How To Make A Candy Board For Bees

Hello, fellow bee enthusiasts! If you’re looking to buzz through the winter with some happy, well-fed bees, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of winter feeding for our beloved pollinators. Trust me, your bees will be humming with joy—especially if you serve them some sugary delights. Let’s get started with the Candy Board installation, shall we?

Installing The Candy Board For Winter Feeding

First and foremost, let’s talk about the centerpiece of this feast: the Candy Board! A candy board is a sweet treat designed to keep our little friends nourished during those chilly months when nectar is as scarce as a snowflake in July. Installing it is simpler than you might think, and your bees will thank you for it. Let’s get a peek at what this beauty looks like.

Ingredients for the Candy Board

Now that we know how to install it, let’s whip up some delicious candy for our buzzing buddies! Gather the following ingredients:

10 pounds of granulated sugar
1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of white corn syrup
1 dash of vinegar (to keep those pesky ants away!)

Instructions for Making the Candy

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a winter feast fit for a queen bee in no time!

In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and the vinegar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a soft-ball stage (about 235°F on a candy thermometer). Don’t forget to keep an eye on it—you don’t want your sugar getting too carried away on the heat wave!
Once it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Once it’s cool enough to handle, pour it into your prepared Candy Board molds. Be cautious—this stuff is hotter than your last hot yoga class!
Let it cool completely and harden before you place it onto your beehive.

And voilà! You now have a Candy Board ready to go! Just pop that sweet block on your hive, and watch the bees dive in like kids in a candy store. With a little bit of prep, you’ll ensure your bee buddies stay happy and healthy through the winter chill. Happy beekeeping, and may your hives thrive!