When it comes to nourishing honeybees and boosting nectar flow, my father-in-law introduced me to an exceptionally effective technique.
In this article, we’ll delve into the Sandwich Bag Method of feeding bees, but before we explore the details, let’s understand the reasoning behind this approach.
Why are we feeding our bees from a sandwich bag?
In the spring of 2022, we welcomed our first hive of bees, which settled in splendidly. Their progress was so encouraging that we opted to divide the original hive to thwart potential swarming. However, in late summer, just when I thought everything was under control, it all unraveled!
Initially, we were using a top feeder box – a half-box with a nectar substitute-filled pan shielded by a screen to prevent bees from drowning. The method was effective, and we replenished the feeders with approximately four cups of nectar every few days to maintain their contentment. Everything seemed ideal until marauding yellow jackets caught wind of the delectable concoction within the hives.
A horde of aggressive yellow jackets overtook one hive, leaving the original colony teetering on the edge. We intervened, eliminating the intruders and discontinuing the feeders to avoid attracting further wasps or bees that might threaten our struggling colony. This marked the start of our quest to feed the weakened colony without inviting unwanted insects – enter the sandwich bags.
How does feeding bees from a sandwich bag work?
Feeding bees through sandwich bags is effective because it minimizes exposure of the nectar substitute. Only a small puddle of sugar water is accessible to the bees, preventing both drowning and the attraction of other insects. To employ this method:
- Fill a sandwich bag with nectar substitute.
- Place the bag atop the frames within the hive.
- Carefully cut a small half-inch slit in the middle of the bag to allow controlled seepage of sugar water.
- After a few minutes, the bees will locate the feed and start consuming it.
What should you feed your bees?
While various commercial products offer excellent supplemental nourishment for bees during growth phases, we chose to create our own solution. Crafting your nectar supplement is a straightforward process:
- Mix equal parts granulated or raw sugar with nonchlorinated water.
- Ensure your water is free from chemicals that could harm bees – consider using store-bought or natural spring water.
- Add a bee health and colony growth supplement after thoroughly dissolving the sugar. We recommend HIVE ALIVE (affiliate link), a highly effective supplement.
- Store the solution in a sealed 5-gallon bucket and provide the bees enough for 3 to 4 days of feeding at a time.
Incorporating this creative yet practical Sandwich Bag Method into your beekeeping routine can yield impressive results. Give it a try and let us know about your experience!
