Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: kedgel on July 11, 2009, 01:06:00 am

Title: How do I keep my syrup from fermenting?
Post by: kedgel on July 11, 2009, 01:06:00 am

Everytime I mix up a batch of syrup to feed my bees, it ferments before it gets used up.  Mixing smaller batches is a pain. I heard you can put vinegar in it, but have no idea about how much to use. haven't found anything searching the literature, either.  Any ideas?

Title: Re: How do I keep my syrup from fermenting?
Post by: harvey on July 11, 2009, 02:46:52 am

how much are you making?  I mix up five pounds of sugar at a time a little more than one to one and it is gone in about four days!  I think I am done feeding though for this part of the year.  I fed a swarm like that and they drew out comb like crazy.  Now I want to get some honey so I have quit feeding.

Title: Re: How do I keep my syrup from fermenting?
Post by: RayMarler on July 11, 2009, 05:25:29 am

I use some essential oils in my sugar syrup mix. I don't mix them nearly as strong as some others in here do. The essential oils that I use keep the sugar water from spoiling.

Title: Re: How do I keep my syrup from fermenting?
Post by: jdpro5010 on July 11, 2009, 12:19:53 pm

HBH or the self made version is supposed to help with this.  I would just make smaller amounts if it is not consumed in a week or two though.

Title: Re: How do I keep my syrup from fermenting?
Post by: kedgel on July 11, 2009, 01:44:47 pm

Quote from: RayMarler on July 11, 2009, 05:25:29 am

I use some essential oils in my sugar syrup mix. I don't mix them nearly as strong as some others in here do. The essential oils that I use keep the sugar water from spoiling.

What are "essential oils"?  I usually mix up a 10# bag of sugar per instructions that came from W.T. Kelley with my bees.

Title: Re: How do I keep my syrup from fermenting?
Post by: David LaFerney on July 11, 2009, 01:49:10 pm

I put it in quart jars and keep it in the refrigerator.  Then either leave it out for a while or nuke it for a minute or so to warm it up before feeding.  Of course if you aren't using jars to feed out of this wouldn't make a lot of sense.