Beehive Candy Board Plans

As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare our beehives for the colder months. Providing the right kind of nourishment and insulation for our bees ensures their survival and productivity. In this post, we’ll explore the creation of a moisture quilt, candy board, and proper insulation techniques that can help keep our fuzzy friends thriving throughout winter.

Bees in Winter: Moisture Quilt, Candy Board and Insulation

Winter can be a challenging time for bees. Without adequate resources, they struggle to maintain health and vitality. Implementing a moisture quilt and a candy board in your hive can significantly improve their chances of weathering the cold.

Ingredients for the Candy Board

To create a candy board that will serve as a food source for your bees, gather the following ingredients:

5 lbs granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 cup corn syrup
1 tablespoon vinegar (to prevent mold)

Instructions for Making the Candy Board

Follow these steps to prepare the candy board:

In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and vinegar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Pour the syrup into a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Let it cool completely until it hardens. Once solid, you can cut it into pieces to fit your hive’s dimensions.

Creating the Moisture Quilt

It’s equally important to manage moisture in the hive during winter. A moisture quilt can help absorb excess humidity:

Wooden board (cut to hive size)
Absorbent material (like cloth or towel)
Wood shavings or straw for insulation

Instructions for Making the Moisture Quilt

To assemble your moisture quilt, do the following:

Place the wooden board on top of the hive, ensuring it fits snugly.
Add layers of absorbent material on top of the board.
Top it off with wood shavings or straw to insulate and keep warmth in.

Implementing these strategies will provide your bees with the nourishment and protection they need during the harsh winter months. Ensuring that they are well-prepared will help foster a healthy hive come springtime!