Bee Talks

In this episode of Bee Talks, we cover fall Varroa treatments, feeding and robbing prevention, local bloom tracking, BroodMinder hive monitoring, winter honey stores, insulation, and hive configuration, along with practical tips for helping Connecticut colonies make it through the colder months.⁠More about the episode + links >

In this episode of Bee Talks, we discuss the threat of yellow-legged hornets and what Connecticut beekeepers should know as we head into fall. We look at what’s blooming now and how hive sensors and Broodminder data can help you better understand what’s happening inside your colonies. We also get into winter preparation, including single versus double deeps, reconfiguring hives, and setting up an Apimaye hive to run condensing. We work through what to do with a queenless colony while waiting for a possible new queen, talk about resource hive management, and wrap up with hive registration reminders, hornets, and fall swarms.⁠More about the episode + links >

In this episode of Bee Talks, we look at what’s happening in Connecticut apiaries as summer begins to shift toward fall, including current blooms, honey production, and what beekeepers should be watching for next. We discuss spotted lanternflies and the potential impact of honeydew on honey, along with the importance of keeping an eye out for the invasive yellow-legged hornet. We answer questions about chronic bee paralysis virus, what to do when a swarm builds comb before you have frames ready, and why keeping extra equipment on hand can save you some serious work. We also get into varroa management and several current treatment options, moving colonies when some bees insist on returning home, and even whether an electric smoker is really an improvement over the traditional kind.⁠More about the episode + links >

In this episode of Bee Talks, we answer practical questions that many beekeepers face as colonies reach their peak summer population. We discuss when to replace older nuc frames, how oxalic acid treatments fit into hive inspections and honey harvesting, and why monitoring for varroa is important even when you don’t see mites. We also cover feeding during nectar dearths, knowing when to add honey supers, relocating or selling hives, managing heavy hive inspections, recognizing when robber screens are needed, and whether neighboring colonies drift between hives.⁠More about the episode + links >

In this episode of Bee Talks, we focus on managing colonies during swarm season and making practical decisions as hives continue to grow. We discuss what happens inside a colony before and after a swarm, including the role of drones, managing the remaining hive, and evaluating queen cells. We also talk about feeding strategies, when it makes sense to stop feeding, and simple ways newer beekeepers can rebalance colony strength. The conversation covers moving hives, testing and treating for varroa, and whether keeping a bottom board insert in place affects temperature regulation.⁠More about the episode + links >