sugar water storage

[trapperbob]

I was wondering if you can freeze sugar water since I think I probably should not put anymore on the hive but would like to try and save it for this fall since I have about 2 gallons and hate to waste it. Also how far away should I dump the sugar water that is currently on the hive so as not to cause a robbing situation.

[AndersMNelson]

The sugar lowers the freezing point of water, by accordance to Le Chatelier's principle.  I dump excess sugar water just a few feet from my hive.  I think as long as the ground absorbs it you're fine.

[Apis629]

Often times, relying on the ground to absorb it in time will not work as, even if it doesn't get the bees robbing, it will attract ants.  I'd suggest dumping it into a drain or something but, I suppose that only works for people in developed areas.

[buzzbee]

Pour it arond some shrubs or flowers. They can get a boost too!

[randydrivesabus]

why do you need to freeze it?

[Cindi]

Randy, your question, why do you need to freeze it.  I know that s.s. will go mouldy after a certain point in time.  If it is frozen, then it is suspended in time.  I would freeze excess if I did not need it until next season.

When I washed and cleaned all the wax, I kept the wash water in the freezer and mix it with my sugar syrup solutions.  I of course strain it before I mix the solution.  The bees really seem to like it alot, probably cause it is very very natural tasting to them.

I would not dump any sugar syrup water on the ground, ever, anywhere.  Why don't you just bring it into your home and dump it down the drain in your home.  Sugar of any sort will bring ants, and probably many other forms of insects that like the sugar.  These I do not like to invite anywhere, especially near the bees.  You will hear many forms of advice.  But this is my story and I am sticking to it.  Have a wonderful day, beautiful life, I can only see with one eye perfectly well because of the bee sting on my eyelid, so typing is kind of weird.   :roll:Great health wishes to all.  Cindi

[Kathyp]

yes, you can freeze it.  it may not freeze solid, but it will keep and not grow mold.  i do it with my humming bird syrup and the bee syrup.  i take it out the night before i need to use it and let it warm to room temp.

[limyw]

Why dump or keep in freezer? I did keep sugar syrup for months without freezing and bees just consume it without any bad effect! Of coz, it turned sour and cloudy in color....If you have big freezer that is no harm to freeze it.

[trapperbob]

Thanks guys I know some things don't freeze and if they do they don't always keep to well but it sounds as if it will keep in the freezer and I have two big freezers since we buy and slaughter our own meat. It's a lot cheaper and makes you appreciate where it comes from a little more.

[Michael Bush]

I make 2:1 always (never 1:1) and add some vitamin C to it (seven 1000 mg tablets to about eight gallons of syrup).  The 2:1 keeps MUCH better than the 1:1 and the vitamin C seems to help it keep a little longer.

[Cindi]

Michael, right, I had forgotten about adding the vitamin C to syrup, good advice.  Best of a beautiful day, great day, great health.  Cindi