The Way To Bee: Recent Episodes
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Frederick Dunn shares his experiences with backyard honey bee keeping and management. Viewers of his YouTube Channel send in their backyard bee-related questions and Fred responds. Join us won't you? Visit the Frederick Dunn YouTube Channel to see Fred's video content covering a wide range of topics.
This is the audio track from Friday's YouTube Live Chat: https://youtube.com/live/KnQ_yFMHBk0?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/V62ROuRLqkM?si=OSboftRTWVKEQxWR
This is the audio track from Friday's Q&A YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/D_kfR6ZMFoU?feature=share
LIVE Chat Q&A releases are always delayed while YouTube processes the content and makes CC available. We also remove mid-reel ads after this initial timeframe.
Thank you for your patience :)
This is the audio track from today's Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SCLLVYeUS3s
This is the Audio from the LIVE Chat on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/mpzL7tz5ruA?feature=share
Smoker fuel is "smoker fuel" unless... you use it as a miticide.
This is the live stream Question and Answer Session YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/jADhemll-yI?feature=share
Swarms are coming! this is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/5oNDsmiMpwQ
Frederick Dunn's Interview with Adam Strickland about a recent field study involving bleach in sugar syrup: https://youtu.be/7SnFIqt5xuQ
You can SEE this interview on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/GYDwAbg7eww
@Raysdwild
Visit their Instagram for some EXCELLENT videos and animal interactions! https://www.instagram.com/raysdwild/
Sundance: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUEoipFkcgo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
North American Water Shrew! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_water_shrew
Website: https://www.raysdwild.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Raysdwild
Instagram: @raysdwild
Ready for swarms and packages? This is the audio from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/QLbeIaEjLCo
This is the audio track from Today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/ETErKI5VHoc
Normally this episode would be a live chat, but Fred is at a conference in West Virginia.
Frederick Dunn of The Way To Bee responds to questions LIVE, this is the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/B75wOP06LLw
SAVE your DATA, you can pull up the YouTube video, click on the cog (lower right) and select the resolution you want.
Select 144p and you will not be using up your valuable phone data.
Thank you, this helps with the YouTube channel visibility.
January 23, 2026 winter storm arriving. Audio Track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/JVipt4FgSg0
This is the audio track from the live Chat YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/U8mxuJGaoZ4?feature=share
This is the audio track from Today's YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/kl-du_S7mwA?feature=share
This is an audio recording from the YouTube video: https://youtube.com/live/UayrR5GZRVY?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/eWLqCByoP_E?feature=share
This is the audio track from this YouTube Video: https://youtube.com/live/XGiU7rFZXOc?feature=share
This is the audio track from the LIVE Chat YouTube video from June 27th, 2025 https://youtube.com/live/ehAmMlEIPPQ?feature=share
This is the Audio from The YouTube LIVE Chat May 30, 2025 https://youtube.com/live/xXv63B6cw_g?feature=share
This is the audio track from the YouTube video: https://youtube.com/live/kqMT9iPK0YU?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Interview with Experts from Dalan Animal Health: https://youtu.be/6VWwvqy576s?si=bd4WJx0tWdlUpFb0
In this interview, Mateo Kaiser explains updates and benefits associated with BeeSwarmed: https://youtu.be/NZ29kedeBC0
Swarmed: https://beeswarmed.org/
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/swarmed/1274872457/
email where viewers are welcome to contact Mateo: mateo@beeswarmed.org
March 10th of 2025 This is a casual conversation where we discuss keeping bees in a variety of climates, and what bees do when they are not attended to by a keeper.
Treatment, or Treatment Free practices all in the same conversation.
Do bees to better in horizontal or vertical cavities? Well, these individuals represent thousands of bee removals and offer their unique insider wisdom.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/h2SnRykwtq4
Beekeeping is Regional, Jeff is in Louisiana, Randy is in Mississippi, and Fred is in Pennsylvania.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/IEahwhAWblY
Posted March 7th 2025
Frederick Dunn Interviewed Nathalie on March 3rd. This is the audio track from the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/M6tMZV56NUA
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/tCNNs-ZA2xc?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/c8oe1wqbFJE
Heat your top honey super in winter, as well as dry the air without any electronics, no electricity, just free warmth from the sun. In this interview we discuss the concept, the final product, and immediate benefits observed.
Vastly improves winter survival in cold climates.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/yn_LFlsMjZw
Includes a bonus session with Dr. Heather Broccard-Bell regarding Formic Acid.
How to get bees back down in spring.
Make a split that will produce honey the first year!
And much more...
This is the audio track from the YouTube Video: https://youtube.com/live/2EXJ70RYkmU?feature=share
See the greatest Mouse Trap Ever Designed: https://youtu.be/bB9VjS8OPAI
This is the audio track from the series, Interviews With Experts:
https://youtu.be/-FEXCk_MZ9Y
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/IJw4FyLgPU0
I invite you to support our veterans, every little bit counts: https://hivesforheroes.org/
Join the conversation, The Way To Bee Fellowship: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3062274013832702/
Listen to The Way To Bee Podcast while you work: https://frederickdunn.podbean.com/
This channel is always FREE, but many viewers have asked how they can support my work. Here is my Patreon Page: (All donations go directly into the content you see here.) Thank you! patreon.com/user?u=27025526
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/IVasBMf2Q5w
When to start your winter feeding and more.
This is the audio track from Today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/7IKMR6jFP4c
October 4th 2024
This is the audio track from #277 Q&A on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/M7bcZSYLb3Y?feature=share
This is the audio track from the last Friday of July on YouTube LIVE Q&A https://youtube.com/live/-HAmREw9dfM?feature=share
CHAPTERS: Provided by Adam Holmes
00:00 Introduction
05:38 Do all larvae get fed royal jelly and if so is it the same as the queen?
11:35 How long after treating with OA should you wait before testing again for mites?
22:42 Should I combine weak colonies or let them die to not spread diseases?
28:10 Can a queen take more than 16 days to emerge?
45:35 Should I take my swarm traps down now that it is summer?
51:00 Have you heard about treating for varroa by using a biofloor?
58:37 I noticed a hive had swarm and emergency cell. Do you think something happened to my queen?
01:02:02 How close to the front entrance can you put electric netting?
01:06:07 How would you feed fondant in a layens hive
01:10:41 I have a hive getting slimed by small hive beetles. At what point is it to gross to give back to a hive to clean it?
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/IDVbPovl05Y
Topics and time stamps generously provided by Adam Holmes
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
06:21 The rapid round feeders are not in stock on Amazon, any other suggestions?
12:56 We're having a dearth, what are your thoughts on my mite treatment plan?
16:20 Made a walk-away split 3 weeks ago. Should I wait, or do something?
17:40 I want to change my setup from 2-deeps and a Flow-Super to One Deep and a Medium while making a split. Is there enough time left?
24:14 Where can I find the tags you use on your hives? What do I need to attach them?
28:57 A farmer will plant anything I want. What are your thoughts?
36:40 Trying to salvage colonies by introducing swarm cells, but they didn't take. Would it be better to just buy queens?
42:55 Have a deep brood box with four medium supers on, there is brood in every box. Not really sure what to do with this hive.
48:44 How do you prepare your apiary when you go on vacation?
51:19 I have a queen with spotty brood. What's the best way to requeen this hive?
58:40 I put a swarm into a nucleus hive and it all got smashed up. No idea if I killed the queen.
01:02:15 Queen flew off to greener pastures during queen isolation cage installation... UPDATE
01:03:40 3 weeks ago, I had pollen coming in at more than 10 loads per minute. Now only 1 or 2 loads a minute. Do bees bring pollen in when there are laying workers producing drones?
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/532WbaTPZYo
If you have a question or want to have a topic addressed in a future issue, please fill out this form:
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html
This is the audio track from today's LIVE Q&A Session: https://youtube.com/live/SQpoSv-X2Xs?feature=share
This is the audio track from this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/S3qY32KE_Bk
This is a FREE registration service for beekeepers who wish to obtain free local bees while providing a valuable service to the public.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/edPptNApQOE
CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction
01:54 Books by Dr. Seeley
02:29 Young Thomas meets his first honey bees in a walnut tree.
04:28 The first bee book that Tom owned.
06:20 Tom Seeley gets a job at the Dyce Lab, cutting the grass etc.
08:35 The First Master Beekeeper Program in the U.S.
10:35 Burning Hives! American Foul Brood
12:02 A Raccoon named Vega
14:32 Tom meets his future wife on Appledore Island.
18:26 Tom uses his woodworking and technical skills to build his own gear.
20:16 Detecting CO2 in Bee Hives.
25:15 How bees vent their hive.
26:30 How small entrances benefit honey bees.
28:50 The many benefits of Observation Hives.
30:39 Dyce Lab Observation Hives with long entrances.
31:41 Hive top ventilation.
34:04 How Tom selected his summer helpers at the Dyce Lab.
35:49 Radios helped with field reporting.
36:43 Various dances and associated frequencies.
37:11 How honey bees hear.
