How To Make Candy Boards For Bees

Creating bee candy boards is an essential practice for beekeepers, especially in colder climates where bees may struggle to find sufficient food during the winter months. These candy boards provide nourishment to the hive, ensuring that your bees remain healthy and strong until spring arrives. Below, you will find a detailed guide on how to make your own bee candy boards, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Materials Needed

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare your bee candy boards:

10 pounds of granulated sugar
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (optional)
1 cup of corn syrup
Wax paper or parchment paper for wrapping

Making the Bee Candy Board

Follow these steps to create a nutritious candy board for your bees:

Bee Candy Board Preparation 1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. If you choose to use apple cider vinegar, add it to the mixture. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. 2. Heat the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Ensure that you continuously stir to prevent the sugar from burning at the bottom. The goal is to dissolve all the sugar completely. 3. Check Consistency: After about 10 minutes of boiling, check the consistency. You want the mixture to be thick, but you should be able to pour it into a mold. If it’s too runny, continue heating for a few more minutes. 4. Pour into Molds: Once you have the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Using a ladle, carefully pour the warm mixture into a flat board or tray lined with wax paper. Allow it to cool to room temperature. 5. Cut into Boards: After the candy has cooled and hardened completely, remove it from the mold. Cut the candy into boards that will fit directly above your hive frames.

Installation in the Hive

To install the candy board, simply place the boards above the frames of your beehive before winter sets in. This ensures that your bees have direct access to this food source when foraging is not possible.

By taking the time to prepare bee candy boards, you can help your hive thrive through challenging winter months. With a little effort and the right ingredients, your bees will appreciate the care you’ve given them!