Medicated Sugar Syrup
Medicated syrup is preferably fed in the fall. About 2-3 gallons of 2:1 sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) is the usual feeding per colony. If spring feeding, the syrup mix may be reduced 1:1 (1 part sugar to 1 part water). Package colonies, feed about one gallon of medicated syrup as soon as package is installed. Continue feeding as required for three weeks.
Spring timeframe for feeding is approximately the middle of March to latter part of April. Use of tray feeder is preferred. Do not break propolis seals between supers. Put tray feeder on top of brood chamber and fill with medicated syrup, close hive back up. Pollen patties may also be used at this time.
Fall time frame for feeding is approximately mid-September to latter part of October. I recommend feeding as much 2:1 sugar syrup as your bees will take. The tray feeder is the best method recommended for this.
Fumagilin-B is an antibiotic used primarily for treating package bees, nucleus colonies, and overwintering colonies for Nosema apis infection. Fumagilin-B should be fed only in sugar syrup, as directed.
Preparation of Medicated Syrup
These instructions are given in US measurements:
1 US gallon = approximately 3.78 litres.
| Water | + | Sugar | = | Syrup | + | Fumagilin-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 gallons | 727 lbs | 100 gallons | 16 ounces (454g) | |||
| 9⅓ gallons | 152 lbs | 21 gallons | 3.4 ounces (96g) | |||
| 2¼ gallons | 37 lbs | 5.2 gallons | 0.85 ounces (24g) | |||
| ½ gallon | 8 lbs | 1 gallon | 0.18 ounces (5g = 1 rounded tsp) |
Fall Feeding Medicated Syrup
- 2 gallons for each 2-chamber colony (approx. 30,000 bees)
- 1 gallon for each 1-chamber colony (approx. 18,000 bees)
- ½ gallon for each 5-frame colony (approx. 8,000 bees)
Feed additional unmedicated syrup to desired colony weight for wintering.
Spring Feeding Medicated Syrup
- 1 gallons for each 2-chamber colony (approx. 30,000 bees)
- ½ gallon for each 1-chamber colony (approx. 18,000 bees)
- ½ gallon for each 5-frame colony (approx. 8,000 bees)
- 1 gallon for each package colony
Feed additional unmedicated syrup to provide nourishment until nectar is available.
Additional Measurements
- ½ teaspoon = 1.5 g Fumagilin-B (31.5 mg activity)
- 1 teaspoon = 3.0 g Fumagilin-B (63 mg activity)
- ½ Tablespoon = 4.8 g Fumagilin-B (100 mg activity)
- 1 Tablespoon = 9.5 g Fumagilin-B (200 mg activity)
- ⅔ cup = 50 g Fumagilin-B (1.05 g activity)
References:
- Fumidil B product literature, Medivet Pharmaceuticals, High River, Alberta, Canada
- Honey Bee Pests, Predators, and Diseases, 3rd Edition ©1997, edited by Roger A. Morse and Kim Flottum