39:00 The Shaking Signal
39:50 Grooming Invitation
46:00 How video improves observation, and accurate measurements.
53:10 How fast does a swarm travel?
53:54 How does a swarm know what direction to go?
57:55 Swarm Collection Boxes.
58:56 Swarms prefer boxes with comb inside.
01:00:18 Water studies inside the Glass House.
01:04:20 Water spreading bees.
01:07:00 Bees don't want a top entrance.
01:10:10 How do comb builders determine cell wall thickness?
01:11:48 Tom and Robin encounter defensive bees while on their honeymoon.
01:18:13 How does Tom Seeley set up his own hives at home?
01:26:20 Closing Thoughts from Tom.
01:27:40 Nature Based Beekeeping, a better way of saying Darwinian Beekeeping.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/bFlBX_skqtE?feature=share
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
02:50 Pollen count, where to find that information.
03:57 My bees won't go above the queen excluder.
04:50 High Swarm Risk, what are some weather triggers?
05:39 Mite Treatment, newly installed packages and more.
08:01 How do I deal with deformed wing virus? 09:00 What do I do about chalk brood?
10:59 Packages VS Swarm Captures, Mite Loads.
16:57 Will you be making nucleus hives from swarms this year?
18:43 Using frame feeders as place holders while you wait for new queens to mature.
20:24 How to remove old brood comb without losing the brood that's on it.
22:59 Weird colonies without queens, but pollen is coming in, no eggs or brood.
26:39 Please explain the difference between deformed wing virus and K-Wing.
28:02 How do I stop swarming with the Demaree method?
32:20 Do you use mini mating nucs?
35:26 What's the time-line for verifying a new queen is working out after a split?
38:54 What's your advice, method, for splitting a hive?
42:25 Supercedure, should you allow it?
46:30 High Mites in Swarms, more than 100 counted.
48:34 Where can I get good breeder Queens?
49:30 What percentage of honey should be capped in a flow-frame before harvesting?
51:09 Are you going to try top-bar hives?
51:55 Do you have any tips for those beginning with Flow-Hives?
57:00 Why do Bees Abscond? 58:22 Should we feed a light hive now?
01:01:52 Laying queens are unable to fly, how do they abscond?
01:07:33 Package bees arrive during bad weather, what do I do with them?
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/01c4KdiZ0uM
This is the topic list with corresponding time-stamps, generously provided by: Adam Holmes
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
03:35 Why use a 5 frame nucleus hive instead of a 10 frame brood box a a resource hive?
11:50 Lots of dead bees around my swarm trap, is that normal?
17:18 Tried the Swarm Reacher, the queen did not climb onto the frame.
21:45 What if I direct water from my A/C unit to my birdbath for the bees?
26:50 I've had several large swarms go into a swarm trap and not stay. They just don't fit.
35:28 Any thoughts on washing your bee suit to remove alarm pheromone from your suit? I wonder how long the alarm pheromone remains?
41:04 Plan of the week, fluff segment.
Today's Q&A focuses on installing Virgin Queens that are Varroa Resistant. Cory Stevens Genetics: https://youtu.be/lAbs8Zv39G4
This is the audio from Friday's Q&A, this week we also have some chicken questions!
https://youtube.com/live/A6x5U-ggy1s?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bZIRbQyRoWc
Visit Rhiannon's Website for more information about her work: https://www.madhoneyphoto.com/for-the-bees
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/jiwtbKqZ_iI
Do you need some The Way To Bee merchandise? Here you go! https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/mystore.html
Time Stamps with topics are generously provided by Adam Holmes
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction
04:20 Regarding pollen substitutes, what are your thoughts on Hive Alive Pollen Patties this time of year?
23:35 You said you are only going to use Apimaye Deeps in the future, can you elaborate?
30:51 With your QMP uses, would there be a queen present in the cluster of bees that gather on that?
34:45 In your pollen trap comparison you mentioned sending your pollen off for testing, did you receive the results?
41:35 I'm trying to figure out when to have splits done so they can build up and have a large honey crop. Any pointers?
49:20 You mentioned about no longer using Queen Excluders. I would like to explore not using a Queen Excluder.
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/NdqPe7DqMp8
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from Friday's LIVE stream: https://youtube.com/live/kF7vZGwSgLk?feature=share
The last Friday of every month is recorded as a LIVE Chat from 4 to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time U.S..
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/7SOspHr1bDU
Pinned by Frederick Dunn
Adam.Holmes. 1) What's the difference between wet and dry cappings on honeycomb? 3:11
2) What is the order of things we should be buying as new beekeepers? 5:14
3) My bees are covering the ground corn for cows. Will they use that or are they just wasting their time. Current pollen substitute details. 12:49
4) I'm wondering if cell direction is an issue. What about the flat on the bottom? 24:37
5) I have been kicking around the VSH Queen idea. What are your thoughts and suggestions? 30:30
This is the audio track from Today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/mBLOQlIo5Xc
Learn more about Dolan Animal Health vaccine availability here: https://www.dalan.com/product
Welcome to another episode of beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rgAzkCQZ1Xw
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/1ojOtaqTisc
Below are links to the University and other related information. Link to the University of Minnesota Bee Lab: https://beelab.umn.edu/
The Spivak Lab, photo of a 1922 Bee Class: https://beelab.umn.edu/spivak-lab
Learn more about propolis studies at the Bee Lab: https://beelab.umn.edu/spivak-lab/research
What you can do to help the honey bees and other pollinators: https://beelab.umn.edu/actions-help-bees
Endowed Chair at the University Bee Lab support link: https://beelab.umn.edu/endowed-chair-honey-bee-research
This is the audio from today's LIVE Streamed YouTube Video: https://youtube.com/live/1amlE8OVWEg?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/t7APQShzsJc
Topics are time stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) I'm transitioning my hive from 10 to 8 frame. Will the 10 frame slatted rack present a problem? 3:07 2) If bees are completely out of honey, is fondant enough? 5:38 3) We have 3" of snow on the landing board, since snow is an insulator is it necessary to remove it? 16:56 4) Is it ok to move hives around in winter, or will that be confusing to the bees? 22:03 5) Is there a risk of my bees moving sugar syrup honey up into the honey supers once I put them on? 24:40 6) Is there any diversity in varroa mites? How far can a mite travel on its own? 29:10 7) Next weeks' temps might be the final straw for my nucleus hive. I decided to put foam insulation around the nuc. 37:02 8) I went out to check hives at -18 f, some bees came out and promptly died in the cold. 40:15
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Y2U6ddIKjMc
Topics and timestamps below are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) I have new insulated inner covers coming today, should I remove the existing ones and replace them or wait for warmer weather? 4:46
2) A bear attacked our hives. If we don't have the queen what can we do? Worry about a laying worker? 7:15
3) I think I washed my queen on October 5th. Do you think it's possible that my bees made a new queen that late in the season? 11:55
4) I think I trapped a mouse inside one of my hives. Should I drop the bottom board and get it out, or lock it inside? 16:43
5) Have you heard about bees emitting a sound to plants, and the plants release higher sugar nectar? 20:27
This is the audio track from Episode 239 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GaY0mMeuULE?si=a40oqGzdh89_byZB
Timeline
00:00 Opening Scenes 01:20 Intro
03:34 1) Use of Dummy Boards
12:15 2) Pollen, Ultra Bee Powder, Sugar Syrup in winter
23:59 3) Spring rotation of brood boxes
30:44 4) Ross Rounds in Nucleus Hives. Do you freeze before cutting?
40:37 5) Queen Introduction/Isolation. Clearance? 46:58 Comments. Use of stethoscope.
50:47 End Scenes
This is the audio track from Today's YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/vospM6Dc_5U?feature=share
Join us live on the last Friday of every month via YouTube from 4 to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time U.S.
This list of topics and time-stamps is generously provided by Adam Holmes.
1) Since feral colonies of bees construct their comb lengthwise with the cavity, would it be a good idea with a Long Langstroth to run the frames/comb lengthwise? 1:30
2) I'm going to try attracting Varroa to the drone brood with the queen isolation cage. Can you review how you would do that? 6:07
3) With the Queen Excluder and Queen Isolation Cages, when and why would you use the double-frame Queen Isolation Cage? 25:03
4) Last year when nothing was blooming, bees were bringing in tan colored pollen. I found that people report bees bringing in pollen from animal feed, chicken, cattle etc... 45:09
5) With your 5-Frame nucleus hives with the fixed bottom board, how well do the bees keep the floor cleaned when compared to the entrances that are on the landing board? 48:30
6) Jus wondering what the red plastic things with the solar panels hanging from the hives are? 58:58
7) I've had a few hives already burn through the 2 pounder Hive Alive. 1:05:10
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/l93OPQ6cm3Q
This is the link to plans mentioned in today's video: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/plansprints.html
Video topic related time-stamps are provided by Adam Holmes
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction
05:27 Is it better to place waxed foundation below or above the existing brood?
07:56 Do you use Apiary-specific management software to help keep records for your apiary?
