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When to Stop Feeding Bees in Spring
For the most part, bees can feed themselves, but there are times when a beekeeper may want to step in and offer some assistance. Feeding bees sugar water can be very helpful to new colonies or during a nectar dearth. While feeding bees sugar water can save a starving colony, it is also important to know when to stop feeding bees in spring. Giving bees too much sugar water when they don’t need it isn’t good for them too. What do Bees Eat? There are three things bees eat – pollen, nectar, and honey. Worker bees spend much of their time foraging pollen and nectar to bring back to the…
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Caring For Bees in the Winter
Winter is a vulnerable time for bees. The 2 things they need to survive – warmth and food are not readily available during the cold winter months. If there are no flowers to forage from, what do bees eat in the winter? This article will discuss what bees do in the winter, what bees eat in the winter, and how to feed bees in the winter. What Bees Do During Winter Unlike bears or birds, bees do not hibernate or fly away during the cold months. Instead, they gather in their hive. When the temperature drops to the 50s it’s time for the bees to return to the hive…
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How to Use a Sugar Water Feeder For Bees
Feeding bees can be somewhat of a controversial topic among beekeepers. Some feel that it’s best to leave bees to their own devices and let nature take it’s course. The weaker bees would die off, leaving a colony of stronger bees. However, there are definitely times when it is appropriate for beekeepers to feed bees. In those times it is extremely helpful to have a sugar water feeder for bees. A new colony of bees would require feeding, as well as bees recovering from illness. If for some reason there are no flowers around for bees to get pollen and nectar, they may need to be fed as well. This…
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Feeding Pollen Patties to Bees
While we would like for our bees to be able to feed themselves exclusively through foraging, there are times when a beekeeper must step in to feed their colonies. When necessary, beekeepers will feed their bees either pollen patties or sugar syrup. Feeding bees can mean the difference between a strong colony and one that is struggling to survive. Of course, there is a correct way to feed bees. Knowing when to feed pollen patties to bees is essential. What are Pollen Patties? Pollen patties are a type of bee food that is made to simulate pollen. Pollen patties do not usually contain real pollen. Instead, they are a mixture…
