3 days and bees aren't trying feeder

[staythecourse]

1. 20 or so large black ants on inner cover (each day for last 2 days)
2. 2 bees swimming in syrup. Rescued them (No "Thanks you's" or anything. Sheesh)
3. NO activity beyond that

I have a 2:1 ratio sugar to water.

What's up with this?

Thanks

[Barry Digman]

Is there a natural flow on in your area? Perhaps they're on something that's more to their liking than the syrup.

[staythecourse]

Yes, they are busy gathering. I hope that's the reason. SHould I remove it so it doesn't become too dirty to drink?

[Ravenseye]

Sometimes mine drink it down like crazy, other times they leave it alone. They'll even pause for a day or two before finishing it off. I would say that they're onto a flow. If the syrup gets a little fermented or otherwise spoiled, either leave it off or replace it.

[EKW]

I'd be feeding a 1:1 syrup this time of year.

[mike haney]

"What's up with this" this is our MAJOR flow till about the first of july. take off the syrup and feed them again about the 4th of july til about mid august when the goldenrod blooms or you have suffecient comb/stores. good luck,mike

[staythecourse]

That works out great. I can ask you timing questions (blooms I'm thinking)

I didn't realize that bees got ambivalent to extra food during major flow times. I thought the gals that were too young to fly would mosey up there and get a drink while the others got nectar regardless of big flows.

I'll take it off. The ants will be bummed but may be I can start an ant farm.

[mike haney]

actually you can leave it on and they will use it alittle on rainy days but in the warm days you have to watch it or it will ferment. the drunk bees are fine but the NEXT day!!! :)