FEEDING YOUR BEES DURING DROUGHT

Feeding Your Bees During Drought: Essential Tips

This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.

Feeding of bees during drought is done to save the hive.

In South Africa, drought is a frequent challenge for beekeepers. Extended dry periods reduce the availability of nectar and pollen, putting stress on bee colonies.

Knowing how to feed your bees correctly during a drought can prevent colony collapse and maintain hive productivity.

Why Bees Need Feeding During Drought

When flowers dry up, bees lose their primary food sources:

• Nectar provides carbohydrates (energy).
• Pollen provides proteins and essential nutrients.

Without these resources, bees cannot feed their brood, maintain comb, or regulate hive temperature.

Types of Supplemental Feeding

1. Sugar Syrup Feeding (Carbohydrates)

Used when nectar sources are unavailable.

• Mix Ratio:
  • 1:1 (sugar:water) – For stimulation in spring or early drought.
  • 2:1 (sugar:water) – For emergency feeding or storing before winter.
• Use white granulated sugar only. Do not use brown sugar, molasses, or honey from unknown sources (can spread disease).

✅ Feed inside the hive to avoid robbing.

2. Pollen Substitutes or Supplements (Protein)

Used when there is no or limited pollen in the environment.

• Available as pollen patties, dry pollen powder, or protein supplements.
• Can be homemade or purchased from suppliers.

✅ Place patties directly on the top bars of brood frames.

3. Water Source

Bees always need clean water, especially during heatwaves.

• Use shallow containers with stones or floating wood to prevent drowning.
• Place water sources near the hive but in shaded areas.

✅ Avoid chlorinated or treated water.

Feeding Equipment

• Entrance Feeders – Easy to monitor but can attract robbers.
• Internal Frame Feeders – Safer, placed inside the hive box.
• Top Feeders – Hold large volumes, ideal for larger colonies.

✅ Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and disease.

How Often to Feed

• Feed as long as drought persists and there’s no sign of natural forage.
• Check hive weight and food reserves every 7–10 days.
• Stop feeding when flowers return and bees resume foraging.

Warning Signs of Starvation

• Bees clustered and sluggish on comb.
• Empty honey frames.
• No fresh eggs or larvae.
• Dead bees inside the hive or at the entrance.

✅ Immediate feeding can save the colony if caught early.

Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfeeding can cause honey dilution or fermentation.
• Spilling syrup near hives can trigger robbing.
• Feeding honey from outside sources can spread American Foulbrood or Nosema.
• Neglecting pollen protein needs leads to brood starvation.

Downloadable Checklist

Click here to download a drought feeding checklist for beekeepers (Coming soon!)

Final Thoughts

Feeding during drought isn’t just about survival – it’s about giving your bees the strength to bounce back when forage returns.

With the right feeding strategy, your colony can stay healthy and productive, even during the toughest dry spells.