How to Feed Honey Bees During Nectar Dearth

If you’re new to beekeeping, you might be hearing the term “nectar dearth” for the first time. Don’t worry—it’s just a fancy way of saying that there’s a period when there aren’t many flowers blooming, and your bees might struggle to find enough food. During a nectar dearth, your honey bees could need a little extra help from you to stay healthy and strong. Let’s explore what a nectar dearth is, why it’s important, and how you can feed your bees to keep them thriving.

Table of Contents

1.) What Is a Nectar Dearth? (Click here)

2.) Why Feeding Bees During a Nectar Dearth Is Important (Click here)

3.) How to Feed Your Bees During a Nectar Dearth (Click here)

4.) Choosing the Right Bee Hive Feeder (Click here)

5.) How to Know When Your Hive Needs Food (Click here)

6.) When to Start and Stop Feeding (Click here)

7.) You Can Find All the Equipment I Used (Click here)

What Is a Nectar Dearth?

A nectar dearth is a period when the natural sources of nectar—like blooming flowers—are scarce or nonexistent. This can happen during hot, dry summers, early spring before flowers bloom, or late fall as plants start to die off. During a dearth, bees can’t find enough nectar to sustain the hive, which can lead to stress, reduced honey production, and even hive collapse if they run out of food.

Why Feeding Bees During a Nectar Dearth Is Important

Feeding your bees during a nectar dearth is crucial to their survival. Without enough nectar, bees can become weak, stressed, and more susceptible to diseases and pests. They might also start robbing nectar from other hives, which can lead to hive fights and further stress. By providing a supplemental food source, you’re helping your bees stay healthy, productive, and ready to bounce back when nectar becomes available again.

How to Feed Your Bees During a Nectar Dearth

Feeding your bees during a nectar dearth doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple methods to keep your hive well-fed and happy:

1. Sugar Syrup

Sugar syrup is a go-to option for feeding bees during a nectar dearth. It’s easy to make and closely mimics natural nectar. Here’s how to make it:

• Summer Dearth: Mix 1 part sugar with 1 part water (1:1 ratio). This lighter syrup is easy for bees to consume when they’re actively foraging.
• Early Spring or Late Fall Dearth: Mix 2 parts sugar with 1 part water (2:1 ratio). This thicker syrup helps bees build up their food stores when natural nectar is scarce.

Simply fill a feeder with the syrup and place it inside or near the hive. There are different types of feeders, such as entrance feeders, hive-top feeders, and division board feeders—choose the one that works best for your setup.

2. Pollen Patties

Pollen patties provide essential protein for your bees, especially when natural pollen is in short supply. These patties are great for ensuring your bees have the nutrients they need to raise brood and maintain hive strength. You can buy ready-made pollen patties or make your own by mixing pollen substitute with sugar syrup or honey.

Place the pollen patty directly on top of the frames in the brood chamber, and your bees will eat it as needed.

3. Dry Sugar or Candy Boards

If you’re concerned about adding too much moisture to the hive, especially in cooler weather, dry sugar or candy boards are excellent alternatives. Dry sugar can be sprinkled directly onto a piece of newspaper placed on top of the frames. Candy boards, which are hardened sugar mixtures, can be inserted into the hive like a frame, providing a long-lasting food source.

Choosing the Right Bee Hive Feeder

When it comes to feeding your bees, there are several types of hive feeders to choose from, each with its own benefits.

• Entrance feeders are placed at the hive entrance and are easy to monitor, making them great for beginners. However, they can attract robbing bees from other hives.
• Hive-top feeders sit on top of the hive under the lid, providing a larger feeding area while keeping the syrup safe from robbers and pests.
• Frame feeders replace a frame in the brood box and are great for feeding bees directly inside the hive, but they take up space that could otherwise be used for brood or honey.

Each type has its pros and cons, so you can choose the one that best fits your beekeeping needs!

How to Know When Your Hive Needs Food: Key Signs to Watch For

Here are some signs that your hive may need to be fed sugar water:

1. Low Honey Stores: If you inspect your hive and notice that the bees have little to no honey stored, especially as winter approaches, it’s a clear sign they need supplemental feeding.
2. Decreased Foraging Activity: If you see fewer bees leaving the hive to forage, especially during a nectar dearth or in late fall, it may indicate they’re struggling to find enough food.
3. Weight Loss of the Hive: If your hive feels lighter than usual when you lift it, this could indicate that the bees are consuming their stored honey too quickly and may need extra feeding.
4. Aggressive Behavior: Bees can become more aggressive when they’re hungry or stressed due to a lack of food. If your normally calm bees are suddenly more defensive, they might be low on resources.
5. Empty or Sparse Brood Comb: If the brood combs are looking empty or sparsely populated with developing bees, it could mean the queen has slowed down her laying due to a lack of food.
6. Bees Consuming Stored Honey Quickly: If you notice the honey stores decreasing rapidly between inspections, your bees might not have enough natural nectar to sustain themselves.
7. Cold or Wet Weather: During extended periods of bad weather, bees can’t forage as effectively, which may lead to a shortage of nectar and the need for sugar water feeding.

If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to start feeding your bees sugar water to help them through the tough times.

When to Start and Stop Feeding

It’s important to keep an eye on your hive and the availability of nectar in your area. Start feeding when you notice a decline in blooming flowers or if your hive’s food stores are running low. Stop feeding when natural nectar sources return, and your bees can forage on their own again.

Final Thoughts on Feeding Bees During Nectar Dearth

Feeding your honey bees during a nectar dearth is a simple yet vital part of beekeeping. By offering them the extra nutrition they need, you’re helping to ensure that your hive stays strong, healthy, and ready to thrive once the dearth is over. Remember, a well-fed hive is a happy hive, and your bees will thank you for the extra support during tough times.

Happy beekeeping!🐝

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This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclose here.

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