13:37 Regarding recorded sounds from inside the hive, What are the frequencies?
22:28 Is there an age at which the Queen should be replaced? What is the best time or season to replace her?
33:37 Can RAW Honey Cure a Sick Chicken?
40:06 Will drones from the same queen appear similar?
48:20 I ordered two queens What would be the best way to introduce them?
01:01:00 When bees abscond in the fall, are they queenless?
01:06:47 Regarding oxalic acid treatments, if you take the queen out of the hive for 16 days until all brood emerges, could you end up with a laying worker?
01:11:18 I'm building two Long Langstroth Hives for next year's swarms. Will bees be able to move horizontally?
01:22:44 Should a hive be tilted forward if there is a slatted rack in use?
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/mOlgDm3R2qE
Disease ecology with an emphasis on the population dynamics of zoonotic parasites and reservoir hosts.
What about mice in bee hives? Or mice in bee equipment storage areas?
Want do a deeper dive on some of Dr. Vandergrift's research?
This link is for you: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-fQ9N3sAAAAJ&hl=en
Chapters
00:00 introduction Kurt Vandegrift
00:59 Kurt introduces himself
02:55 White Footed Mouse aka Deer Mouse
04:40 Tail snip identification process for DNA of mice
06:14 Impact of deworming mice
07:56 How many mice are in a given area, what’s the population?
09:10 A deer mouse is a deer mouse, what’s the difference?
11:19 Hantavirus in mice, and spread.
13:00 Wet surfaces with 10% bleach, or 70% alcohol.
14:33 The multi-capture mouse trap researchers use for mice.
15:49 Same mouse repeatedly caught in the same trap.
16:20 A mile isn’t far enough away, they come back.
18:50 Oats are the best bait for researchers live traps.
20:00 Risk of infection from rodents to humans.
23:00 Mouse deterrents? Great Stuff Pro PESTBLOCK “won’t harm bees”
29:45 Porcupines and Gray Squirrels chew aluminum traps.
30:43 Why we need Deer Mice or the White Footed Mouse, a keystone species.
32:00 The right time to place a mouse barrier on your bee hive.
36:57 What precautions should beekeepers take?
42:40 Masked Shrew and other less observed rodents.
48:00 Winter survival rate of white footed mice.
50:00 Tick transmission of disease.
52:00 A nematode that is named after Dr. Kurt Vandegrift.
56:25 Deer Mice will eat honey bees when they are dead.
58:36 Problems with Lab Mice over Wild Specimens, aside from expense.
01:01:00 Unexpected results with testosterone testing in mice.
01:02:35 Is it ok to keep wild mouse species as pets? NO!
01:05:02 Fred wants to test a portable U/V Light as a sanitizer.
01:06:15 What animal species may bother honey bee hives at night?
01:11:30 Why is that mouse trap empty? Why is there a coating on the trap?
01:13:50 What about RATS?
01:15:00 What about jumping mice? Aka meadow jumping mouse.
01:17:30 Acorn abundance tied to some mouse population numbers.
01:19:20 The Opossum, an amazing marsupial, what are they good for?
01:23:10 Chickens, other poultry, current influenza risks. H5N1
01:27:00 Avoid contact with wild animals as much as possible. Deer Populations are at risk.
01:29:15 Dogs that eat wild animal feces.
01:29:45 Do NOT feed corn to deer, here’s why. CWD among other issues.
01:35:40 Problems associated with Bats in Australia and pathogen spread. Dangerous to humans.
01:38:43 Some after interview bonus discussion… Ticks!
01:44:30 END of discussion.
Hilary Kearney is the author of Queen Spotting, and The Little Book of Bees.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Rpegyci27rQ
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Ave6tG62opQ
Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) What do you think of a recent video doubting the effectiveness of Oxalic Acid control of varroa mites? Does OA only slow varroa production? 4:25
2) Do you insulate your Flow-Hives with Double Bubble, or do you recommend the BeeSmart Insulated Inner Cover? 27:43
3) If you don't want more hives, and your colonies are building a population, and you're passed the swarm impulse, what can you do next? 42:54
4) I have well insulated hives, how do I know if my bees are getting enough water in winter? 49:09
5) I'm having a well drilled within 75 feet of my hives. Should I close up the hives? I would hate for the crew to get swarmed by angry bees! 56:28
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fCjAbzM2GVo
The associated video time stamps and topics are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Did you try different treatments on your plywood bottom boards that failed early? 5:18 2) Another beekeeper told me that I need to move my hives to the top of a hill because bees won't forage uphill. Is that true? 10:45 3) When planting for honey bees, why is it better to plans large plantings of single species over a pollinator mix? 15:22 4) Have you ever seen a larvae trap for small hive beetles that hangs on the hive landing board? 22:20 5) I asked my Forrest preserve friend if it's ok to buy plant seeds and throw them throughout the forest preserve? He said "don't you dare"! 27:37 6) I have some extra honey from 2022 spring honey harvest and I don't like the taste. I would like to feed it back to the hive it was harvested from. What's the best way to feed harvested honey back to the bees? 34:38 https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/mystore.html
Welcome to another edition of Backyard Beekeeping topics.
This episode was LIVE-streamed on Friday, the 24th of November, you can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtube.com/live/mNSiKL6QCnE?feature=share
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/SyqjqqWgJ4M
Video topics and associated time stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Is there any science or studies that demonstrate the bees forage direction may be influenced by the entrance direction? 2:48
2) I'm interested in plans for your Bee Porch. I could not find them. 7:37
3) Can you explain what a vertical split is and how it's done? 10:24
4) Would it be a good thing to control swarming with the Queen Isolation cage? Would it reduce swarming or impact the swarm instinct? 17:28
5) I have a huge stand of eucalyptus nearby. What's the best way to capture this nectar flow? 24:29
6) In the 40s and 50s is it OK to put out pollen substitute the way you did? Will they overproduce brood? 27:29
7) Can I split a 8 or 10 frame hive into two 4 or 5 frame hives with a slatted rack using a single entrance? 47:24
This is the Audio Track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/awniz4sZvZs
Topics and associated time stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) One of my hives is dying. What should I do with the resources in that hive? 4:04 2) Is there a way to isolate kinds of honey in specific locations in the hive? Are supers capped when pulled? 12:00 3) I'm wondering if any backyard beekeepers have 2x5 over 5 deeps with a common flow hive super on top? 21:19 4) Is the reason for the hole in the inner cover simply to feed when needed? Could you cover it up? Do bees propolize double bubble? 25:15 5) How do you build up resource colonies? Can you start another hive with two frames of brood? 32:07 6) Do honey bees see red lights at night? Is there proven science? 39:12 7) With pest management trays in winter, should we clean them out and turn them over? Or is mineral oil ok through winter? 44:51 8) What kind of Tote-bucket do you use to store or remove horizontal Layens frames? 49:05
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ZtQRwdhfVFw
Topics and associated time-stamps from the video are generously provided by Adam Holmes. 1) What is the correct orientation for honeycomb cells? 4:05 2) Do you think that Hive Alive fondant can be sliced up and placed inside a frame feeder for a Layens Hive? 10:31 3) Will the Ivry-B Hive survive a cold winter? 22:07 4) What is a foundationless frame? 23:45 5) In Ontario, Canada, I'm in a panic over the decision to go with or without vents with so much water running out. 33:33 6) I want to turn one of my strong hives into a dedicated foundation builder. What setup would you recommend? 44:06 7) Do you, and how do you, feed your Layens Hive? If you treat with Oxalic Acid Vaporization how do you implement that? 50:04 8) I've tried many different sized entrances for my wintering setup. Shrews got through my wire last year and killed some of my nucleus hives. 1:02:22
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/w4Ycle_BFVo
Topics and associated time-links have been generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Should I modify my Layens Hive to install a screen bottom board? 10:36
2) I'm considering a Long-Langstroth hive, does the side the entrance is on matter? 15:58
3) Questions about candy boards vs fondant, vs dry sugar as a winter emergency feed. Will pollen patties cause brood rearing in winter? 20:10
4) What research or testing is presently being done to eradicate varroa destructor mites? 51:15
5) Have you ever left your Flow-Super on during winter? 58:25
6) I'm considering wrapping my hives for the first time. Will this cause more activity in the hive and result in more resource consumption? 1:09:10
7) Regarding OA at the end of November, aren't your temps below 48 degrees f? Is there a temp where you would be wasting your time? 1:17:19
8) If I put a jar of honey in the freezer, do I risk glass breakage? 1:26:14
9) How long is it safe/ok to keep honey in a warmer, would it be ok to leave honey in a warmer at 100 degrees to stop crystallization for 6 months to a year? 1:29:00
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/GuWKRjWIpCQ
Topic and time stamps generously provided by Adam Holmes1) At what age do you usually replace queens? Assuming no issues. 7:44 2) What would you suggest for taking notes during an inspection with gloves on? I want to keep records digitally, but I'm not sure what to try. 17:45 3) With the general consensus that an apiary should be treated for varroa and not just the hive with high mite counts. What do you do in the case where you have a hive that really needs to be treated? 26:00 4) For the podcast, can we skip the random music intro/outro? 36:58 5) I have two hives that appear queenless. I am packing them down and there is a large population. No eggs or larvae. My question is, could this be a genetic thing that the queen has ceased laying before the other colonies around? 38:20 6) You often talk of bridging the gap between treatment and treatment free beekeepers. So far you've only had two interviews with treatment free beekeepers. 49:19 7) I requeened a hive with a BeeWeaver Queen early this year. that hive has consistently been the spiciest hive in my apiary to the point where I couldn't even manage the mite count on it for comparison. Have you had any issues with their queens being aggressive? 1:14:17 8) You mentioned that drones can't feed themselves. Is this true? Queens can feed themselves if they have to, correct? 1:17:40
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics, this is the audio track from today's video: https://youtu.be/hyM-RT-BR3U
The topics and associated time links are generously provided by Adam Holmes
