Sugar Water vs Corn Syrup

[leechmann]

I'm sure you folks have had the debate on whether to feed sugar water or corn syrup, but I am asking you to do it again. I'm very new in the bee world and would like to hear your thoughts. Now, the bee guy that I'm taking instruction from, was saying that genetically altered corn has a pestiside in it. Personally, I have no idea. Secondly, if it doesn't , is it just a matter of personal preference, or cost, or something else?

Thanks for your help,

Leechmann

[bassman1977]

Now, the bee guy that I'm taking instruction from, was saying that genetically altered corn has a pestiside in it

That's correct.

I'm sure you folks have had the debate on whether to feed sugar water or corn syrup, but I am asking you to do it again.

I am a few months behind on reading my Bee Culture magazine, but if you are able to, and can look up the September 2008 issue, there's an article on that very subject.  I haven't finished it yet so I can't tell you the conclusion.  For what it's worth, I use sugar.  I hear it is better for the bees.  I don't know why though.

[Natalie]

Sugar is suppose to be the closest thing to what is ideal for bees and easier for them to convert according to the article I just read.

[Michael Bush]

As far as I can see the only advantage to HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) is that you don't have to make the syrup.  The shipping will be cheaper on the white sugar from the store than HFCS.  There are questions about HFCS and shortening the life of bees.  This usually gets blamed on HMF (Hydroxymethyl furfural) content in the HFCS.  But other questions have arisen in recent times with the CCD issues.

[Gware]

I have used both and not noticed any difference,but many commercial keepers do and they report alot of losses

[Pix]

I'm curious if there would be an issue with the corn used in the corn syrup being GMO?

Most corn nowadays is from GMO crop. I've heard that people as well as animals, and insects have a harder time digesting this mutated gene.

[leechmann]

Lots tp think about. I can't see a good reason to use corn syrup.

Thanks everyone

[Saltcreek]

The USDA Lab at Tuscon,AZ published a study they did 1977. It compaared sugars and determined after tests that "There is no sugar better than pure sucrose" which was as they pointed out meant "pure refined beet and cane sugar". This was reported in the American Bee Journal Feb 1977 issue. A link to this report is -
http://www.beesource.com/pov/usda/abjfeb1977.htm

[Cossack]

Stick with sugar water. Its easier for them to convert.