What is the main purpose of adding sugar syrup to a beehive?

Adding sugar syrup to a beehive primarily serves to feed the bees during times of nectar scarcity. This is particularly important during periods when flowers are not blooming, such as late fall, early spring, or during a drought. Sugar syrup provides an immediate source of carbohydrates that bees need for energy and to sustain the colony. It ensures that the bees can maintain their activities, including foraging, brood rearing, and hive maintenance, even when natural food sources are limited.

Feeding bees with sugar syrup can also help support the hive's population and health, enabling the colony to survive until better foraging conditions return. In contrast, the other options do not reflect the main reason for using sugar syrup: while it might indirectly affect wax production, it does not actively attract more bees or serve as a method for pest control.