@Adam.Holmes.23 hours ago1) There are spotted lantern flies where my bees are located. I have heard about bees making honeydew honey from there excrement. What are your thoughts on Honey Dew Honey? 4:302) Do bees store the 2-1 sugar water this time of year or are they just consuming it? 11:213) I built a horizontal hive from your plans. I have a question about pulling frames. I was planning on taking all fully capped frames, is it safe to assume they will continue to process the uncapped nectar and cap it once all resources dry up? 23:384) Can I use crystalized honey to make syrup to feed my bees? Same amount of honey and water by weight. 33:345) In episode 213 you mention that you do not use a queen excluder in your hives. Does that include Flow Hives? What is your hive set up for your Flow Hives to help prevent brood in the Flow Frames? 36:376) My honey is cloudy with foam on top. Do people shy away from buying cloudy RAW honey? The honey I processed last year wasn't cloudy. 46:387) It's time to pack down the hives so I busted into 2 of my 6 hives today. To my surprise I found zero brood in one and scant at best in the other. There are about 6-8 frames of bees in each. I'm wondering if I should join these two hives. 52:528) Quick question about OAV Treatments, should it be done every 7 days and for three sessions? 59:30
This is the audio from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/hxfze-BIFLg
Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes -1) Please stop promoting open feeding and robbing. Lots of negatives. 5:16 2) I have a question about my winter feeding setup. Would it be better to have the fondant patty above the insulated inner cover? Could I perhaps double up the fondant patties under the cover to make sure they don't run out? 25:08 3) Can I take frames of honey to boost another hive that doesn't have as many stores? I also plan to feed fondant and sugar patties. 35:07 4) I have been thinking about insulating my hive with 2 inch foam insulation and making a five-sided box. Do you think it would be a too sealed and they wouldn't get enough fresh air? 40:23 5) I did a series of OAV treatments and then could not find my queen. I tried to install a new queen and they rejected her. A friend said the hive wasn't likely queenless. I doubt the new nucleus can make it through winter after making a split. What are your thoughts? 47:27 6) I have the new insulated inner covers. They have holes around the edges. What is the reason for this, could other things make their way in? 56:21 7) New research has shown that certain mushroom species may be effective against varroa mites. Have you have researched this topic? 58:47 8) Is it possible to over feed bees for bees? 1:01:26 (apologies, question 9 was missed) 10) I remember you talking about using Bleach solution to spray your drawn frames for winter storage. Has that fallen out of favor? Do you stack supers tight, or alternate them at 90 degree angles? 1:14:25 11) I'm trying to make a decision about feeding hives in October. I am a backyard beekeeper with 5 colonies. 1:18:26
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/FZiMXjQa2jo
The time stamps and topic list below are generously provided by Adam Holmes:
1) Many beekeepers remove a full frame of brood and reinforce other colonies that are not doing as well. Why don't they fight it out? 4:36 2) I'd like to know more about Cut-Comb honey, I understand what it is and how it's harvested but why is it so popular? 13:02 3) You mentioned long-term honey storage in a freezer. How would you store 5 gallon buckets of honey over winter and what temperature? 26:50 4) The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a strong El Nino year going through early next year. How can we prepare our hives to best overwinter these extremes in temperature and precipitation? 34:29 5) Regarding the wasp nest removal video, was there a queen? If Queen removed would the hive survive winter? what do they feed on during winter months? Do mites or SHB attack them in high areas off the ground? 51:07 6) Fred, do you use the escape boards on Apimaye hives? 1:04:35 7) I had 2 discs about 2 lbs each in storage in my basement. Imagine my surprise when I encountered evidence of wax moths. Does this happen to you? Should I be storing it with a Para moth sachet? Something else? 1:08:42
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/v7FrFivqDpc
Video topics and associated time stamps below are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Is 3 x 3/8" opening enough to protect from robbing? When should we take robbing screens off? 7:06 2) Australia now has varroa and moving to a management plan. I wanted to ask what treatments you recommend for our weather in Sydney? 24:20 3) If I put pollen patties on my hive, are the nurse bees or foragers retrieving the resources? Am I limiting the number of foragers that leave the hive because they are foraging inside the box? 36:04 4) I think I finally have the red ants under control. I don't think my hives will make it through winter and want to combine them but don't want to lose a queen. Can I put an inner cover with the round hole between them and combine the hives? 46:00 5) Do the yellow jackets get varroa mites as the honey bees? 49:06 6) In this video, you can see a drone land on he board in the left of the frame, then crawl into the hive. Do drones swarm with hives? 52:36 7) The rapid rounds don't sit flush on the inner cover due to the protrusion of the center. I've seen you use a spacer. 55:01 8) Can I leave extracted frames/comb in the hive? I want to put the now empty comb into the other end of the Layens hive. 1:01:40 9) I have read that I can re-feed the honey to the colony by putting a standard inner cover between the super and the brood chamber because the colony will not consider the comb on the other side to be part of the colony. I was wondering if you had any opinions about the approach? 1:06:04 10) There are a lot of people on YouTube talking about feeding bananas to bees. What are your opinions on this? 1:13:52 11) Do you ever harvest your flow frames at night? I had a jar overflow and the bees are patrolling the area behind the "honey disaster hive". 1:20:25 https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/TFaPDirZf8I
You are invited to visit my main website: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/
The time stamps and topic list below have been generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Honey Bee forage Species Map by zone USGVT 7:05
2) Can I keep Flow Hive Supers with Flow Frames in a freezer all winter? 10:37
3) I have two Flow Hives, one with deep brood box and a deep super. The second has a deep brood box and medium super with no brood present. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 15:05
4) You recently covered OA Vaporization, but there is an additional area that has puzzled me. I haven't found a good way to treat the Apimaye Hive with OAV. How do you treat the mites for the Apimaye hive? 21:02
4a) Where is the best location to do an OAV treatment with the Apimaye hive? 32:28
5) I wonder if you could do that experiment with a mated queen in a small colony that needs some help and combine them? 34:02
6) I wonder if you have stumbled upon a swarm control method. Since it is pulling bees from other hives, it might delay swarms. 44:50
7) I wonder if you could time this type of thing to prevent swarming? Would this method (qmp attraction) work to depopulate large hives? 49:25
8) Referencing the same queen bee attractant method, "Won't this swarm be at a disadvantage because they were all foragers and no nurse bees?" 54:45
9) Referencing the same video: Would a natural swarm contain some younger bees? Could be a temperament difference between your artificial swarm with many unrelated bees and a natural swarm with related bees? 58:20
10) I dropped a mated queen next to a box, but can't find her anymore. Will it fly into the box again? 1:01:00
11) I know you don't have issues with hive beetles, but if you did would you consider using Swiffer sheets, or what would be your go to in trapping them? 1:05:55
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/ITcIzYAGzRk
The below topic links and associated time-stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Is it true that metal with/in honey destroys the enzymes? 11:20
2) Follow up response to Question 3 from Q&A Episode 220. The observation hive was not queenless, and they are on track. 25:00
3) My colonies had high mite counts. Should I replace the queens in those hives? Are those queens spreading viruses to the next generation? 26:00
4) I have a question about storing honey supers. Is there anything wrong with just letting the little bit of leftover honey dry on the frames? Seems like the comb gets torn up by the bees. 33:45
5) I have a memory of you talking about drilling holes in your hive walls to allow OA Vaporizers. How are you placing the hole and bolt to avoid hitting frames and stopping the flow of OA? 41:40
6) I purchased the Ross Round brackets that you introduced during your Hive Life Conference video and I had to purchase them. They are 40 to 60% filled out. I am interested in your thoughts regarding what to do with them. 52:41
7) Do you have any thoughts on what a honey bee's favorite color is? 59:44
8) I'd love to know what you are going to do to winterize your Ivry-B hive, if anything? 1:05:05
Thank you for listening to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/LKqJMfQ4aO0
Thank you for joining me for another episode of The Way To Bee
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/lLLSmyK6CLk
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/VPk3fc5-Jls
The following list of topics and associated video time-stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) How Quickly does the Blythewood Pollen Trap Fill Up? Do you think the bees realize that the pollen is being removed? 3:49 2) As I get older, I plan to build a horizontal hive, is there a reason I couldn't design the main hive box to accommodate some flow frames? 11:23 3) Do you put robbing screens on your hives to prevent robbing this time of year as a practice? 13:41 4) We have started our summer dearth, and I have begun feeding. If someone is open feeding in the vicinity do you think it would help suppress robbing? Or do you think it would stimulate robbing? 20:56 5) We have very few nectar sources here in SW Oregon. I planted golden rod but the bees have ignored it. Any ideas why my bees are ignoring the Golden Rod? Any other plants you suggest? 27:44 6) After I've treated with Oxalic Acid vaporization, I still have half a bag left. Is there a "best if used by" or expiration date for the oxalic acid? 39:27 7) I grafted my own queens and now I have 6 nucs that I want to try to overwinter. I'm not sure exactly how I want to do it? 43:21 8) I am seeing spots of mold on the inspection tray. Is there anything else I can do? 52:00 9) How do you wash your extractor and uncapping equipment. I try to feed it back to the bees but many die. I don't want to waste the honey. 58:08 10) What cameras to you use for the surveillance of your hives? Are there any tips you can offer? 1:03:54 11) I have all medium frames, I would love to build a horizontal hive to save my back. What's the science behind the deep frames? 1:10:54
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping topics, this is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/MDCNEWLDops
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping topics, this is the audio from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/ElWwFdGVuX4
For more information, I invite you to visit my website: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/fredsfowlhoneybees.html
Today I finally catch up with long-time friend and honey bee educator, Kamon Reynolds.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/0O-Ppt_k0qg
See my entire interview series here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics. This is the audio track from today's YouTube:
