Sugar Syrup Mix
Mixing Sugar Syrup for Your Bees: Understanding 1:1 and 2:1 Ratios and Avoiding Entrance Feeding.
Welcome to my beekeeping blog! Today, we’re exploring sugar syrup—a key tool for Australian beekeepers to support their bees when natural nectar is scarce. We’ll break down the two most common ratios—1:1 and 2:1explaining what they are, when to use them, and how to mix them. Plus, we’ll discuss why entrance feeding is a mistake to avoid.
What Is Sugar Syrup and Why Use It?
Sugar syrup is a simple blend of sugar and water that beekeepers provide to supplement their bees’ diet. In Australia’s varied climates, where nectar shortages hit during dry spells or winter, it’s a lifeline for hives. The ratio of sugar to water defines its thickness and purpose, and we’ll focus on the classics: 1:1 and 2:1.
Understanding Sugar Syrup Ratios.
In beekeeping, ratios compare sugar to water by weight. With metric units, it’s straightforward: 1 litre of water weighs 1 kilogram. Here’s what each ratio means:
● 1:1 Ratio: Equal weights of sugar and water—like 1 kg of sugar to 1 litre of water. This light syrup mimics natural nectar.
● 2:1 Ratio: Twice the sugar to water—like 2 kg of sugar to 1 litre of water. This thicker syrup is more concentrated.
When to Use Each Ratio.
Choose your ratio based on your bees’ needs and Australia’s seasons:
● 1:1 Ratio (Active Season): Perfect for spring (September to November in many regions), this light syrup encourages brood rearing by mimicking nectar flow, helping your colony grow.
● 2:1 Ratio (Dearth Periods): Use this heavier syrup for winter (June to August) or dry spells. Its high sugar content builds energy reserves for tough times.
● Local Note: Timing varies across Australia. Tropical Queensland might have a longer active season, while Tasmania’s winter prep starts earlier. Monitor your area and hive health to decide.
How to Mix Sugar Syrup: Step-by-Step.
Here’s how to prepare both ratios using metric measurements. It’s simple but requires care for your bees’ sake.
For 1:1 Ratio
Ingredients: 1 kg white granulated sugar + 1 litre water
Instructions:
1. Pour 1 litre of water into a clean pot.
2. Warm it to 40-50°C—do not boil.
3. Gradually add 1 kg of sugar, stirring constantly.
4. Stir until fully dissolved.
5. Cool to room temperature before feeding.
For 2:1 Ratio
Ingredients: 2 kg white granulated sugar + 1 litre water
Instructions:
1. Pour 1 litre of water into a clean pot.
2. Heat to 40-50°C—avoid boiling.
3. Slowly add 2 kg of sugar, stirring well (it’s thick!).
4. Stir until completely dissolved.
5. Cool to room temperature before use.
Small Batch Option: For smaller hives, try 500 g sugar + 500 ml water (1:1) or 1 kg sugar + 500 ml water (2:1).
Mixing Tips for Success
● No Boiling: High heat caramelised sugar, making it indigestible for bees. Warm water works fine.
● White Sugar Only: Stick to white granulated sugar—impurities in brown sugar or molasses can harm bees.
● Full Dissolution: Undissolved sugar can crystallize in feeders, troubling your bees.
● Clean Water: Use fresh, potable water.
● Freshness Matters: Syrup ferments fast in warm weather, so make small batches and use within days.
Why Avoid Entrance Feeding
Once your syrup’s ready, feed it wisely. Entrance feeding—placing syrup at the hive entrance—invites robbing, where other bees or pests steal your hive’s resources.
Robbing Risks
● Easy Target: Entrance feeders attract robbers (bees, wasps, etc.) straight to your hive.
● Weak Defense: Bees struggle to guard external food.
● Escalation: Robbing spreads fast, especially in nectar-scarce times.
In late summer or dry periods robbing becomes a risk. A robbed hive can lose stores, suffer injuries, or catch diseases.
Better Feeding Options
Use internal feeders:
● Frame Feeders: Sit inside, holding syrup securely.
● Top Feeders: Rest above frames, enclosed in the hive.
● Jar Feeders: A jar with tiny holes on the inner cover, inside an empty super.
Pro Tip: During dearth feeding, shrink the hive entrance to a small gap for easier defense.
Quick Reference Table
Ratio Purpose Example Mix
1:1 Boost brood rearing 1 kg sugar + 1 L water
2:1 Build stores for dearth 2 kg sugar + 1 L water
Wrapping Up
Sugar syrup is a game-changer for Aussie beekeepers facing unpredictable climates. Use 1:1 for growth in active seasons and 2:1 for reserves in lean times. Mix it carefully—warm, not boiled, with white sugar, and feed it safely inside the hive to avoid robbing. Your bees will thrive with a strong, happy colony!
