Nectar concentrate is a sugar-based liquid that beekeepers use as food for honeybees. It is an important supplement for bees, providing them with energy and nutrients during times when natural nectar sources are scarce. However, like any food product, nectar concentrate has a shelf life. Understanding when it expires and how to store it properly is key for beekeepers who want to maintain healthy hives.
What is nectar concentrate?
Nectar concentrate, sometimes called sugar syrup, is made by mixing white granulated sugar with water. The specific ratio of sugar to water can vary, but a common mixture is 2:1 sugar to water. This creates a thick, syrupy liquid that resembles the natural nectar bees collect from flowers.
Beekeepers use nectar concentrate as a supplemental food source in several situations:
- New colonies – Feeding nectar concentrate helps establish new bee colonies by giving them the calories they need to build comb and raise brood.
- Times of scarcity – During periods when natural flowers are not blooming, nectar concentrate prevents starvation.
- Overwintering – Feeding bees a heavy sugar syrup in fall helps them store up reserves for surviving the winter months.
- Dry conditions – Bees may be fed nectar concentrate if a drought causes a lack of natural forage.
By providing bees with an artificial nectar source, beekeepers can support their nutritional needs when conditions are less than ideal. The goal is to mimic natural nectar as much as possible.
Does nectar concentrate expire?
Yes, nectar concentrate can expire and degrade in quality over time. The shelf life depends on several factors:
- Sugar content – Nectar concentrates with higher sugar concentrations tend to last longer. The high sugar acts as a preservative.
- Storage method – Pasteurization and proper storage help extend shelf life. Improperly stored syrup will expire quicker.
- Contaminants – Once contaminants like mold, bacteria, or yeast get into the nectar concentrate, spoilage occurs faster.
- Temperature – Heat accelerates degradation of nectar concentrate. Storing syrup in a cool, dark place delays expiration.
- Dilution – Adding water to concentrated syrup reduces its shelf life compared to undiluted concentrates.
With optimal storage conditions, an unopened nectar concentrate may last:
- 6-12 months for a 2:1 sugar:water ratio mix
- 1-2 years for heavier syrups like 4:1 or 5:1 ratio mixes
Once opened, the clock starts ticking and syrup should be used within a few months. It’s best to make nectar concentrate in small batches to ensure freshness.
Signs that nectar concentrate has expired
Here are some signs that opened nectar concentrate has expired and gone bad:
- Crystallization – Sugar syrup getting thick, grainy or crystallized.
- Mold growth – Visible mold floating or around edges of container.
- Fermentation – Bubbles in syrup, alcoholic smell.
- Discoloration – Darkening from clear amber to brownish tones.
- Separation – Clear layer of water forming at top.
- Sliminess – Increased viscosity or slippery texture.
Cloudiness and particles in aged syrup are normal, but if you notice any of the above signs it should be discarded. Never give bees expired nectar concentrate.
How to properly store nectar concentrate
Follow these tips to safely store nectar concentrate and extend its shelf life for your bees:
- Sanitize – Sterilize any containers, tools and feeding equipment before making and storing syrup.
- Boil – Gently boiling finished syrup kills microbes and extends shelf life.
- Add preventatives – Some beekeepers add natural preservatives like citric acid or vitamin C.
- Seal – Use air-tight containers with tight lids.
- Refrigerate – Store nectar concentrate in the refrigerator or other cool spot.
- Monitor – Check regularly for any signs of spoilage.
- Label – Mark containers with syrup ratio and date made.
Proper storage in sterilized containers can extend the shelf life of nectar concentrate. Refrigeration is ideal when possible. Only make as much as you expect to use within a few months.
Can expired nectar concentrate make bees sick?
Yes, feeding bees expired nectar concentrate can potentially make your hive sick. Here are some of the risks:
- Microbial growth – Mold, bacteria, yeasts can sicken or kill bees.
- Toxins – Microbes produce toxic byproducts as syrup spoils.
- Dysentery – Fermented syrup causes gut problems and dysentery.
- Weakened immunity – Poor nutrition from degraded syrup makes bees more vulnerable to diseases.
Syrup that has fermented is particularly dangerous to bees. The alcohol can intoxicate them and the acidity upsets their digestive system. Even small amounts of spoiled syrup can spread rapidly through the hive as it is passed from bee to bee.
How can you tell if nectar concentrate has fermented?
Here are a few simple ways to identify fermented nectar concentrate:
- Bubbles visible in the syrup
- An alcoholic, vinegar-like smell
- Fizzing or hissing sound when opened
- Increased tart, vinegary taste
- pH has dropped below 5.0
- Floating sediment or stringy tendrils
Yeasts and bacteria convert natural sugars in the syrup into alcohol and organic acids during fermentation. This lowers the pH, produces carbon dioxide bubbles, and creates a sour taste and smell.
Even if fermented syrup looks okay, it should not be fed to bees. The negative impacts may not be immediately obvious but can weaken the colony over time.
Can you reheat or remix expired nectar concentrate?
It is not recommended to reheat or remix nectar concentrate after it has expired. Reheating may kill some microbes but it does not remove potential toxins and usually worsens crystallization. Adding more sugar and water creates ideal conditions for renewed fermentation.
Once concentrate has gone bad, it is safest to discard it. Trying to salvage expired syrup often does more harm than good. The small amount of money saved is not worth risking bee health.
Tips for using nectar concentrate
Here are some best practices when feeding bees nectar concentrate:
- Only use freshly mixed syrup within the last few months
- Avoid diluting concentrates more than 2-3 times to limit fermentation
- Give bees only what they can consume to prevent buildup of old syrup
- Do not place syrup feeders right next to brood nest area
- Clean and replace syrup feeders regularly to limit mold
- Monitor hive activity and health when feeding syrup
Feeding bees is sometimes necessary but can also encourage robbing behavior and disease transmission. Always practice moderation and proper storage when using nectar substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bees get sick from moldy nectar concentrate?
Yes, bees can get sick from moldy nectar concentrate. Mold produces toxic compounds and can spread harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi to bees. Even small exposure is risky.
How long does homemade sugar syrup last?
Homemade sugar syrup typically lasts 1-2 months if kept refrigerated. Syrup stored at room temperature may ferment or spoil within 2-3 weeks. Boiling the finished syrup extends shelf life slightly.
Can too much sugar syrup hurt bees?
Yes, feeding bees too much sugar syrup can cause problems. It may lead to granulation and dysentery, stimulate wax moth growth, and create dependency on artificial food. Moderation is key.
What temperature kills bacteria in nectar concentrate?
Heating nectar concentrate to around 150°F (66°C) for at least 15 minutes will kill most yeast, mold and bacteria. Boiling at 212°F (100°C) is even more effective for sterilization.
Can bees survive on only sugar water?
Bees can survive on sugar syrup alone for a short time. However, they need diverse nutrition from pollen and nectar to remain healthy long-term. Sugar water does not provide adequate micronutrients.
Conclusion
Nectar concentrate is an important supplemental food source for bees but it can expire, especially if not properly stored. Beekeepers need to closely monitor their feed syrup supplies and watch for any signs of degradation or fermentation. Discard any expired syrup to avoid sickness. Follow best practices when making and feeding substitute nectar to maintain strong and healthy bees.