https://youtu.be/7vHc3VVaTN0
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/mystore.html for merchandise :)
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/p4FqyXf-UhQ
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This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/WqhB00C4p-8
Topics and related time-stamps below are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) You mentioned that you have an inner cover without the vent notch. Did I get that right? What does this do for moisture and air flow? 3:21
2) Do varroa prefer nurse bees over the working foragers? Do the nurse bees go up and feed in the rapid round feeder? 18:47
3) I bought a bag of seeds from Eden Brothers pre-spring but never go them planted. Will they be fine for next Spring? 26:34
4) I bought a Varroa EasyCheck and in the directions it talks about CO2 mite checks. Have you done this? Did it work? Does it kill the bees? 30:31
5) My husband was a Master Beekeeper for over 35 years. One morning he was stung on the lip and he went into anaphylactic shock. 45:36
6) I found a larva on the landing board of my hive. Later on I noticed two dead varroa mites next to it. Maybe the queen is VSH? 51:13
7) We are in the process of building a Long Langstroth hive based on your plans. Thinking ahead to making legs and wondering if the hive should be level or have a slight tilt as the common Langstroth Hives have? 54:48
8) I have an observation hive, and have a question about pollen storage. I noticed they store dry pollen and wet pollen. Does the dry pollen have a much longer or indefinite shelf life? 1:03:40
9) Sometimes swarms hang onto locations outside and make comb and if no one messes with them, they stay there. Why is that? 1:07:51
10) Why do bees occupy an intermediary location to bivouac? I wonder why the scouts don't identify an share the location of the new location prior to departure? Why don't scouts figure it out and fly directly there? 1:11:14
Welcome to another episode of beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/4rCAlQuqL4o
Welcome to another episode of beekeeping topics. This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/K0S-qhsxpyg
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Thank you for watching, and I hope you will enjoy this discussion.
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Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics. This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/URxHZ0qSaA8
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from the YouTube presentation: https://youtu.be/ktuwJPmZeD8
Time stamps and related topics are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) What are your thoughts about misting bees with 30% vinegar as a mite treatment? 10:29
2) Should I keep or remove brood frames from a hive that I want to attract a swarm to? 19:11
3) Do I have to remove my frame feeders if I want to treat the hive with Oxalic Acid Vapor? 29:06
4) I have several hives that have swarmed this year, my question is can I combine two swarms if I remove the queen from one? 32:01
5) In one of my hives, the bees chewed down the queen cells, not the way they do when the queen kills the others. There is only one remaining capped queen cell. Should I requeen them from my swarm occupied resource hive? 41:21
6) I'm looking at your plan for the Horizontal Langstroth Hive, my wife wants to put plastic foundation in it, is this a problem without holes? 48:27
7) I have a hive with a screened bottom board. The bees are collecting under the hive even though the temps are very cold at night. 55:10
8) I have some frames with wonky comb that gets ruined if I pull the frame straight up. What should I do? 59:13
9) How soon after installing a package of bees could I treat them with Formic Pro? On the bottom board I counted over 200 mites after just four days. Any advice would be great. 1:02:39
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Topics, this is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/jdUu8RQudR4
This is an interview with Heather Broddard-Bell, Ph.D. Heather is a Honey Bee Health Researcher at NOD Apiary Products Ltd. Located in Ontario Canada.
This is the audio track from the corresponding YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/t-dmxHP0kpY
You are invited to learn more about NOD Apiary Products by visiting their website: https://nodglobal.com/
NOTE: There is no affiliation agreement, and no compensation has been offered in exchange for this interview, or for sharing links to NOD. Learn more about the Bee Cozy here: https://nodglobal.com/bee-cozy/
This is the audio track from my interview with Dr. Zachary Lamas: https://youtu.be/GfzkreMezCI
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics. This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/YTC3pMHlwqU
This is the audio track from Friday, 17 March's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/yWtlA3kUgk4
Thank you very much for Bee-ing here :)
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/jPF44YZsS5o
Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes1) How would I set up a swarm trap camera for traps several milles away from home? 3:17
2) I was reading about the survival rate of bees after a sugar shake test. It seems the sugar shake might not be as harmless as I thought. 8:00
3) I am moving bee boxes just 20 meters to my yard from the swarm trap location. How do you know when the bees occupy the box and when you can move them? How do I keep them from moving out? 12:52
4) For people who are out in nature and not wearing protective clothing, is there anything we can do to deter a swarm of aggressive bees? 23:20
5) I have questions about making splits in the bee yard. Some keepers replace the hive with box they are making into the split and then move it back later on. Then rotate them back. Have you ever tried this? 31:20
6) Do you manage nucs differently than a full size hive? My understanding is that nucs are less likely to swarm. 42:02
7) What is the purpose of the slight taper on the underside of the ears of the top bar of a frame? 50:12
8) I noticed the Apimaye hives have dividers. Can you split on hive and have two queens? Will the bees work both sides without killing one of the queens? 1:00:38
9) What is your opinion of using an uncapping roller punch instead of an uncapping knife? 1:04:46
10) I have heard you talk about using nucs as the primary hive before, but have not heard, nor seen, anything about splitting a 5 frame nuc in the spring. Could you please give us some of your thoughts on this subject? 1:10:26
11) I hear conflicting reports online where some say bees won't travel horizontally for honey stores during winter. Can you comment on your experiences with horizontal hives and how bees feed from their own reserves during winter? 1:16:18
12) I was wondering what kind of holly you grow and recommend. From episode 18. 1:23:50
This the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/A4VPHUPwuMc
Topics and time stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes1) There is a question that I have not gotten a good answer for yet, what do you do with a polystyrene or plastic hive if you get AFB? 4:20 2) Are the Hive Gates good for year round use? Would they help with temperature control at the hive entrance? 11:32 3) You mentioned the green drone comb as a method of varroa mitigation. Could it also be used as an inspection method? 14:06 4) I'm starting a five frame nucleus in an 8 frame deep. I'm curious on your thoughts on building with foundationless frames. 19:46 5) We have had many days in the 50s and 60s with nights in the 30s and 40s. I wonder if I need to be splitting the large colonies earlier than April since I have four to five frames of brood? 24:56 6) Can you please explain why people do not graft eggs. if you want the youngest larvae, why won't grafted eggs in cups work? 28:54 7) Is there an advantage to using two deep brood boxes as opposed to using three medium brood boxes? 38:03 8) I have just moved to the Canada border but intend to be a snow bird from December to April. Looking for a list of things that I may have not considered before leaving bees in the snow for 4 months. 43:36 9) I'm having a hard time trying to find a screened bottom board with a tray and enclosed. have you found any supplier or plans for a design you are describing? 49:52 10) When you make a split, how far do you move the new box from the original hive to ensure foragers do not go back to the original hive. 53:30 11) How do you document information specific to each hive and what information do you maintain? 1:03:19
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics, this is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/oV7ucW0ZnTc
Topics and related time-stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) When a colony dies out due to a drone layer, will the queen lay drones in those worker drone cells? 3:22
2) I read that some beekeepers are feeding pollen substitute now to stimulate brood production. Is now a good time? 7:04
3) What are your thoughts on running 9 frames in a 10 frame box? My bees make it impossible to take out my first frame without rolling bees. 13:37
4) I set up a swarm trap with comb from a recent dead-out. Bees are all over it. Is it possible they would already be getting ready to swarm? 21:09
5) I have winter kills, do the mites stay attached to the bees? I ask because I want to know if a mite wash on the bee would show. 32:42
6) I have a question about using the green drone frames for IPM. Should I move them closer to the brood? 42:40
7) I plan to block my Apimaye top vents an am wondering what you would suggest? 50:20
8) I'm building a Long Langstroth Hive, I have concerns about condensation in the hive. Do I need vents on the bottom? 53:35
9) Is there a time during the year that I should stop stopping off my internal feeders? 59:53
10) I recently had to move my bees. The landing board was the sun, I've noticed bees don't really come out as much now. Does it matter? 1:06:14
11) I am considering beekeeping. Supposedly, a bees' first defense mechanism it to attack an invader's face and that they attack dark complexion surfaces first. I am African American with very dark skin. Have there been any studies that might suggest bees are more aggressive toward people with a dark complexion? 1:08:22
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1) I have a long land and didn't relocate or reduce the brood area. Can you talk about hive management for the long lang hive? 5:28
2) Since you've started using double bubble insulation, have you changed the way you build your insulated covers using the BeeSmart Designs insulated Inner Cover? 18:16
3) Three out of my four hives are still alive and doing well. I keep hearing that I need to rotate my boxes in March to keep them from swarming. I am thinking of leaving them as is and monitoring them closely. What are your thoughts? 26:01
4) Is eco-wood still holding up for you? Also, will the bees still propolize interior surfaces if treated with Eco-Wood. 43:08
5) I have headless bees outside my hive! They appear to be dry, and only a shell of a bee. Is this the work of a shrew? Your thoughts? 48:25
6) I'm trying to learn more about trees in my area. Is there something you would recommend as a "must read"? 58:06
7) Here in Ireland there is a majority of bee keepers that are strictly AMM Black Bees "Native". What are your views on Ireland banning non-native bees to stop genetic mixing? 1:00:02
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/nAaQAXSSQpA
Topics and Time Stamps below are generously provided by Adam Holmes.
