FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of bee food are available for sale?
The offer includes three types of food: bee syrup, bee cake (fondant), and invert. The syrup is a liquid mixture of simple sugars, easy to administer and requiring no dilution. The cake is a solid, highly nutritious food suitable for year-round use. Invert is a carefully prepared mixture based on white sugar and water, easily digestible and resistant to crystallization. All products are characterized by consistent, controlled composition and high quality.
2. What does bee food consist of?
The base is a combination of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and water. Products can be additionally enriched with vitamins and minerals to support the health of bee colonies, especially those that are weaker or struggling with disease. Each recipe is designed to support the energy and health of bees.
3. How is beeswax different from regular sugar?
Bee syrup is laboratory-tested, has a consistent, safe composition, and contains no contaminants that could be harmful to insects. Store-bought sugar may contain additives approved for human consumption, but not necessarily safe for bees. The syrup does not crystallize, is easy to digest, and improves the insects’ energy balance, which translates into their health and hibernation.
4. Does beeswax need to be diluted or heated?
No. Thanks to its special production technology, the syrup is ready to use immediately after opening. Simply place it in the feeder without any additional preparation. There’s no need for mixing or heating, which saves time and minimizes the risk of food contamination.
5. When is the best time to feed bees with syrup?
Syrup is most often administered at two times: in spring to stimulate colony development, and before winter to provide insects with supplies to ensure a safe hibernation. These are key times when the quality and availability of food influence the colony’s strength in the following season.
6. Why doesn't Holger Food syrup crystallize in winter?
The syrup is based on a recipe developed in collaboration with the French Institute of Agronomy and Biotechnology. The appropriate fructose-to-glucose ratio and low complex sugar content make the product exceptionally resistant to crystallization, even at lower temperatures. This increases its efficiency and safety for bees.
7. What is bee cake (fondant) used for?
Bee dough is effective – in winter as an additional energy reserve, in early spring when honey reserves are depleted and the honey flow has not yet begun, and in emergency situations when the colony requires immediate support. It is easy to form, does not stick or spread, and is highly digestible.
8. Why doesn't bee cake cause robberies?
Fondant is less accessible to outside bees. It is consumed primarily by insects from a single colony, minimizing the risk of robbing and facilitating control over the amount of food supplied. This is especially important for weaker colonies or when the hive requires protection.
9. Are the products safe for bees and inspected?
Yes. All products are manufactured under Veterinary Supervision No. PL3021242p and do not contain chemical additives, preservatives, or GMOs. Each batch maintains consistent quality, ensuring complete safety.
10. Are the products suitable for professional and hobby apiaries?
Yes. The foods are designed to work well in both small apiaries and large beekeeping farms. The company also fulfills wholesale orders for customers in Poland and throughout Europe, and thanks to its extensive inventory, it can service even the largest apiaries.
11. Does bee cake encourage queen bees to lay eggs?
Yes. Using honeybee fondant has a stimulating effect, positively affecting queens, who begin their intense redness sooner. This is crucial at the start of the season and for rebuilding the colony’s strength.
12. Do the products require special storage conditions?
Products should be stored in a cool, dry place, protecting them from moisture and contamination. Bee cake has a shelf life of 12 months, and airtight packaging protects it from loss of quality.