Dodgy Syrup

[cygnus]

This afternoon I went to refill my syrup feeders and found that two of them were still half full of syrup which was full of what seems to be an orange fungus and also there was black spot on the inside of the feeder and pink stain on the wall. There were also about 50 dead bees under one of the feeders.Does anyone have any idea of the cause of the problem which I haven't experienced before? I use the same sugar/water mix each time I make up the feed so unless I had a senior moment and made it too dilute I am at a loss to know the cause.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

Small black spots are not uncommon. Do you clean your feeders each time or at least regularly? Thin syrup can ferment particularly if left a long time and if the yeast is still present when more syrup is added the fermenting will continue.

Not seen any orangeness though.

 

[drstitson]

thicker syrup needed? - think jam making - you need 60% odd sugar to reduce mould growth.

add thymol to it?

 

[Black Comb]

Add Hivemakers thymol mix to it to inhibit the fungus. (see sticky)

Wash the feeders with washing soda + a little detergent first.

Are you using a 2:1 mix?

 

[Leigh]

Thymol mix really does do the trick. Your syrup will last into the next season no probs.

 

[cygnus]

Thanks, I'll give the thymol a try.

 

[Teemore]

I agree - Thymol is the way to go also give the feeder a regular wash with Milton.