Bee Talks Recap | March 2026
Updated: Aug 26
In this episode of Bee Talks, we focus on what to pay attention to as colonies come out of winter and start building into spring. We talk about when it actually makes sense to feed, what to look for before adding syrup, and how to approach mite treatment and use as colonies expand.
We also cover when it’s safe to move hives, how to avoid setbacks when relocating colonies, and how tools like thermal monitoring can help you better understand what’s happening inside the hive. We answer some practical questions on winter losses, reversing deeps, and whether painting a swarm box a different color affects your bees in any way…(spoiler: nope).
In this episode:
00:00:00 - Intro & Bloom Calendar
00:08:04 - Should I be feeding my bees right now?
00:11:44 - What is the correct dosing for Norroa™? I’ve dosed my single deep colonies - should I re-dose when I move those colonies to doubles? (continued at 00:15:03)
00:14:18 - When can I safely move a colony from one location to another?
00:18:00 - CBA Bloom Management & Observation Tool
00:22:10 - Thermal imaging hive monitoring using Brood Minder
00:24:56 - What is the “bad” treatment for mites?
00:27:29 - Has anyone suffered significant hive loss this winter?
00:28:40 - Should I reverse hive deeps in Spring?
00: 29:57 - Does painting a swarm box a certain color make a difference encouraging bees to enter or stay?
Helpful Links:
New to Beekeeping?
Have Beekeeping Questions?
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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Proceeds go toward furthering backyard beekeeping education.
