Making Candy Boards For Honey Bees

As winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure your bees are well-fed and cared for. One effective method is to create a winter beehive candy board. This provides a supplemental food source during the colder months when natural forage is scarce. Below, you’ll find details on constructing this beneficial tool for your beehive.

A Winter Beehive Candy Board

This candy board serves as a crucial food supply for bees in winter, offering them the necessary energy to survive the chilly months. The preparation of this board requires a few specific ingredients and careful attention to the process to ensure that your bees are receiving the best possible care.

A Winter Beehive Candy Board ### Ingredients

2 cups of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of light corn syrup
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
A pinch of salt
Optional: essential oils such as spearmint or thyme (a few drops)

Instructions

Begin by mixing the granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once dissolved, add the light corn syrup, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Continue to stir until everything is well combined.
If using, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture. Essential oils can aid in maintaining bee health during the winter months.
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes without stirring. The mixture should reach approximately 240°F (soft ball stage).
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the candy mixture to cool for a minute or two. Be cautious as the sugar can be extremely hot.
Once it’s safe to handle, pour the candy onto a prepared, flat surface or into molds. Allow the candy to cool and solidify completely.
Once cooled, you can break the candy into manageable pieces that can be placed on top of or near the bees’ cluster in the hive.

By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your bees remain nourished during the winter. The winter beehive candy board not only provides food but also serves to stimulate the hive, promoting activity and overall health until spring arrives. Remember that maintaining your bees’ wellbeing is vital for a thriving colony come warmer months.