Watermelons

[randydrivesabus]

I have some watermelons in my field that the deer have punched holes in. The bees are on them like theres no tomorrow. So I was trying to think this through...maybe you can help? They load up on watermelon juice and bring it back to the hive. Is this like feeding sugar syrup? There's no way to stop them and while I don't want the deer eating my melons the bees have seen to it that there's enough to go around.

[bassman1977]

My thinking is that since watermelon is 92% water by weight (per Wikipedia), it would be more like them gathering water for cooling, only leaving a small trace of sugar behind after evaporation.  As long as you are not extacting large amounts, I doubt it will affect the honey too much.

[pdmattox]

I would concur that thought.

[SgtMaj]

Most of the rest is sugars though... so it might be like a light syrup.

[randydrivesabus]

its been kind of cool here for the last week or so and I don't think there's a lot of need for large quantities of water for cooling.

[DennisB]

Watermelon flavored honey. Now that has a nice ring to it! Just think of how you could display it for sale. Maybe get some small watermelon shaped jars?! :lol:

Dennis

[greg spike]

I've seen them licking up juice from split and bird damaged pears and figs. They're not very juicy so i think they are after the sugar. I don't think they get much out of it, just something to keep them busy in the mid-summer dearth, I guess.

Hey, maybe you could juice a couple dozen mellons, and throw it in a bordman feeder. Think they'll make red honey?

[Jerrymac]

I have had busted melons around a few times and never had a bee go for it. Even without a flow.

[randydrivesabus]

I have had busted melons around a few times and never had a bee go for it. Even without a flow.

well my melons are sweet ;)