Varroa Management, Swarm Signs, and Top Bar Hive Inspection Workshop

Varroa Management, Swarm Signs, and Top Bar Hive Inspection

This workshop starts with techniques for measuring and treating varroa mite infections using Langstroth hives as an example. The daytime high temperatures at the time of year limit our treatment methods, and so we will discuss available options. Reproductive swarms can begin this time of year in overwintered colonies, so while we inspect, we will identify early signs.

In this workshop, we'll also demonstrate how the top bar hive is constructed and used in contrast to the standard Langstroth hive. We will present several advantages of the top bar hive, such as: no heavy lifting, easy working of combs, easy hive inspections, and issues with honey harvesting and pest control.

Participant preparation:

1. Review varroa life cycle as a pest and what treatment options are available.
2. Research Top Bar Hives so you are prepared when you see ours.

Led by Bill Hesbach, CBA President

Bill is an Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper, graduate of the University of Montana's master beekeeping program, and president of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association. He teaches bee biology and various beekeeping methods, and appears as a guest speaker at local and regional beekeeping seminars. Bill has been published in Bee Culture, Bee Craft, and The American Bee Journal, and was presented the Distinguished Speaker Award at the 2019 EAS conference. Special interests include bee biology and flight, and the connection between local flora and bee behavior.