Last Updated: February 2026

Feeding Sugar Syrup to Honey Bees

When feeding honey bees, always use standard white granulated table sugar. Avoid organic, raw, brown, or specialty sugars. These often contain molasses, which bees cannot properly digest and can cause gut issues.

Beekeepers commonly use two sugar syrup ratios: 1:1 and 2:1. Each serves a different purpose depending on the season and colony needs.

Sugar Syrup Ratios Explained

1:1 Sugar Syrup

Equal parts sugar and water by weight

Best used for:

• Spring buildup

• Stimulating brood rearing

• Nucs and weaker colonies

This mixture mimics nectar and encourages wax building and brood production. It is commonly used year-round in warm climates like Florida and uses less sugar, making it more economical.

2:1 Sugar Syrup

Two parts sugar to one part water by weight

Best used for:

• Colonies low on stored honey

• Preparing bees for winter

• Emergency feeding when stores are depleted

This thicker syrup helps bees store food quickly and add weight to the hive.

Choosing a Feeder

For 1–2 hives, a standard inverted quart jar feeder works well.

If you want to reduce how often you feed, consider:

• Bucket feeders

• Internal hive feeders

These hold more syrup and require fewer refills.

Having two jars per hive allows you to rotate feeders easily. A healthy colony can consume up to one quart per day under the right conditions.

Mixing Sugar Syrup

Quart Jar Method

1. Fill a quart jar about two-thirds full of sugar.

2. Add hot tap water, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Secure the lid and shake well.

4. Let it sit for a few minutes, then shake again if needed.

5. Replace the lid with a feeder lid or make one by punching 8–12 small holes about 1/16 inch in diameter around the middle of the lid.

When inverting the jar, expect a small amount of syrup to leak out. Avoid spilling syrup around the hive, as it can attract ants and other pests.

Mixing Larger Batches

If you manage multiple hives, mixing syrup in bulk can save time.

5-Gallon Bucket Method:

• Add a 25-pound bag of sugar to a clean 5-gallon bucket

• Fill with water to about an inch from the top

• Use a drill with a mixing attachment to dissolve completely

Stored in a refrigerator, mixed syrup will keep for up to one week.

Bees prefer syrup at ambient temperature, so remove it from the refrigerator a few hours before feeding.

Florida Heat and Fermentation

In warm climates, 1:1 syrup can ferment quickly. Only feed what the bees can consume within 3–5 days. Overfeeding can lead to spoiled syrup, which may harm the colony.

If it smells sour, it is not sweet enough for the bees.

Timing Matters

Early Spring

Early spring is critical for brood rearing. Supplemental syrup can help boost:

• Nucs

• Overwintered colonies that are light on stores

However, syrup alone is not enough. Bees also need protein from pollen to raise brood. Without pollen or pollen substitute, syrup will not fully support colony growth.

Nectar Flow

During a natural nectar flow, bees usually stop taking syrup. They prefer fresh nectar over sugar water.

Do not feed syrup during a nectar flow, as it can contaminate the honey crop. Local beekeepers and clubs are the best resource for identifying nectar flow timing in your area.

Final Thoughts

Feeding sugar syrup is a useful management tool, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Monitor:

• Hive weight

• Stored honey

• Brood pattern

• Pollen availability

Regular inspections will help you decide when to feed, how much to feed, and when to stop. Feed with intention, not habit. Your bees will thank you in comb, brood, and healthy buzz-ness.