Use granulated sugar, not brown sugar, since this sometimes has molasses added to it. The sugar syrup also provides the bees with carbohydrates, which give them energy.
Shop for pollen powder at farm supplies stores, some bird supply stores, or online. The pollen contains protein, which the bees need to create drones and keep the hive healthy over the winter.
To make your own essential oil mixture for bees, combine 15 drops of spearmint essential oil and 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil with 5 cups (1. 2 L) of sugar syrup and 1/8 teaspoon (0. 4 g) of lecithin granules.
You don’t have to get out a ruler to measure the patty, but don’t push so hard that the mixture spills out from the waxed paper.
For long-term storage, freeze the pollen patties in their wax paper for up to a few months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before you place them in the hive.
If you’re concerned about disturbing the bees when you place the patty in the hive, remove the hive cover and smoke the bees down so they’re below the top bars. Then, put the patty in the hive.
It will probably take your hive a week or two to eat through a patty, so check at least once a week. Pollen patties are especially helpful if there’s only a single flower source of pollen in the summer. It’s important to stop feeding your bees when pollen and nectar are easily available. If you continue to feed them, they can become reliant on your supply of pollen, and their brood numbers might increase to an unmanageable size.
Most beekeepers agree that it’s important to stop feeding pollen patties by October. [9] X Research source
