For some reason my bees in the last few weeks have thinned out a lot.  I cannot blame it all on the hornets who have been dropping by for takeaway regularly. All of the colonies look quite weak which is a pity. At this time of year it is the rainy season and there is very little nectar and pollen to be found so feeding with sugar is already well under-way.  I am thinking that I have two choices - wait and see what happens or feed with an additive to try and liven things up a bit.

I understand that additives are generally well thought of in North America.  I am told that you are really spoilt for choice. Is that really true?  Here there is nothing at all unless you make something yourself.

So I have done a bit of reading round and find that a mix of Water, Sugar, Spearmint Oil and Lemongrass Oil appears to be a recipe of choice.  Lecithin is added as an emulsifier and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is also added but I have not much idea what it does.

I was just wondering if anyone reading the list has any views of what to feed as an additive?

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