Feeding Bees for Winter UK – Autumn Stores and Syrup

Last updated: 1 May 2026

Feeding bees for winter is one of the most important autumn jobs for UK beekeepers. Once honey supers are removed and varroa plans are underway, the colony needs enough stores to survive winter without constant disturbance.

This guide explains when to feed, how to judge stores, whether to use syrup or fondant, how to avoid robbing and what to consider with weak colonies before cold weather arrives.

Quick Answer

Feed bees for winter after the honey crop has been removed and before cold weather prevents bees from processing syrup properly. In the UK, this is usually late August through September, depending on region, forage and colony condition.

When To Feed

Autumn feeding should start early enough for bees to take syrup down, convert it and store it before temperatures fall. Feeding too late can leave colonies short, damp or unable to process liquid feed properly.

• Assess stores after honey removal.
• Feed promptly if the colony is light.
• Avoid leaving heavy feeding until late October.
• Balance feeding with any varroa treatment requirements.

How Much Stores

The amount of winter stores needed depends on hive type, colony size, local climate and forage. Many UK beekeepers aim for a brood box that feels properly heavy going into winter, but the exact amount varies.

• Check the weight of the hive by hefting or using scales.
• Look for good capped stores around and above the brood nest.
• Allow for colony size and local winter length.
• Ask local beekeepers what weight is normal in your area.

Syrup Or Fondant

Heavy syrup is usually used for autumn feeding because bees can store it before winter. Fondant is more often used later as emergency food when it is too cold for bees to process syrup.

• Autumn: heavy syrup is usually the main winter-feeding option.
• Cold weather: fondant is safer than liquid feed.
• Emergency feeding: fondant can be placed above the cluster.
• Avoid late syrup: it may add moisture and may not be processed properly.

Avoid Robbing

Late summer and autumn feeding can trigger robbing, especially when nectar is scarce. Feed carefully and keep entrances manageable so colonies can defend themselves.

• Feed in the evening where practical.
• Do not spill syrup around the apiary.
• Reduce entrances on weaker colonies.
• Use feeders that do not leak.
• Avoid leaving exposed comb, wet supers or syrup containers near hives.

Hive Weight

Learning the feel of a well-stocked hive is one of the most useful winter-preparation skills. Hefting from the back or side can give a quick indication of whether the colony is heavy enough.

If you are unsure, compare colonies in the same apiary. A hive that feels much lighter than the others may need closer checking or feeding.

Weak Colonies

Weak colonies need careful judgement. Feeding alone will not fix a failing queen, disease, heavy varroa damage or a colony too small to keep warm through winter.

• Assess queen status and brood pattern before winter closes in.
• Check whether the colony has enough bees to cover frames.
• Consider uniting weak colonies if appropriate.
• Seek local advice before trying to overwinter very small colonies.

Common Mistakes

• Leaving autumn feeding too late.
• Assuming ivy or late forage will be enough.
• Feeding syrup in cold conditions when fondant would be safer.
• Triggering robbing by spilling syrup or leaving wet supers exposed.
• Ignoring varroa while focusing only on food stores.
• Trying to overwinter very weak colonies without a plan.