Beekeeping Sugar Syrup Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate exact sugar and water measurements for feeding your bees. Choose between 1:1 spring syrup for stimulating brood or 2:1 heavy syrup for building winter stores.
Sugar Syrup Calculator
BeekeepingCalculate exact sugar and water amounts for feeding your bees. Mix 1:1 spring syrup or 2:1 heavy syrup for fall feeding.
Syrup Configuration
Equal parts sugar and water by weight
Stimulates brood rearing, mimics nectar flow
How Much Syrup?
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What is a Beekeeping Sugar Syrup Calculator?
A beekeeping sugar syrup calculator helps you determine the exact amounts of sugar and water needed to make bee feed. Feeding sugar syrup is an essential beekeeping skill used to supplement natural nectar when forage is scarce or to help colonies build up stores for winter survival.
Different syrup ratios serve different purposes: 1:1 (thin) syrup mimics natural nectar and stimulates brood rearing in spring, while 2:1 (heavy) syrup provides concentrated energy that bees can quickly cure and cap for winter storage. Getting these ratios right is critical for bee health and colony success.
Understanding Syrup Ratios
1:1 Ratio (Spring Syrup): Equal parts sugar and water by weight. Thin consistency mimics natural nectar.
2:1 Ratio (Fall Syrup): Two parts sugar to one part water. Thick, easier for bees to cure quickly.
1:2 Ratio (Emergency): Very thin syrup for hydration or medication delivery only.
When to Feed Bees Sugar Syrup
Spring: Feed 1:1 syrup when natural forage is scarce to stimulate colony buildup. Stop when nectar flow begins.
Fall: Feed 2:1 syrup after the honey harvest to ensure adequate winter stores (40-90 lbs depending on climate). Never feed while honey supers are on — syrup will contaminate your honey crop.
Important Safety Notes for Bee Feeding
- Use only white granulated sugar — never brown sugar, powdered sugar, or molasses
- Never boil sugar — high heat creates hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) which is toxic to bees
- Don't feed honey from unknown sources — it may contain American Foulbrood spores
- Replace syrup frequently to prevent fermentation (discard if cloudy or smells like alcohol)
- Use warm water (120°F/50°C) to dissolve sugar, then cool before feeding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 1:1 and 2:1 sugar syrup for bees?
1:1 syrup (equal parts sugar and water by weight) is thin like nectar and used in spring to stimulate brood rearing. 2:1 syrup (two parts sugar to one part water) is thick, used in fall to help bees build winter stores quickly. The heavier syrup requires less effort for bees to cure and store.
Can I use brown sugar or raw sugar for bee syrup?
No, only use white granulated cane or beet sugar. Brown sugar, raw sugar, molasses, and honey from unknown sources contain impurities that can cause dysentery in bees. Never feed honey to bees as it may contain disease spores.
How much syrup should I feed each hive?
It depends on the season and stores. In fall, a typical hive needs 40-60 lbs of stores for winter. A gallon of 2:1 syrup provides about 7 lbs of sugar. For spring stimulation, feed 1-2 quarts of 1:1 syrup per week until natural nectar flow begins.
Should I boil the water when making bee syrup?
No, do not boil the water with sugar. Heating sugar above 160°F (71°C) can create hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) which is toxic to bees. Use warm water (120°F/50°C) to help dissolve the sugar, then let it cool before feeding.
How long does sugar syrup last before going bad?
Plain sugar syrup can ferment within 1-2 weeks, especially in warm weather. Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you see mold, cloudiness, or smell fermentation (alcohol/vinegar), discard it immediately.
Sources and References
- Randy Oliver, Scientific Beekeeping, "Sugar Syrup Feeding"
- University of Florida IFAS Extension, "Feeding Honey Bee Colonies"
- Bee Culture Magazine, "The Art and Science of Feeding Bees"