Bee Talks Recap | September 2026
In this episode of Bee Talks, we discuss the threat of yellow-legged hornets and what Connecticut beekeepers should know as we head into fall. We look at what’s blooming now and how hive sensors and Broodminder data can help you better understand what’s happening inside your colonies. We also get into winter preparation, including single versus double deeps, reconfiguring hives, and setting up an Apimaye hive to run condensing. We work through what to do with a queenless colony while waiting for a possible new queen, talk about resource hive management, and wrap up with hive registration reminders, hornets, and fall swarms.
In this episode:
02:00 What is the threat of Yellow-Legged Hornets? continued at 01:01:44
07:03 Huneebee Project Honey House details
08:39 What's Blooming Now?
14:03 How to use Hive Sensors and Broodminder Data
30:05 Is it better to overwinter in a Single or Double Deep?
32:10 How long should I wait for a possible new queen to start laying before giving up and adding a new queen?
41:01 Resource Hive Management
42:35 How should I reconfigure my winter hives?
52:53 How can I set up my double-deep Apimaye hive to run condensing?
56:49 License renewals are due - make sure to register your hives
01:01:44 How can we deal with late Summer swarming
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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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