Making a Candy Board for Winter Bee Feeding

Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by Anthony

As winter approaches, bees need a reliable source of food to survive the cold months. A candy board is a quick and convenient way to provide bees with the necessary sustenance to stay healthy and active. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to make a candy board for winter feeding that you can easily DIY at home. We will also explore the significance of a candy board for bees, the required materials and ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success.

Key Takeaways

• Bees need a consistent source of food during the winter months to survive.
• A candy board is a simple and effective method of winter feeding for bees.
• Gathering the necessary materials and ingredients for making a candy board is easy.
• Proper installation and monitoring of the candy board is essential for success.
• Alternative winter feeding methods, such as sugar bricks or fondant, may also be used.

Why Do Bees Need a Candy Board for Winter Feeding?

During the winter months, bees are unable to forage for nectar and pollen due to the colder temperatures and lack of available flowers. As a result, they rely on the honey stores they have stored within the hive to survive.

However, in some cases, the bees may not have enough honey to last throughout the entire winter season, which can lead to starvation and the collapse of the colony. This is where a candy board for winter feeding comes in.

A candy board is a supplemental feeding method that provides bees with a source of sugar and nutrients to supplement their honey stores during the winter months. It is an essential tool for beekeepers to ensure the health and survival of their colonies.

Why Do Bees Need a Candy Board for Winter Feeding?

Bees need a candy board for winter feeding to supplement their honey stores and prevent starvation. A colony can starve to death if they do not have enough food to survive through the winter.

A candy board also provides bees with a source of carbohydrates, which they need for energy to maintain their body temperature and move around the hive. It also contains essential nutrients that are necessary for the bees to stay healthy and thrive.

Gathering the Necessary Materials for Your DIY Candy Board

Creating a bee candy board requires several materials and ingredients to ensure the bees have a reliable food source during the winter. Below is a detailed table listing all the necessary items:

Category	Item	Description	Quantity
Sugar	Granulated White Sugar	The main ingredient for the candy. Use pure cane sugar, not beet sugar.	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Water	Water	Used to dissolve the sugar and create the candy mixture.	1.5 to 2 quarts (1.5-2 L)
Additives	Vinegar or Lemon Juice	Helps invert the sugar, preventing crystallization.	1 tablespoon (15 mL)
	Honey Bee Healthy (optional)	A nutritional supplement for bees.	1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL)
Equipment	Large Pot	For boiling the sugar mixture.	1
	Candy Thermometer	To monitor the temperature of the candy mixture.	1
	Wooden Spoon	For stirring the mixture.	1
	Mixing Bowl	To mix and pour the candy.	1
	Parchment Paper	To line the molds for easy removal of the candy.	As needed
	Candy Board Frame	A wooden frame to hold the candy in the hive.	1 (dimensions as needed)
	Aluminum Foil or Wax Paper	To cover the candy board and prevent it from sticking to the hive.	As needed
	Hive Tool	For handling the hive components.	1
	Masking Tape	To secure the parchment paper and cover the frame.	As needed
Preparation	Kitchen Scale	For measuring the ingredients accurately.	1
	Measuring Cups and Spoons	For measuring water, vinegar, and other additives.	1 set
Optional	Essential Oils (e.g., peppermint)	Can be added for mite control and to improve bee health.	A few drops

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Equipment:
   • Line the candy board frame with parchment paper and secure it with masking tape.
   • Prepare all measuring tools and ingredients.
2. Mix and Boil:
   • In a large pot, combine 10 pounds of granulated white sugar with 1.5 to 2 quarts of water.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture.
   • Heat the mixture slowly while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Cook the Mixture:
   • Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil and continue boiling until the temperature reaches 234°F (112°C) to 240°F (116°C), the soft-ball stage.
4. Cool and Pour:
   • Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat.
   • If using, add Honey Bee Healthy or essential oils at this point and stir well.
   • Pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared candy board frame.
5. Set and Harden:
   • Allow the candy to cool and harden at room temperature.
   • Once fully set, cover the top with aluminum foil or wax paper to prevent it from sticking to the hive.
6. Install in Hive:
   • Place the candy board in the hive, ensuring it is accessible to the bees.
   • Regularly check the candy board during winter and replace it if needed.

By following these instructions and using the listed materials, you can create an effective candy board to help sustain your bees during the winter months.

Installing the Candy Board in the Beehive

Once the candy board is complete, it’s time to install it in the beehive. The following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Remove the inner cover from the beehive.
2. Place the candy board on top of the top bars of the upper brood box, right above the cluster of bees.
3. Replace the inner cover on top of the candy board. It’s important to ensure that the candy board is not placed too high or too low in the hive, as this can cause the bees to move away from it.
4. Check the candy board regularly to ensure that the bees are feeding on it and to monitor the amount of remaining candy. If the candy board is empty or near empty, it’s time to refill it with a new one.

It’s important to note that the candy board should not be the only source of winter feed for bees. Bees also require water, so it’s important to ensure that there is a source of water available for the bees in the hive.

Monitoring and Refilling the Candy Board

After installing the candy board in the beehive, it is important to regularly monitor it during the winter months to ensure that the bees have enough food to survive. Check the candy board every two to four weeks and look for any signs of depletion or damage.

If the candy board is running low on food, it will need to be refilled. Gently remove the empty or partially empty candy board from the beehive and replace it with a new one filled with fresh food.

When refilling the candy board, it is important to use the same recipe and follow the same instructions as before to maintain consistency for the bees. Additionally, it is recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a veil, to avoid disturbing the bees too much during the refilling process.

