Bee Talks Recap | May 2026
Updated: Aug 26
In this episode of Bee Talks, we cover a wide range of spring management questions, from handling newly caught swarms and treating broodless colonies to feeding packages and timing supers. We talk about simple approaches to splitting hives for newer beekeepers, how long it takes queens to begin laying after a split, and practical ways to spot your queen during inspections.
Our discussion also touches on nectar flow tracking, hive entrances, swarming behavior, and how weather affects nectar availability, along with a few real-world troubleshooting questions from the bee yard...
In this episode:
00:00:00 - Intro & Bloom Calendar
00:04:07 - I’ve re-hived swarms, one of which has an overwintered queen. Because my colonies are broodless, I’m considering oxalic acid vaporization, but should I be concerned about doing this treatment before they are settled in?
00:09:47 - Is there a way to track nectar flow over time?
00:11:09 - What is the best method for a first-time beekeeper new to splitting hives?
00:20:21 - What should I feed brand-new packages?
00:32:39 - When should I switch my hive opening to a larger size?
00:34:15 - How can I easily find the queen in my hives?
00:44:21 - Will I get stung while bees a swarming?
00:45:27 - Does rain wash away all a plant’s nectar, or does a plant refresh its nectar supply?
00:46:22 - Once I split my hives, how long before the queen lays eggs?
00:47:32 - When is the best time to add a super?
00:48:00 - Ants chewed the insulation on my inner hive cover and I’m worried that the particles got into my sugar syrup. Should I change out the syrup or will the bees drink around the particles?
Helpful Links:
Listen & Subscribe:
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.
Want to watch & learn in person?
Put your skills into practice at the CBA bee yard in Cheshire — Register for upcoming event details:
Shop CBA
Proceeds go toward furthering backyard beekeeping education.
