Central New York

[cporten]

Howdy, I go by Gary, sometimes Chris, I am new here on the Forum and introducing myself. I live in Auburn New York and am restarting my bee interests. The last hive I had (20 years ago) was stolen, and life got in the way from starting again. I am pretty excited about starting from scratch again, I am buying a nuc from Miller Hill Apiary and raring to go.

[cporten]

I would like to know if there are opinions on whether to use older store-bought honey as a syrup mixture for feeding my new hive.  Seems that the consensus is don't risk it, and stay with sugar water.   

[Ben Framed]

I would like to know if there are opinions on whether to use older store-bought honey as a syrup mixture for feeding my new hive.  Seems that the consensus is don't risk it, and stay with sugar water.

Thank for your post! Yes the major consensus on feeding store-bought, honey is negative. The main reason from my understanding is store-bought honey may come from anywhere in the world and could possibly have  AFB spores contained.

By the way, welcome to Beemaster!

[The15thMember]

Hi Gary!  Welcome to Beemaster!    Feel free to ask any questions you may have or just keep us updated with how your nuc is doing. 

I agree with Ben Framed, store-bought honey seems risky to me.  You just don't know what's really in it or where it's been, so I'd stick with syrup.

[Kathyp]

Welcome.  3rd the above + the sugar is cheaper.   

[cporten]

Thanks all. It is my understanding that AFB spores cannot be neutralized with ordinary means with outside honey sources, needing under pressure heat. Not just simple boiling.

[The15thMember]

That's correct.  In the US even the equipment from contaminated colonies must be destroyed.  In some countries treating the equipment with radiation is legal.  But anything short of those extremes will not destroy AFB spores. 

[cporten]

thanks

[BeeMaster2]

Welcome to Beemaster.
Using store bought honey to feed bees is very risky and many countries make it illegal because of this. Australia comes to mind.
Jim Altmiller

[Occam]

Welcome, glad you could join us!