For special bees use an herb tea instead of water with the sugar. Bees like many herbs, melissa especially, but lavendar, thyme, sage, chamomile. Probably others, let me know! Some herbs strengthen their immune systems. Steep the herbs in your measured water, then strain and melt in the sugar. Add a pinch of salt, as a preservative. Feed when it reaches about body temperature. I just heard a great tip on frame feeders, add pine needles to the frame feeder so the bees don't drown in it! If you have only a few hives you can make these special syrups for them.