In the middle of summer, nature slows its rhythm, so there may be a period when pollinators – bees, bumble bees and butterflies – hardly find enough food. It is then that the syrup bait comes, a simple sugar mixture that gives these useful creatures a quick dose of energy.
The summer months can be a critical period for pollinators – they do not always have enough natural food. Although in the gardens, Sometimes it is difficult for bees, bumble bees and other diligent helpers to find a hearty energy source. At this time, a simple but effective support- sugar paste or syrup bait comes. Properly prepared mixture can supply the pollinators the necessary carbohydrates, especially during the dry season, flower loss or long journey.
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“During the period when there is a lack of bee food in nature, beekeepers usually provide supplementary sugar syrup as a refund of nectar,” says a study in Apidology.
Watch a video from Simouncosmetics for classic cosmetic sugar pastes on YouTube:
Sugar paste gives energy
Production of sugar paste is not complicated and you can handle it from commonly available ingredients. The basis is a classic white sugar, which is mixed with water in an ideal ratio of 2: 1 – two parts of sugar per part of water. The mixture needs to be heated until the sugar is completely dissolved but it is important not to bring it to the boil. At too high temperature, sugar could caramelize, which is harmful to the bees. If you want to create a stronger consistency, suitable for a pad or a feeder, just use less water and put the resulting mass in a mold.
Some beekeepers add a small amount of honey to the paste, but with that it is necessary to care. Honey can contain diseases that then spread between wild I. Therefore is always safer to stick to clean sugar mixtures. It is also essential that the bait be placed out of the reach of ants, wasps or other animals that could consume it before bees.
Do not forget the water
The syrup bait is best served in shallow bowls or feeders with an access bridge, such as cork, twigs or floating cutters. The bees do not drown and can suck comfortably. On hot days, pay attention to the regular replacement of the mixture – sugar syrup is subject to fermentation and can then be dangerous for pollinators. Likewise, do not forget the availability of water, ideally in a bowl with stones, where the insects can sit safely.
And why actually offer such help? Pollinators play a key role in nature and our gardens – they provide crops of fruits, vegetables and flowers. If we offer them a nutritious alternative when they do not find it in the landscape, we help them survive and at the same time strengthen the biodiversity around us. It’s a small step with a big impact.
Home sugar paste is not just an emergency feed for bees. It’s a simple way to be part of the solution and offer a helping hand to those who help us every summer.
