Bee Talks

Connecticut Beekeepers Association
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Bee Talks is Connecticut Beekeepers Association’s monthly podcast and live discussion series hosted by Master Beekeeper Bill Hesbach. Each session offers practical, science-based guidance and gives you the chance to ask Bill and other Connecticut experts your beekeeping questions. Whether you are new or experienced, Bee Talks helps you stay informed, understand seasonal challenges, and build healthier hives. Have a question or want to share something with the Bee Talks discussion group? Jump on in at ctbees.org

Episodes

  1. 21H AGO

    Bee Talks with Bill Hesbach • December 2025

    In this episode of Bee Talks, we get into how to keep an eye on your bees when you can’t open the boxes. We talk about using thermal cameras in winter, how to read hot and cold spots on hives, what cluster position really tells you, and why brood nests often restart around the winter solstice even when it still feels cold outside. We discuss broodless colonies, late season drones, and what those clues say about queen status heading into spring. We talk through Norroa™ as a new tool in the varroa toolbox, how it differs from other treatments, where oxalic acid vaporization and dribble fit in, and why insulation and reduced ventilation can change how much honey a colony needs to get through the winter. 00:00:30 - Can I use thermal camera for winter monitoring (and which kind should I use)? 00:08:30 - Can a virgin queen overwinter in a colony, and will there be laying workers in the Spring? 00:14:50 - Why would a colony swarm in September? 00:16:38 - Is it normal to still see drones this late in the season? 00:18:20 - To put a bear fence up, I have to move my hives - What’s the best way to do this? 00:20:30 - Do we have feedback on local (Connecticut) efficacy of Norroa™ treatment? 00:28:21 - Does temperature determine how much oxalic acid should be used in a treatment? 00:31:15 - Are queen deaths associated with oxalic acid treatments? 00:32:45 - Has oxalic acid changed dosage? 00:33:31 - Will workers reseal their chamber if I break the seal? More about the episode + links > __________________________________________________________ Connecticut Beekeepers Association promotes and supports beekeepers and their local organizations. Our goal is to provide a common forum for the beekeepers of Connecticut to come together to share information and ideas.

    37 min

  2. DEC 5

    Bee Talks with Bill Hesbach • November 2025

    In this episode of Bee Talks we discuss how to read winter hive temperature data, decide if colonies are broodless, set realistic honey store targets, time oxalic vapor and Norroa™ treatments, and insulate colonies for year-long health. More about the episode + links >

    41 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Bee Talks is Connecticut Beekeepers Association’s monthly podcast and live discussion series hosted by Master Beekeeper Bill Hesbach. Each session offers practical, science-based guidance and gives you the chance to ask Bill and other Connecticut experts your beekeeping questions. Whether you are new or experienced, Bee Talks helps you stay informed, understand seasonal challenges, and build healthier hives. Have a question or want to share something with the Bee Talks discussion group? Jump on in at ctbees.org

Information

  • Creator
    Connecticut Beekeepers Association
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Connecticut Beekeepers Association
  • Show Website
    Bee Talks