1) How are the BeeWeaver Bees Holding Up? Have they requeened? 3:27 2) Do you know of an easy and inexpensive way to mark a hive for status? Putting bricks on top of the hive doesn't give me enough options. 11:44 3) I'm never sure what to do with surplus honey frames that have crystalized. Can I use these frames as a food source? 14:53 4) Is it safe to extract honey from a hive that dies over winter? 23:04 5) I'm looking to make some woodenware from lumber cut on a buddy's bandsaw mill. Will the lubricating fluid be toxic to honey bees? 29:55 6) You seem to have a lot of spare time on your hands. Have you thought about taking on some additional hobbies? 34:42 7) I have purchased Hive Alive Fondant. I was thinking it would be good to feed a package of bees. Will it be a good for packages in spring? 35:44 8) My question is about cleaning hives after a dead out. I have poly components in my hives. 43:21 9) I'm curious about bottom boards in relation to hive conditions and how they are affected by temperature and humidity. 44:56
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers.
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This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/XQ2V3z1lWME
Time stamps below, are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Would you advise for or against Spirulina Patties? 1:29 2) I'm getting a Nucleus in April. I understand the Nucleus will probably have Varroa Mites. Suggestions on what mite control product to use? 7:28 3) I am interested in becoming a beekeeper this spring. I don't have the resources/space for more hives, what is your method to prevent swarms? 11:20 4) How do I know when to reuse old comb? I've been keeping bees for seven years now. 16:17 5) Our club received a call for a hive in a tree. It was completely exposed and just fans of beeswax. Why would bees do this? 21:02 6) This April I am looking forward to the spring and splits. Would you recommend splitting by the artificial swarm method? 24:20 7) One of my hives has bee-poo all over the mountain camp sugar. Can you talk about nosema? 29:22 8) Why wouldn't I just use a 10 frame box with a follower board instead of a nuc? 39:36 9) I thought maybe creating a Long Langstroth hive on a tilt or slope, perhaps 25 to 30 degrees may act like a vertical hive. Thoughts? 45:55 10) If people place the green drone frames and then don't remove them on time, are they really producing mite-bombs? 49:41 11) I wonder if I should spray a pallet with water proofer for longevity or is that bad for the bees? 58:21 12) Assuming my flow hives make it through winter with the single deep and medium boxes, what's my next move? 1:01:30
Welcome to another interview. This is the audio track from the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/hPR5jIAP2mQ
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Thank you for spending some of your time here, I wish you all the very best in beekeeping! :)
Thank you for being here, this is the audio track from today's YouTube Video
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Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping topics, this is the audio track from today's YouTube:
https://youtu.be/yYil7Dl5sCg
The associated topics and time-stamps are generously provided by: Adam Holmes
Pinned by Frederick Dunn
@W4R34G7E 1) My bees are being robbed by a nearby feral colony in a tree. Can I just leave the robbing screen on all the time? 3:50
2) I lost both of my hives suddenly this year. The hives were weak in September and we had an extremely cold November this year. Should I use a hive heater? Could you recommend one? 11:08
3) Can I wrap an electric blanket around a hive so I can do an Oxalic Acid Treatment? Can you think of reasons why this is a bad idea? 18:07
4) I was just trying to determine the suggested bee vacuum. 21:53
5) I want to replace a queen, but if I split the hive how do I know where she is? Both brood boxes are full of bees and inspections are hard to do. 27:05
6) Do you know of a set of instructions that can be placed on a label for how to de-crystalize honey? 35:16
7) As far as being sure that I have enough beeswax on my frames, do I paint the wax on, or can I rub a brick of wax across the frame? 43:23
8) It appears that you frequently wear a new bee suit. Do you wash those and do they stay that clean? 50:20
9) I'm getting my hives this spring. I have lots of dragon flies. Can you think of ways to control them? 53:59
10) Do bees still do cleansing flights in the dead of winter? It can get to -7 here, I find dead bees 6 feet in front of the hive in the snow. 58:40
11) It was stated to me to use food-grade salt around my hive to kill off the small hive beetles as they try to pupate. thoughts? 1:01:41
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/3_SX6uPrEJg
Topics and time-stamps are below, generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Do honey bees take to waxed foundation that has been stored for a while, slower than newly waxed foundation? 2:40
2) I just learned that the carpenter who built your favorite nucleus for BetterBee has passed away. Very sad. 5:00
3) It appears that you have changed your mind on slatted rack usage. What are your thoughts now? I'm thinking they will help with hot days. 19:39
4) It seems one advantage to insulated hives if you want to do OA Vaporization, the bees cluster is not as tight. What are your thoughts on this? 23:37
5) I'm starting in spring with two nucleus colonies. In this video, you referenced Dr. Thomas Seeley, saying he had researched the subject of hive configurations. Which book can I find that information in? 41:00
6) I had heard that toxins become dissolved in beeswax, so I burned up the old brood comb that I was retiring. I heard beekeepers saying that the oldest, blackest, dirtiest comb can be rendered into beautiful yellow was. 28:27
7) Being that a hive is plastic, could it get too hot in the hive? 34:45
8) Some time back, you said that small and tall is a good configuration for bees. 5 frame nucs. I was thinking, for those not vested in extraction equipment, how to add a Flow-Hive Super? 38:00
Welcome to another interview in my series of interviews with experts.
