When feeding is necessary, it is typically recommended to feed a 2:1 ratio (sugar to water) in which season?

Feeding a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water is typically recommended in the fall season to prepare honey bee colonies for the winter. During this time, bees need to build up their food stores to ensure they have enough resources to survive the colder months ahead when foraging becomes impossible. A 2:1 syrup is thicker and provides more energy for the bees, allowing them to store it more efficiently.

In contrast, feeding bees in spring is usually more focused on promoting brood rearing and building up colonies, where a 1:1 ratio is often recommended. In summer, bees generally gather enough nectar and pollen to sustain themselves, making supplemental feeding less necessary. Feeding in winter is also not advisable because bees cluster to maintain warmth, and introducing liquid feeds can lead to moisture issues within the hive. Thus, the fall feeding strategy is crucial for the health and survival of the bee colony through winter.