The winter period is considered a real test for bees. Therefore, they require increased nutrition. This helps the insects gain the required amount of energy. Thanks to this, it is possible to warm their bodies. Almost all beekeepers use sugar syrup during this period. It has high nutritional properties. In this case, it is very important to strictly follow the proportions and know how much vinegar to add to the syrup for the bees.
What does vinegar do to sugar syrup?
When making syrup for the winter, the proportions should be strictly followed.The use of the vinegar component in the product makes it more useful and effective. The introduction of an acidic ingredient helps invert the sugar, which the bees really like. They absorb this feeding much faster. The use of malic acid in food promotes the accumulation of fat on the body of insects and reduces the amount of food eaten, since satiety is achieved faster.
In addition, it is possible to increase the number of brood. This figure increases by 10% compared to brood from insects that absorb regular sugar syrup without additional ingredients. In addition, the acidic environment helps reduce energy costs for preparing and assimilating food.
In addition, other substances can be added to insect food - thyme essential oil, wormwood, pine needles. Instead of acetic acid, it is allowed to use citric acid. In this case, 7 grams of the substance are required for 3.5 kilograms of sugar and 3 liters of water. The presence of acid in the sweet mass promotes the breakdown of glucose. Thanks to this, it is quickly absorbed by bees.
How much vinegar to add
It is quite easy to prepare a sweet mass for feeding. To do this, take soft water and bring it to a boil. After this, you should add the required amount of sugar and mix the composition thoroughly so that all the crystals dissolve. Then vinegar should be added to the composition.
Ordinary
For 10 kilograms of white sugar, you need to use 4 milliliters of vinegar essence. It is also permissible to take 3 milliliters of acetic acid for this volume of sweet product. It is recommended to add the substance to the finished product, cooled to +40 degrees. For successful wintering of insects, they need to be fed in the fall.
Apple
In this case, it is recommended to take 10 kilograms of sugar and 10-20 liters of water. For this volume it is worth using 4 milliliters of apple cider vinegar. It should be poured only after the sugar has completely dissolved. Before adding the sour component, you need to cool the syrup to +40 degrees.
Using vinegar in making bee food has a number of advantages. In order for the use of the composition to be effective, it is important to strictly follow the proportions and adhere to the rules for using the substance.
