Colonies used for package production should be fed medicated syrup as a principal food supply for a month prior to stocking nuclei or shaking packages for market. Packages may be fed the medicated syrup in transit, but such feeding alone is not sufficient to protect against nosema. For the protection of overwintered colonies, the syrup is preferable fed in the fall if it is fed only once. Commonly, at least 2 gallons of medicated syrup per colony are required. The desired concentration is obtained by using one 0.5 gram package for the preparation of 5 to 6 gallons of medicated syrup, one 2.0 gram package for the preparation of 20 to 24 gallons of medicated syrup, or one 9.5 gram package for the preparation of 100 to 120 gallons of medicated syrup.
Heat is needed only in order to dissolve the sugar quickly.
Therefore, water should be heated only warm enough to dissolve the sugar.