Bee feeding in spring: What is the best ratio of sugar to water?

Many beekeepers feed sugar water to honey bees in the spring time for brood stimulation. What is the best ratio of sugar to water for brood stimulation? Or is there a best ratio?

David Tarpy, a professor of apiculture at North Carolina State University in the U.S., recommended 1:2 ratio, that is 1 part sugar in 2 parts water. Bob Binnie, a long-time commercial beekeeper in Georgia, U.S., cited an Indian study that showed the best ratio for spring brood stimulation is 1:1.3, that is, 1 part sugar in 1.3 parts water. Bob Bonnie, however, said he could not find or remember where the Indian study was published. I did a lot of Googling and could not find the source of Bob Binnie’s citation either. Please leave a comment below if you know the Indian study Bob Binnie was referring to.

So a lot of people use 1:1 sugar water for spring stimulation. David Tarpy recommended 1:2 ratio. An Indian study cited by Bob Bobbie showed 1:1.3 to be the best ratio. What is the best ratio?

I always believe the truth lies in the middle, so 1 part sugar to 1.3 parts water may be the best ratio for spring feeding. In reality, it will probably not make a huge difference in the outcome. Your bees will be grateful that you remember to feed them. However, 1:1.3 syrup is a little easier to mix than 1:1 syrup, saves you a little money on sugar, which is getting more and more expensive. And could be better for your bees in the spring time. So why not 1:1.3 sugar water?

Here is how you make 1:1.3 sugar water. If you use 4 lb sugar, you need to add 10 cups of water. If you use 10 lb sugar, you need to add 25 cups of water. 25 cups is about 6 litres or 1.5 gallons of water.
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