During which months should a 2:1 sugar to water ratio be used for feeding bees to prepare for winter?

Using a 2:1 sugar to water ratio for feeding bees is particularly important during the late summer and early fall months, specifically in September, October, and November. This ratio is used to provide bees with a concentrated source of sugar, which helps them build up stores of food necessary for winter survival.

During September, bees are still preparing for the winter months ahead, and the 2:1 ratio promotes efficient stores for the colony. In October, as the temperature begins to drop and natural resources become scarce, the bees need a high-energy food source to strengthen the colony and ensure its health through the winter. By November, it is crucial for bees to have adequate food stores to survive the cold months when they will not be able to forage. Feeding them with this concentrated solution helps them effectively store sugar in the form of honey, allowing the bees to maintain necessary energy levels.

In contrast, the other time frames mentioned don’t all align with the recommended feeding practices. For instance, feeding in only October and November may not provide sufficient time for the bees to utilize and store the feed, and focusing on later months misses the prep work needed in September when colonies are actively building their winter reserves.