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1) How many dead bees is normal in winter? 2:45 2) I have a small nucleus, 5 frames up, and 5 frames down. Do you have feeding recommendations since nothing fits on the smaller size? 5:49 3) My hives are in almost continuous shade, I'm wondering if it's worth getting a sun-tracking mirror? 17:59 4) Could you give your thoughts on oxalic acid soaked sponges? 23:40 5) I still have wet frames after extraction, and can't put them back on the hives at this time. Alternative ways to store wet frames safely. 26:35 6) Do you see any problems with using Oxalic Acid Vaporization with Hive Alive fondant packs on? 34:20 7) Do you do a late season varroa mite cleanup with Oxalic Acid Vaporization? 36:00 8) One of my queens squeezed through the queen excluder and lay eggs in my Flow-Super. Will the extraction system will still work? 42:10 9) Have you ever had a problem with your bees collecting honey-dew from spotted lantern flies? Is there a way to tell? 53:57 10) I have had bees for three seasons, and have had one OK year. Could it be that my area just won't support honey bees? 1:07:16 11) I have two hives under attack from yellow jackets. One is strong and defensive, other has yellow jackets walking right in. What can I do? 1:12:55 12) What are your thoughts on plastic chicken coops? Would you give us chicken lovers a few examples of plastic coops you could stomach? 1:19:08
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics. This is the audio track from Today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/fNoXVB7aZAg
Video time stamps and links have been generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Have you completely transitioned to Hive Gates and Wooden entrance reducers, and have you replaced the copper screening? 2:41
2) I have been seeing information that says the PH of Sugar Syrups are too high when compared to nature's nectar. Also one person is spraying frames with vinegar solution, claiming that it's helping with varroa control. Would this possibly have something to do with PH? 6:51
3) I'm thinking of switching to the CO2 Method of mite testing. What are your thoughts about this? 13:54
4) I have been reading a lot about small-cell foundation frames. Have you used them, do they really produce smaller bees and do you think they are effective in helping to control varroa mites? 27:50
5) I have hives going into winter with two queens, do you see any issues with this? 33:10
6) Is it possible for a hive to be honey/nectar-bound going into winter? Is this something not to be worried about? 41:15
7) How do you use Apiguard in our Layens Hives? 45:41
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/p7yW8YIHRzY
Topics and associated time-stamps are generously provided by -Adam Holmes
1) What time of day is the best time to move a hive, I need to move my hive 10 feet. 2:30 2) I would like to put Hive Alive fondant on my Long Langstroth Hive, where would be the best place to put it? 5:16 3) I'm feeding my bees every other day. I'm confused about when to feed, and the bees are going to my neighbor's hummingbird feeder. 11:39 5) There are many ways to convert feed efficiency in chickens, cattle, and insects. For example, 2 lbs. of feed to get 1 lb. of poultry meat. The question is about how bees stack resources to get their bee fat ratios up before winter. 19:36 6) What can you do once robbing starts? If Dawn Dish soap killed all the bees, wouldn't that be enough for mites too? 35:20
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/FxqKZTNmWEI
Topic order and time stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Could you give us an update on Vespa mandarinia? 1:43
2) Hives have plenty of resources, so why do bees act like they are starving and in a feeding frenzy? 11:24
3) How late in the year can I treat with Oxalic Acid Vapor? 17:35
4) Do you ever deliberately bury your hives with snow for insulation? 21:48
5) I bought double-bubble and am anxious to use it on my inner cover this winter with a rapid round feeder top. Would you think of putting my Hive Alive Patty inside the feeder for their use during winter? 26:38
6) I wonder if you would provide suggestions for camera lenses for better photos of my bees in action. 31:16
7) I wonder if bees use the dead bees in winter to control the air coming through the entrance, and if removing them could mess with their system. 41:09
8) With Long Lang Hive, what changes are you making to get bees through winter? I want to learn from your mistake and not make my own. 49:00
9) It's my understanding that most feral colonies in my area are Africanized. What do I do if I'm suited up and an aggressive colony attacks? 55:25
This is the audio track from the published YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/k-SAoz_d2S8
Atreya is a 10th grade High School Student who is making many honey bee related discoveries at the University of Florida Honey Bee Lab.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/jekWa-70-gE
Topics and time-stamps generously provided by
Adam Holmes
1) So how do you like the Hive Gate? Over the winter, will it be necessary to pull it out to clean it? 1:55
2) What do you do with your frames after harvesting honey? Is it ok to put a box of harvested honey frames back on top? 10:53
3) I have questions regarding thermal hive treatments for varroa mites. Is it also possible that hot weather can kill the mites in my hives? 18:47
4) I tried to set my honey frames out for the bees to clean, but they are killing each other and ripping apart all that beautiful drawn comb. Also, how do I keep the bees from backfilling the extracted frames? 29:44
5) Last year I made a skirt of double-bubble to insulate my hive to the ground. Also, is there a tape that holds up well to winter? 38:07
Thank you very much for Bee-ing here :)
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's Youtube: https://youtu.be/mapWYp2g_5U
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video:
https://youtu.be/iu_LnUqJB-s
Thank you for joining me for another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/OQIY-QQVEyw
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Below you'll find topics and time-stamps, generously provided by -
Adam Holmes 1) Can you explain where Guard Bees are posted inside a Layens hive? 10:50
2) The latest information about Formic Pro. There are risks I hope your viewers are aware of. 22:08
3) Can you talk about wintering nucs? Is a double 5-frame the best configuration? 27:15
4) With your current configuration for wintering, do you do anything in the spring to keep the queen from laying in the medium super? 38:16
5) Would you put Hive Alive fondant below the feeding shim, directly on the frames, or on top of the candy board? 41:04
6) With many colonies failing in winter, what are your thoughts on a horizontal hive built 6 to 8 inches longer? Do you still keep your rodents? 50:04
7) What methods would you consider alternatives with the Horizontal Layens Hive design? 1:05:19
8) Do you over winter your nucleus hives or combine them with other hives? 1:11:48
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/bMztbZ13yds
Thank you for listening!
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/GYmqebINzWw
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html
Topic list and associated time-stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Is there such a thing as too many frames of pollen? I did put a couple of pollen frames in-between some brood. 3:27
2) I noticed a yellow dot on the thorax of some of my bees. It's strikingly yellow just like a marking pen! 10:15
3) Our City has begun fogging for mosquitos due to West Nile Virus. Do I need to somehow fully close the entrance on fogging nights? 11:58
4) Any recommendations for how you built your robbing station? 15:39
5) What is the reason some bees are grey? Could this be the winter bees? 24:35
6) I'm not sure if I should provide more space for my bees this time of year? I plan to feed dry sugar and Hive Alive patty? Pine shavings on top? 27:31
7) I tried a rapid round hive top feeder and it caused robbing right away, now I'm open feeding. I don't know if my colonies are strong enough? 38:30
8) We've requeened twice with Saskatraz Queens with no success. The last queen was in her cage for 5 days and her attendants were dead. Perhaps you might be able to address this? 44:42
9) Do bees have a problem with cornstarch? Is corn starch in powdered sugar shake harmful to the bees? 50:30
10) My stronger colony came in and viciously robbed my other hive. The queen has not laid an egg in two weeks, can we save them? 52:43
11) In your experience are there more uncapped frames/cells when there is low rainfall? The honey flavor is more intense, is this also a factor of low rainfall? 56:02
12) I was inspecting my hive and the queen flew away, how was she able to fly? Not five minutes later, she returned. Now What? 1:00:10
13) I'm interested in building a Long Langstroth Hive, should I build it with 2 x or 3/4 plywood? I want to incorporate flow frames into the hive, what about entrance placement? 1:06:00
14) I have ventilation in the top of my hive but it creates condensation. Should I use burlap, or wood shavings and close the top ventilation? 1:16:50
15) Do honey bees use the Last In First Out system for honey consumption? 1:22:23
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video presentation: https://youtu.be/hukm-B_HvJg
Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) It's been difficult converting information related to vertical hives and horizontal hives, such as will a cluster move horizonal. 3:12 2) Should I leave the third honey super on until it starts to get super cold? 11:45 3) I struggle with entrance reducer sizes and designs. Do you still use aluminum screens? What have you found to be the best for the bees? 14:20 4) Is an electrical extractor worth it for a backyard beekeeper? Is radial or tangential better? 26:33 5) What direction is the air moving when bees are facing towards the entrance, or away from the entrance? 32:35 6) With the BetterBee nucleus hive boxes you use, there are two holes in the back and I wonder if you close those off? 37:05 7) We use a top feeder and ants are marching up the hives into the sugar syrup. "Help!" 41:06 8) You mentioned that you were previously in the Navy, as an old sailor myself, I'm wondering what your job was? A Sea-BEE? Also, could you explain the scout bees? 48:16
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/HEhtlPst4as
Thank you for Bee-ing here :)
Welcome to another episode of interviews with experts!
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/1hzMjn-DXQ4
In this interview, you'll probably learn a little more about Dr. Sammy and how he ended up involved with insects and ultimately became the high-energy Entomologist he is today.
Please look below for links to more of Dr. Sammy's presentations and program links where you can help support his very important research.
You may wonder, why Fred referenced Dr. Sammy's performance prowess... Well look no further than this video: https://youtu.be/q4rG0uMVR5Q
Did you remember to subscribe?
Visit his website for more information about his work and accomplishments: https://www.drsammy.online/
Are you inspired to support his work? Well here you go: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fight-the-mite-initiative-honey-bee-research
The Ramsey Research Foundation: https://www.ramseyresearchfoundation.org/
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Topics.
This is the audio track from Friday's Youtube presentation: https://youtu.be/zYH4EXvFDUA
Topic and associated time stamps are as listed below:
Generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) When doing a mite-wash, why does everyone say Dawn Dish Soap? 5:17 2) Does Freezing Honey kill the antioxidants and antiviral properties? 22:29 3) is there a way to tell if an abandoned hive is being robbed, or if a new colony may be moving in? 27:01 4) You've done a video about wax dipped Hoover Hives, I recently heard that Hoover hives are treated with the wrong kind of wax. 32:50 5) I caught a swarm in a trap and neglected to take it down for a month. The foragers are returning to where the hive was. Any ideas? 38:04
This is the audio track from today's YouTube presentation: https://youtu.be/Q2TdWL5oTDE
This is the audio track from today's Youtube video.
The content below is copied from the video description:
Welcome to another episode of Interviews with Experts.
In this video, I visit with Dr. Humberto Boncristiani about his path to honey bee research here in the United States.
Dr. Boncristiani is currently the Director of Sales Strategy and Technical Services at Dalan animal health, Inc.,
Learn more here: https://www.dalan.com/bees-in-peril "Dalan's prophylactic and sustainable approach aims to decrease the risk of infections, saving not only hives, but protecting from revenue loss and excess costs." Ref: Dalan Animal Health, Inc.
