Bee Talks Recap | August 2026
Updated: Aug 26
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.
In this episode:
00:00 Welcome & Bloom Calendar
06:52 Do Spotted Lanternflies affect honey production?
12:53 What should I do if I see Yellow-Legged Hornets?
18:32 How can I tell if my hives have CBPV and if it spread between hives?
24:02 What are the benefits of registering my hives in CT?
25:10 I had two colonies swarm, and now I’m concerned that I don’t have enough equipment to handle the new hives — what should I do?
32:09 Can I treat with both Norroa and VarroxSan?
40:57 I moved my hives and my bees are coming back — why?
47:16 Does anyone have frames they would be willing to donate?
52:07 Electric Smoker Review
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Bring your questions, ideas, and observations to the next Bee Talks, held the second Thursday of each month.
Each session includes a Q&A period and a discussion on a seasonally-appropriate topic, guiding beekeepers through the year. Open to all, regardless of experience or equipment, these sessions support your practice and provide essential information for success.
Bee Talks are led by Bill Hesbach, an Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper and University of Montana Master Beekeeping Program graduate. He teaches bee biology and beekeeping methods at regional events and 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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