As winter approaches, beekeepers must ensure their hives are set up for success.
One key aspect of winter preparation is knowing what foods are best suited for bees in the colder months.
During this period, it’s critical only to provide solid foods, whether it’s honey, sugar fondants, or other substitutes.
Here’s why solid foods make the difference between a peaceful winter and potential complications inside the hive.
The Science Behind Solid Foods
In colder weather, bees cluster together to maintain warmth, creating a cozy core that can reach temperatures up to 35°C.
Liquid foods, however, can drop the hive’s temperature, as bees must expend energy and break their cluster to reach it.
This process disrupts their stability and may risk the colony’s overall health.
Solid foods, by contrast, are far more accessible within the cluster, keeping energy needs low and avoiding unnecessary disturbances.
Why Liquids Pose Risks
Liquid feeding options, including syrup, are common during warmer months, but in winter, they present real risks.
For one, liquid food can freeze, rendering it inaccessible to the bees.
Even if it doesn’t freeze, condensation can form, leading to damp conditions that increase the likelihood of diseases like nosema.
Bees need a dry, stable environment, which solid foods are best at supporting.
Benefits of Sugar Fondants and Candy Boards
Sugar fondants and candy boards have become winter favorites among beekeepers.
These solid feeding solutions stay firm in the hive, providing bees with easy access without disrupting the cluster.
Additionally, they’re practical to position directly above the cluster, so bees don’t have to travel far to reach their food source, ensuring they can feed safely and comfortably without losing valuable heat.
Natural Honey as the Ideal Option
Whenever possible, leaving a hive with sufficient honey stores is the most natural and effective winter food.
Honey contains beneficial enzymes and nutrients that support colony health, and its solidified state is perfect for winter.
By preparing the hive early and gauging honey stores, beekeepers can give their bees an optimal, natural food source all season long.
