Bee Talks Recap | July 2026
- Connecticut Beekeepers Association
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
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.
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In this episode:
00:00:00 - Intro & Bloom Calendar
00:11:55 - How and when would I swap the original frames I received with my nucs for new, deep frames?
00:15:47 - How much time should I wait after an oxalic acid treatment to do an inspection or harvest honey?
00:17:19 - I don’t see any mites in my hives — should I still treat for varroa? How? When?
00:19:25 - I heard there was a nectar dearth in Connecticut this June. Should I be feeding during this time?
00:25:04 - My deeps are full. When should I add a honey super?
00:30:22 - What’s the best time to move or sell hives & equipment?
00:32:05 - How can I manage an inspection if I can’t lift the weight of the box?
00:33:10 - When is the best time to relocate a hive?
00:38:55 - How do I know if my hives need robber screens?
00:41:05 - If two colonies are located next to each other, will the bees always go back to the same colony?
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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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