When the external temperature rises to a certain degree, bees will begin to leave the hive, engaging in hive cleaning, foraging for food, and participating in other social activities. The temperature range mentioned earlier, around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit), refers to the general temperature range at which bees start leaving the hive.
After the winter season, especially in the early spring when flowers may not have fully bloomed, bees might face food shortages. To help them through this transitional period, you can provide emergency food. Here are some suggestions:
- Sugar Syrup: Offer sugar syrup with a concentration of 1:1 or 2:1, meaning the ratio of sugar to water. This provides bees with energy to navigate through a period without fully bloomed flowers. In early spring or cold weather, a more concentrated 2:1 ratio is often used.
- Honey: If you have surplus honey from previous collections, you can provide it to the bees. Ensure the honey is fresh and free from additives.
- Bee Food Substitutes: These are commercially available substitutes, usually provided in powder or block form. They contain the necessary nutritional elements for bees and can serve as alternatives for food.
- Pollen Substitutes: Offer pollen substitutes rich in protein and other nutrients to help bees obtain the required nutrients when natural pollen is lacking.
Providing emergency food depends on the local climate and the blooming status of flowers. In the early spring, when the weather is warming but flowers have not fully bloomed, bees may face food shortages. Here are some suggestions:
- Monitor Flowering Periods: Regularly observe the blooming status of local flowers. Once natural flowers start providing sufficient pollen and nectar, bees will become more actively engaged in foraging, and you can gradually reduce or cease the provision of emergency food.
- Temperature Changes: As external temperatures steadily rise and plants begin to flower, bees will find natural food sources more easily. This typically occurs as spring gradually warms up.
- Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor the food reserves inside the beehive and the behavior of the bees. If they still exhibit an urgent need for foraging, it may be necessary to continue providing emergency food.
When providing emergency food for bees, it should be placed near the beehive to ensure convenient access for the bees. Consider the following points:
- Proximity to the Hive Entrance: Place emergency food near the entrance of the beehive, ensuring that the food container does not obstruct the bees' entry and exit.
- Shelter from Wind and Rain: Opt for a location that provides shelter from wind and rain to protect the food from adverse weather conditions.
- Stable Support: Position the food container on a stable support to prevent it from tipping over or being affected by strong winds.
- Sunlight Exposure: If possible, choose a location with adequate sunlight exposure, but ensure it doesn't become excessively warm, as this may affect the bees' acceptance of the food.
- Safety Considerations: Consider the safety of the food container to prevent intrusion by other animals or insects.