasts every day. No idea where their nest is – no nests of any kind around my house.
    This was going on for about 4 months and suddenly for the last 3 days no hornets – my guess is that someone must have eliminated the hornet nest, where ever it was.
    That’s wonderful for us; but, suddenly I’ve noticed no bees at all at sunrise. They come by the hundreds in the early afternoon and they don’t stay until sunset but leave a few hours before. This has been going on for 2 days now.
    Question: We don’t have seasons here (just rain or dry) – But, do bees have schedules? Do bees in the tropics follow some sort of seasonal patterns? Or do you think the hornets are playing a part some how? Perhaps the bees moved to a new home and are setting up house? I’m very curious.

  12. Charlotte Anderson says:

    If they are not ready for Winter with lots of stored food, keep that feeder full. A strong colony has thousands of workers – you can’t feed them too much in a day. Also, with an outdoor feeder we are feeding other insects too but if you have them – you might put out more than one feeder and you did a good job keeping your bee feeder well away from the hive entrance!

  13. Karen Reider says:

    Hi beekeeper Charlotte. Thank you for all this wonderful information. I have a question about how much to feed my bees during the day. It is late summer approaching fall and they definitely did not have enough flowers to draw from. I filled up a gallon feeder and they emptied it a little later than mid day from 6 o’clock in the morning. Should I fill it up again or is that enough for the day? It is about 500 feet away from their hive which is a top bar.

  14. Jaime Johnson says:

    What are your thoughts on Hive Alive vs. Honey B Healthy? Is one “better” than the other? I am a first-year beekeeper. I caught two swarms at the end of May and have been feeding them since they started with bare frames. I have debated on adding a supplement to the sugar syrup (1:1) that I am currently feeding them and would appreciate your thoughts.

    1. Beekeeper Charlotte says:

      I have used it and think it is very good too.

  15. Beekeeper Charlotte says:

    I have mixed feelings… most of the time I had rather only feed bees things that are as close to what they would collect as possible. The HBH has been tested by so many beekeepers that I feel comfortable with it when used in small amounts.

  16. Hi Charlotte,
    Thanks for all the precious advice! I keep reading non stop all your articles.
    I have a question about the sugar water : can I infuse the water with herbs such as sage and thyme before mixing it with the sugar? Wouldn’t that be better than using HE?