If I dress the top medium with petroleum jelly, will this keep the ants at bay? I have need to start feeding a hive but I have had terrible luck with ants. I am likely to be quite busy at work in the coming week and will not have time to address frequent feedings. A hive top can hold several quarts and seems to be my best bet at the moment. That said, the ants are a real issue.
have you tried a bottom board feeder? i had some ants around my hive this spring but they didn't seem to bother the bottom board as much as they wanted in the inner cover. but my bees seemed to handle them pretty good nice clean strong hives now.
Inverted jar over the inner cover reduces the area for syrup access and the bees can keep ants at bay.
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/feeder-compare/
I read the comparison of feeder types that the link takes you to.
What do all of you find is the best feeder when the bees are in a cluster?
Quote from: WhipCityBeeMan on August 23, 2008, 08:34:20 AM
I read the comparison of feeder types that the link takes you to.
What do all of you find is the best feeder when the bees are in a cluster?
Depends on the time of year. If it is Spring and they are just clustering at night, then the inverted jar is best as they can continue to feed while clustered under the lid. If it is winter, then I find feeding candy is the best option. Feeding syrup in the winter creates too much moisture in the hive and easily leads to dysentery.
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/
If it is winter, then I find feeding candy is the best option. Feeding syrup in the winter creates too much moisture in the hive and easily leads to dysentery.
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/
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can any Honey B Healthy be put in the sugar board or would it prevent the candy from hardening?? ths
How do you make this candy :?
Quote from: octagon on August 23, 2008, 09:54:37 AM
can any Honey B Healthy be put in the sugar board or would it prevent the candy from hardening?? ths
I can't give you a definitive answer, as I have never done it. I have added pollen to it with no problem. Since HBH is essential oils, I would think the high heat of the liquid candy would cause it to evaporate though. Try it on a small batch and see what happens.
Quote from: IrwinHow do you make this candy :?
http://robo.bushkillfarms.com/beekeeping/emergency-feeding/ ;)