CANDY BOARDS have been used for years by beekeepers to provide extra sugar to colonies throughout the winter. What we have done is simply add protein to the sugar at the end of cooking. It can be made into an entire cover that fits over the colony and will provide 10 to 15 pounds of product or made into small pieces (like peanut brittle) that is put on the top bars, either under the inner cover or under the standard cover.

What is impressive about it is that it provides enough sugar and protein that it really boosts brood production and it may be a solution to the hive beetle problems in the Southeast. Hive beetles eat patties like they are going out of style, but candy boards are probably more difficult for the beetles to hide their eggs under.

If you don't want to use High Fructose Corn Syrup (Karo syrup) you can use honey or simply replace the HFCS with sucrose.

A soft ball seems to work better than a hard ball. The form for the candy boards fits on top of the colony (approx 20 1/4" X 16 1/4" - it is designed to fit exactly on the hive body - not telescope over) and the form should be two inches deep. This will hold approximately 15 lbs of candy board. The candy board lasts about a month. With the candy boards, no other feeding is necessary - no syrup or patties.

• 7 Lb Sugar
• 1.5 Lb HFCS
• 1Lb Water
• 1Lb MegaBee

Bring sugar, water and HFCS to a slow boil while stirring until "Soft Ball" candy consistency is reached ~ 220 to 230 degrees F. Take the candy off the heat and stir in MegaBee with a whisk. Pour mixture into a mold and allow to cool.

• 7 Lb Sugar
• 1.5 Lb HFCS
• 1Lb Water
• 2 Lb MegaBee

Bring sugar, water and HFCS to a slow boil while stirring until "Soft Ball" candy consistency is reached ~ 220 to 230 degrees F. Take the candy off the heat and stir in MegaBee with a whisk. Pour mixture into a mold and allow to cool.