Alternative Winter Feeding Methods

While a candy board is an effective method of winter feeding for bees, there are alternatives that beekeepers may consider. One such option is sugar bricks, which are made by combining granulated sugar with water and allowing the mixture to harden in a mold. Sugar bricks are easy to make and can be stored for later use.

Another alternative is fondant, which is a soft sugar mixture commonly used for cake decorating. Fondant can be purchased pre-made or can be made at home with sugar, water, and corn syrup. While fondant is an effective winter food source, it can be more expensive than other options.

It is important to note that regardless of the winter feeding method chosen, beekeepers should always monitor their hives and ensure that their bees have enough food to survive the winter.

Tips for Successful Winter Feeding with a Candy Board

Creating a candy board for winter feeding is a crucial step in ensuring the health and well-being of your bees during the colder months. However, simply installing a candy board is not enough. It is essential to follow these tips to ensure that your bees are getting the nutrition they need to thrive:

• Check the candy board regularly: It is important to monitor the candy board regularly throughout the winter months to ensure that there is enough food for your bees. Check the board at least every two weeks and refill if necessary.
• Ensure the candy board is easily accessible: Bees need to access the candy board easily, so make sure that it is located in a central position within the hive and properly installed.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Use only high-quality ingredients to create your candy board, and avoid using processed or artificial sugars which may be harmful to your bees.
• Store the candy board properly: Store any extra candy boards in a dry, cool place to ensure they remain fresh and ready for use in case of emergency feeding.
• Perform regular hive maintenance: Ensure that the beehive is properly maintained throughout the winter to keep your bees healthy and disease-free. This includes regular cleaning, removing dead bees, and checking for signs of pests or disease.

Below is a table with tips for successful winter feeding of bees using a candy board:

Category	Tip	Description
Preparation	Start Early	Prepare the candy board before the first frost to ensure the bees have food when needed.
	Use Fresh Ingredients	Always use fresh, pure cane sugar and clean water to avoid contaminants.
	Monitor Weather	Create and install the candy board during mild weather to reduce hive disturbance.
Installation	Proper Placement	Place the candy board directly above the cluster for easy access.
	Secure the Board	Ensure the candy board is securely positioned to avoid shifting or falling.
	Provide Ventilation	Ensure proper hive ventilation to prevent condensation which can dissolve the candy.
Feeding	Check Regularly	Inspect the candy board periodically (e.g., monthly) to ensure there is enough food.
	Supplement with Protein Patties	If necessary, provide protein patties for additional nutrition.
	Use Follower Boards	Use follower boards to reduce the hive space and help bees stay warm.
Temperature Management	Maintain Hive Insulation	Ensure the hive is well-insulated to help bees maintain a stable temperature.
	Avoid Frequent Inspections	Minimize hive inspections during extreme cold to prevent heat loss.
	Provide Upper Entrance	An upper entrance helps with ventilation and allows bees to access the candy during heavy snow.
Health Management	Monitor for Diseases and Pests	Regularly check for signs of disease or pests, and take appropriate action.
	Clean Equipment	Keep all feeding equipment clean to prevent the spread of disease.
	Use Essential Oils (optional)	Adding essential oils can help improve bee health and manage mites.
General Tips	Keep a Record	Maintain records of feeding dates, quantities, and hive conditions.
	Be Prepared for Emergencies	Have extra candy boards or alternative food sources ready in case of severe weather or prolonged winter.
	Learn and Adapt	Continuously educate yourself on beekeeping practices and adapt to your local climate and conditions.

Following these tips means you can increase the chances of your bee colony surviving the winter and emerging strong in the spring.

How to Make a Candy Board for Winter Feeding – Conclusion

In conclusion, a candy board is an essential tool for winter feeding in beekeeping. It provides bees with a much-needed source of food during the colder months, helping them stay healthy and survive until spring arrives. Creating a candy board is a straightforward process that requires only a few materials and ingredients, making it an accessible option for beekeepers of all experience levels.

Regular monitoring and refilling of the candy board are crucial to ensure that the bees have a constant food source throughout winter. Additionally, alternative methods such as sugar bricks or fondant can be used if candy boards are not available or not preferred.

When creating a candy board, it is important to follow instructions carefully and to position the board securely within the beehive. Beekeepers should use best practices when handling their hives and feeding bees to maintain a healthy and productive colony.

By using a candy board for winter feeding, beekeepers can ensure that their bees remain healthy and continue to thrive throughout the colder months.

Beekeeping Disclaimer:

Beekeeping, like any agricultural activity, involves inherent risks. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Potential risks associated with beekeeping include:

1. Bee stings: Honey bees are generally not aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed. Bee stings can cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in some individuals, which can be life-threatening. It is important to wear protective clothing and follow best practices when handling bees to minimize the risk of stings.
2. Diseases and pests: Bees can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, including mites, viruses, and bacterial infections. These can have significant impacts on bee colonies, leading to reduced honey production or even colony collapse. It is important to monitor hives regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat diseases and pests.
3. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold temperatures, can affect the health and productivity of bee colonies. It is important to ensure that hives are appropriately sheltered and provided with adequate food and water.
4. Environmental hazards: Bees can be affected by environmental hazards such as pesticide exposure, pollution, and habitat loss. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate measures to protect bee colonies and promote healthy environments for bees.
5. Legal requirements: Beekeeping may be subject to local, state, or national regulations, such as registration or inspection requirements. It is important to be aware of these requirements and comply with them.

While beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in beekeeping, beekeepers can help ensure the health and productivity of their hives and contribute to the well-being of bee populations worldwide.