Feeding bees in spring with sugar syrup in bags: pros and cons, instructions

Beekeeping requires frequent feeding of insects. Usually sugar syrup is used for this purpose. In order for the introduction of the substance to be successful, it is important to adhere to the proportions of the preparation of the composition. At the same time, many beekeepers resort to feeding bees in the spring with sugar syrup in bags. This is usually done in March and April - before flowering begins. This procedure helps to stimulate the bees.

Why do bees feed

Spring feeding of bees is required to stimulate insects. This procedure helps to activate the uterus. Thanks to this, she begins to lay eggs in the absence of flowering honey plants.

Pros and cons of technology

Using this feed has the following benefits:

1. When it gets cold, the insects are not too willing to go to the feeder, while the bags are on the frames and warmed by the warmth of the bees' nests.
2. The feeder can be difficult to place on top of the frames, while the flat bag is easily placed in this place.
3. There is a risk of spilling or spilling syrup when using feeders, while there is no risk with bags.
4. Distributing top dressing in this way can be done very quickly - it only takes a few steps.
5. Feeding troughs need to be disinfected from time to time, while bags don't.

However, the use of this method of feeding has only one disadvantage. The container may break, causing the syrup to spill. This problem occurs when using a defective product or excess syrup.

How to feed bees with syrup in bags

To prepare a carbohydrate top dressing for spring, you should take the following ingredients:

• 1 liter of water;
• 2 kilos of sugar.

First, bring water to a boil, then add sugar to it. The composition must be stirred until the sugar dissolves. The result is a thick syrup. It needs to be cooled to +40 degrees.

To speed up the metabolic processes in insects, you can make a composition with citric acid. This will require the following:

• 1 kilogram of sugar;
• 0.85 liters of hot water;
• 2 grams of citric acid.

First you need to mix sugar with water. Then add citric acid and heat for 70 minutes in a water bath.

The resulting syrup needs to be poured. It's easy to do. To do this, it is recommended to take a wide and flat container and pour some water into it. From above it is necessary to put on a bag and pour syrup. This will require a measuring container. Then you need to expel the air and tie the product. After that, you need to dip it in a bucket of clean water. This will help wash away the sugar so the bugs won't stick to each other.

Feeding bees with syrup this way is easy. To do this, you need to lift the lid of the hive, remove the canvas and place top dressing on the frames. After that, you need to return the canvas to its place and close the lid. This will help feed many families in a short period of time.

In order for the bees to start feeding, some beekeepers apply a small amount of the substance to the outside. However, it is important to consider that this can cause bee theft and attacks on the family. It is much easier to place the bag on the frames and pierce it with a needle in several places.The bees will then be able to quickly locate the bag and begin selecting the syrup.

Some beekeepers don't smear or pierce the bag at all. They just put it on the frame. Usually the bees quickly find food, gnaw through the material themselves and choose food.

Feeding in bags has many benefits. This method allows you to quickly feed a large number of bees in a relatively short period of time. Spring feeding has a stimulating effect on insects and promotes their activation.

Recommended