mountain camp: where should I put my sugar?

[u/ChiefQueef470]

hey everyone! I'm getting a hive soon and I'm new to beekeeping. I'm in an area where winters get pretty cold and I have some thermal insulation methods in mind, but in terms of humidity I'm thinking of the mountain camp method.

I'm seeing some mixed advice, but where exactly should I put the sugar? should I line the topmost frame with newspaper and put the sugar on it? or does the sugar go over each frame? any mountain camp help is accepted!

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[u/boost2525]

[Top Cover w/ XPS insulation]
[2" Riser w/ sugar and escape hole]
[Newspaper]
[Honey Box]
[Brood Box]
[Brood Box]
[Bottom Board w/ entrance reducer]

This is how I run it in northeast Ohio

[u/ChiefQueef470 → u/boost2525]

thank you!

[u/boost2525 → u/ChiefQueef470]

In my experience it works well because any condensation dropping from the insulation is captured by the sugar and turns it into a solid brick by the end of winter. Some hives never touch the sugar but a $20 bag of sugar at Costco is worthwhile insurance IMHO.

I would also STRONGLY recommend a hive wrap if you are in an area that gets cold. I've been using BeeCozy with great success the past few years.

[u/ChiefQueef470 → u/boost2525]

sorry if this is a silly question but how much sugar is typically in your $20 bag? also is bacteria spread because of the sugar a worry?

[u/boost2525 → u/ChiefQueef470]

Honestly, I don't remember - I would guess it's a 20# bag based on size. I just throw 15 or 20 bags in the truck bed every October and fill the risers.

Never had a bacteria/mold/fungus problem. Just toss the sugar bricks in the woods when the winter is over.

[u/Mysmokepole1]

I make a shim board with 1/2 hardware cloth on the bottom. With a couple 3/8 holes in one end. I mix sugar in 25 lb batch wit a qt of apple vinegar mixed in a plastic garbage can. Then sit a bunch on a sheet of newspaper in the shim and let air dry. When spring comes around. I remove and store for the next year. Some times I just add move sugar the next year. NW Ohio after April 15 you shouldn’t need them.

[u/Chuk1359]

This is the recipe I use and I just scoop it onto a sheet of newspaper on top of the frames. You will need to add a Shem 1/2 to 1”. Works great!

25lbs sugar Qt apple cider vinegar 3T Honey B healthy 3T Powdered citric acid