[paulmon]

I've never had this black 'growth' in my jars/jugs. I switched from C&H sugar to a much cheaper sugar this year and I have to wonder if that didn't cause this. I am wondering if this is a mold. The 'new' sugar have Contents: Sugar stamped on the bags. Has anyone experienced this?

 

[little_john]

Black Mould (Mold in US) - sure - see this all the time if I don't add a splash of bleach to sugar syrup. I don't think it hurts the bees any, it just looks 'yucky'.
LJ

 

[Western]

See it also if not using bleach or apple cider vinegar. Wife feeds humming birds and it will get like that in the fridge if left to long as well.

 

[Bear Creek Steve]

Paul,

You can add a "splash" of vinegar to the sugar syrup to lower the pH. The natural pH of honey is around 4 or 5 so the bees will accept the sugar syrup with no problem and you will have eliminated any mold growth.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[paulmon]

Sounds good. I'll give it a try. Thanks all!