Calculate sugar and water amounts for 1:1, 2:1, 1:1.25 or custom bee syrup ratios. Use metric or imperial units and choose the container size you want to fill.
Weight-based mixing is more consistent because scooped sugar can compact differently.
1:1 is thinner syrup, commonly used in spring to stimulate brood production and help colonies build up.
1 litre = 1000 mL
Equal parts sugar and water by weight. Useful in spring for stimulation, brood build-up and helping new colonies draw comb when natural nectar is limited.
Best for: spring build-up, packages, nucs, drawing comb and short summer dearths.
Two parts sugar to one part water by weight. Thicker syrup is closer to stored food and takes less work for bees to reduce.
Best for: late summer/autumn feeding, building winter stores and topping up light colonies.
Feed liquid syrup only when bees can take it properly. If nights are consistently cold, use an appropriate fondant/candy approach instead of leaving cold liquid feed in the hive.
Very high heat can create compounds that are not good for bees. Warm water is enough.
Use plain white granulated sugar. Avoid brown, raw, molasses or other sweeteners.
Undissolved sugar can settle or ferment. Stir until the syrup is fully dissolved.
Make smaller batches and discard syrup if it smells off, bubbles or shows mould.
No. Use plain white granulated sugar only. Brown sugar and molasses-based products can cause digestive problems for bees.
Weight is better. 1:1 by weight means equal weights of sugar and water. Volume measurements are convenient but less precise.
Fresh syrup is best. In warm conditions it can ferment or mould quickly, so make only what your bees will take.
Liquid syrup is usually unsuitable in cold conditions. Consider fondant or candy boards when bees cannot take liquid feed.