Bee Talks Recap | May 2026
- Connecticut Beekeepers Association
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
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...
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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?
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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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