Bee Talks Recap | August 2025
- Connecticut Beekeepers Association
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
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In this episode of Bee Talks, we take on real-time questions and explore what’s happening in our hives this August. We look at the bloom calendar, consider the impact of spotted lanternfly sightings, and review temperature and humidity trends using data from BroodMinder sensors to better understand colony behavior.
From puzzling hive debris to signs of hive strength, we cover small hive beetles, feeding strategies, and how to assess performance when colonies behave differently. We also discuss approaches to trap-outs and reflect on the timing of honey harvests.
In this episode of Bee Talks:
00:00:00 - Welcome & Bloom Calendar
00:10:30 - Spotted Lanternfly Discussion
00:15:20 - Temperature & Humidity Data Discussion using BroodMinder
00:22:38 - My hive has a pile of grey fibrous material in front of it…what could it be?
00:30:12 - Discussion of small hive beetle populations
00:33:37 - I’m a novice beekeeper with two hives. One seems really busy and one is not. Should I be doing something differently with them?
00:36:39 - Should we be feeding our hives right now?
00:40:22 - What are the parameters of a strong or weak hive at this time of year?
00:47:36 - I tried to remove bees from a tree hive and into a trap out…looking for better strategies
00:56:13 - I was worried my bees would eat the honey stores so I harvested my honey. Should I have waited until later?
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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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