Bee Talks Recap | November 2025
Updated: Aug 26
In this episode of Bee Talks, we look at how colonies are handling an unusually mild November, from spotty forage to bees flying on warm days and clustering on cold ones. We talk about what broodless colonies look like, how hive scales and temperature sensors reveal brood patterns, and why traditional weight targets for winter may not match real colony needs.
We discuss timing oxalic acid vaporization when colonies are broodless, what mite drops tell us, and how a new treatment, Norroa™, works. We also talk about winter insulation versus ventilation, when emergency feeding truly becomes necessary, and some of the pros and cons of newer hive designs and monitoring gadgets.
In this episode of Bee Talks:
00:00:00 - Welcome & Bloom Calendar Updates
00:01:00 - How can hive temperature data show whether colonies are broodless?
00:07:00 - How much stored honey do my colonies need to survive winter?
00:15:50 - Should I adjust oxalic acid dosage for smaller winter colonies?
00:19:30 - How many times can I vaporize and what should I expect to see when I do the treatment?
00:20:25 - How does ventilation and hive setup affect how much honey my colonies consume?
00:21:22 - How do insulated systems like HiveIQ boxes and Bee Cozy wraps perform in winter?
00:26:50 - How tightly does my insulation need to fit around my hive?
00:27:46 - How does Norroa™ fit into varroa management and what makes it different than other treatments?
00:34:34 - Is insulating hives year-round helpful?
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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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