Supplemental feeding

Provide sugar syrup and pollen patties to colonies when natural forage is scarce. This temporary measure prevents starvation during nectar dearths, supports weak colonies, and maintains brood production until flowering resumes.

Why It Works

Sugar syrup (1:1 ratio in spring, 2:1 in autumn) supplies carbohydrates for energy, while pollen patties deliver the protein and amino acids bees need for brood rearing. Supplemental feeding bridges gaps in natural forage and keeps colonies strong enough to take advantage of the next nectar flow.

Tips

• Use white granulated sugar only — never brown sugar, molasses, or high-fructose corn syrup
• Place feeders inside the hive to avoid robbing from other colonies
• Feed in the evening to reduce robbing pressure
• Remove feeders once natural forage becomes available to avoid dependency
• Monitor for fermentation in warm weather and replace syrup every few days
• Commercial pollen patties are convenient; homemade substitutes vary in nutritional quality