What is the recommended sugar to water ratio for feeding bees in September for brood buildup?

The recommended sugar to water ratio for feeding bees in September, particularly for brood buildup, is a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water. This ratio is ideal because it mimics the natural nectar that bees would collect from flowers during the late summer and early fall. A 1:1 ratio provides the bees with the necessary carbohydrates they require for sustaining the colony and supporting the development of new brood.

In September, bees are often preparing for winter, but they also take advantage of the warm weather to build up their population heading into the colder months. This feeding strategy enables the bees to maximize their resources and ensures they have enough food stored to survive winter. The 1:1 ratio is particularly suitable for stimulating the queen to continue laying eggs, which is vital for increasing brood numbers before winter.

Other ratios like 2:1 or 3:1 are better suited for winter feeding, where the bees are primarily storing food rather than building up brood. The 1:2 ratio would provide too much water compared to sugar, which is not conducive to the current needs of the colony in September. Thus, utilizing a 1:1 mixture effectively supports the bees’ needs during this period of brood buildup.