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In this episode of Bee Talks:
00:00:00 - Widespread die-offs in Commercial Bees - does it affect backyard beekeepers?
00:04:59 - What’s happening in our colonies right now?
00:07:24 - What does it mean if I see dead bees outside of my hive during the winter?
00:09:25 - When is a good time for oxalic acid treatment?
00:10:39 - What is the best electric fence for keeping bears away from my hives?
00:12:41 - When is the best first treatment for varroa in Spring?
00:15:30 - How to use Varroxsan Oxalic Acid Strips
00:20:37 - Should I use someone else’s frames in my hives?
00:24:17 - In-depth discussion of Connecticut’s Bloom Calendar and Seasonal honey flow
00:30:12 - Does temperature matter when doing oxalic acid vaporization treatment?
00:31:04 - Hives shouldn’t be vented during the winter - here’s why
00:32:50 - Don’t make fondant - why you should be making sugar cakes instead
00:33:55 - Where can I find a new hive setup for a new beekeeper?
00:35:19 - Can I treat new packages with Varroxsan or should I vaporize them?
00:36:35 - Can I use OAV and sticky boards to assess mite levels in the colony?
00:38:02 - Can I use “Better Comb” to get bees to draw out comb?
00:42:43 - Can I use Varroxsan alone or do I need to use additional treatments throughout the year?
00:45:02 - Do I need to use hot water when making sugar cakes?
00:46:05 - Will a mouse in the hive kill my bees?
Helpful Links:
Varroxsan Application Video:
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Each session includes an open question & answer period followed by a seasonally-appropriate topic discussion to help guide you through the beekeeping year. Open to every beekeeper regardless of experience or the type of equipment you use, these sessions will support your beekeeping practice and help you get the critical information you need to be successful.
Bee Talks are led by Bill Hesbach, Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper and graduate of the University of Montana's Master Beekeeping Program. He teaches bee biology and beekeeping methods at events hosted by regional organizations, and appears as a guest speaker at national seminars. Bill is on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Apicultural Society, and is President of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association. His articles appear in Bee Culture, Bee Craft, and The American Bee Journal.
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