Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How to Feed Corn Syrup to Honeybees

Honeybees require feeding, especially during the winter months when nectar and natural food sources are scarce. One option for feeding honeybees is the use of corn syrup. Corn syrup is naturally sweet like nectar, so it draws the bees and gives them something to eat besides honey and sugar and can help them survive through winter or early spring before natural food sources are available.

Things You'll Need

Corn syrup
Water
Bowl
Spoon
Bee feeder

Instructions

- 1
  Pour one part water to one part corn syrup into a bowl. The one-to-one ratio prevents the mixture from getting too thick.
- 2
  Mix the corn syrup and water with a spoon until the syrup is completely dissolved. Look at the mixture once the syrup is dissolved. If it seems thin, add a little more syrup and stir it in.
- 3
  Fill the bee feeder according to the feeder instructions. Exact methods of filling differ for each feeder type and brand. Usually, the syrup is poured into the feeder at the top or back, or it is added to a container and a lid is put on top.
- 4
  Allow the bees near the feeder.

Insects & Science