I also invite you to visit Inside The Hive TV, YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/InsideTheHiveTV
I also invite you to visit my main website: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/ Thank you for Bee-ing here!
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TheWayToBee.org
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Hosted by Frederick Dunn
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/pAAg1R7Xd3A
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/UivZCYqPGVI
Thank you for Bee-ing here :)
Apologies for posting this one late!
This is the audio track from last Friday's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/sUSSqDEv808
Topics with associated video time links are generously provided by Adam Holmes!
1) My hive was being buzzed by carpenter bees, they also bored a hole into the outside corner. 1:55 2) My Swarm Trap that you described, worked and I have a swarm in it. Do I have to take it 3 miles and bring it back? 13:25 3) My wife was chased away by a single honey bee, it was like the terminator! 16:00 4) I think my bees are being robbed, is there anything else I can do? 17:48 5) I would appreciate your wisdom on these two photos, my hive seems to be under attack. Why are the bees hanging around? 21:26 6) I have mouse guards on my hives, can the drones get through them? 24:18 7) Do you think that adding tree resin, say in a corner of the hive, might be used by the bees to help with the propolis envelope? 27:36 8) I installed a new mated queen, but have found little to no eggs. There are now queen cells. Do you have any guidance on this? 31:52 9) Is it possible that rather than a virgin queen making a mating flight, the drones can come right into the hive? 37:54 10) I have a package of bees installed and they are taking two quarts of sugar syrup daily. How long would you recommend I continue feeding? 40:39 11) My queen and all drawn comb are in the upper box, in the lower box there are 4 frames that are hardly drawn out. Can I swap upper and lower frames? 44:53 12) I made a split and the new hive is doing great. The original hive shows no evidence of a mated queen. Can I merge the hives? 48:15 13) I noticed some workers removing a drone that was missing his reproductive organ, can a DCA be on the ground? Why so many drones? 51:06 14) Do Pseudo Scorpions and Sphagnum Moss in the bottom of your hive fight varroa destructor mites? 54:30
Welcome to another episode of interviews with experts! This is the audio from today's YouTube Video. You can find all of Fred's Interviews here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html The information and links below were provided by Jessica. Website is: http://honeymerchant.com.au/ Email: queenbee@honeymerchant.com.au Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/honeymerchant/?hl=en Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thehoneymerchant
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers, this is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/zDOgCPosXF4
Don't think about it, "Bee" about it :)
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https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers.
This is the audio track from today's Youtube Happy Earth Day!
https://youtu.be/G-xStb3wocs
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers, this is the audio track from today's Youtube video: https://youtu.be/p3fltXbFx6g
In this interview, we consider the use of honey bees as part of a healing journey.
Frederick Dunn interviews Sara Mapelli about her journey as a healer, dancer, and artist.
She appears in two documentaries, Queen of the Sun, and SEED: The Untold Story
See the interview here: https://youtu.be/AZtvTTkiUEY
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fWbckxJ-XjA
TheWayToBee.org
This is the audio track from the YouTube Interview between Fred and Michael Palmer, you can see that video here:
https://youtu.be/nD76giM-ssY
Find the French Hill Apiaries Website Here: https://www.frenchhillapiaries.com/
Michael's Number ONE recommended beginning beekeeper book: Practical Beekeeping by Enoch H. Tompkins
https://amzn.to/3Dty3Js Paperback for $4.75
When I receive the link to the fund raiser, it will be posted here.
See all of my interviews with bee-people right here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html Find all interviews as a podcast: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/podcastthewaytobee.html
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Here are some helpful links:
You can find all of my interviews here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/intervi...
Learn more about the education program and offerings at BetterBee: https://www.betterbee.com/classes-and...
I invite you to subscribe, there will be many more interviews posting soon!
David will be giving an in-person presentation in great detail regarding the varroa destructor mite as well as the impact of nosema on honey bees at the Northwest PA Beekeeper's Association, his presentation will be at Edinboro University, learn more here: https://nwpabeekeepers.org/meeting%2F...
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWPBA/
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/PiIaIi1qrdc
Questions and time stamps are below, generously provided by Adam Holmes:
1) If my package of bees arrives during bad weather, should I go ahead and install them? 1:23
2) I want to make a new colony from 3 that are doing well. Should I allow them to make a new queen, or should I buy one? 4:01
3) How do you feed syrup to a new package of bees when installing them into the Layens Hive? 10:31
4) Please explain your opinion regarding rotating boxes coming into spring. 13:10
5) I have a nuc colony coming. It will come with deep frames and all of my boxes are medium. what configuration should I add those frames? 20:55
6) Can I just open part of a Flow-Frame and only draw off part of it? You've said that you can't stop the flow once it begins. 25:01
7) How cold is "cold" when feeding syrup in spring? 29:16
8) What are your plans for the Layens Hive this year? 31:20
9) When people combine colonies, they use news print etc, but when they are making packages they just dump them all together. Don't the bees still need to get to know one another? 34:54
10) At what point is it ok to add liquid feed again? How do I know when I can do a walk away split? 40:21
11) My hives are on my property that is 4 acres, we are right next to a 30 acre field of alfalfa. Would I be better off moving my hives away to avoid the spraying? 45:16
Welcome to another interview related to beekeeping! In today's video Fred interviews Lucy Winn, the Pennsylvania State Honey Queen (2020 & 2021), and American Honey Queen for 2022.
Learn more about this program here: https://www.abfnet.org/page/queens#
There is also an official American Honey Queen Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanHoneyQueenProgram
Lucy stated that her favorite bee-related book is Queen Spotting by Hilary Kearney You can get a copy here: https://amzn.to/37W6Sv2
Before becoming the American Honey Queen, Lucy won the title of Pennsylvania Honey Queen, you can visit their official FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaHoneyQueenProgram
Learn more about the PA State Honey Queen Program via the State Beekeeper's Association Page: http://www.pastatebeekeepers.org/queen.htm
See all of my interviews right here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html
Any link with "amzn" in it is an affiliate link, we may earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support :)
Welcome to another episode of Fred's interviews with experts!
Today, Fred chats with Cedar Anderson in Australia.
Cedar had an interesting childhood among other things.
This is the audio track from the interview which is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Byx7YyW10LQ
The Flow-Hive has enticed many new beekeepers to beekeeping and has proven a little polarizing among established beekeepers.
In this interview, we talk about more than beehives.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MNRLTeVxTPA
Thank you for Bee-Ing here :)
Frank Mortimer has published a fast rising book about people who keep bees.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/qu8cAYVpfd4
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers, this is the audio track from today's YouTube Presentation:
https://youtu.be/FXAMZcplprM
Topic related time stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) If I put a Weaver Queen with Italian Bees, will they accept her? 2:10 2) I'm getting 3 packages of Italians. I read that they can't defend themselves, should I keep the entrance reducer on all year round? 6:40 3) What are your thoughts on using food coloring in syrup to see where the bees put it? Is there a reason that you are not following the single deep brood box method and hive size? 9:43 4) I'm going to do a cut-out soon. If I find a queen and queen cells, could I do a split? 18:33 5) In a recent video you mentioned Competitive Advantage MPD-15 markers, for queen marking. Are they enamel? Where do you get them? 24:15 6) If I make another hive, could some of the bees automatically go into it within 5 feet? 25:18 6b) What do you think about swapping the position of hives when you do splits? Is that necessary? 27:29 7) How long do bees stay in a natural cavity? How do I convince other beekeepers who need extra entrances and venting that it's not necessary? 31:11 8) How full is too full, if I do a split way to early, will a virgin queen wait until better weather to fly? 40:00 Show less
This is the audio track from today's YouTube interview:
https://youtu.be/3ng7NCUIhfE
Frederick interviews Dr. Erica Shelley, Ph.D. Erica is the Founder of Best For Bees, today we're talking about the highly adaptable hive entrance called ProtectaBEE.
This modular hive entrance is not currently for sale, but you can order them, as I did, via their indigogo Campaign.
There are only 15 days left, If you find yourself inspired to support this research, there is a current indigogo campaign. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/protectabee-all-in-one-adjustable-hive-entrance#/ I personally invested in the Two-Pack offering.
Frederick Dunn has no affiliation with ProtectaBEE, nor any affiliation with BestForBees https://www.bestforbees.com/
Fred is not compensated for this interview.
For more information and reading, here are the two Bee Culture Articles:
https://www.beeculture.com/bee-vectoring-with-the-protectabee/ Jan 2022
https://www.beeculture.com/protectabee-an-all-in-one-adjustable-hive-entrance/ Feb 2022
See ALL of Frederick Dunn's interviews here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html Thank you for Bee-ing here :)
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Session: https://youtu.be/DgCUwNA4-3Y
Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Has anyone considered heating syrup on top of a bee hive? 1:22
2) Revisiting a question posted from Amy regarding why Queen Bees don't use their stinger. 8:21
3) I recently condensed my bee hive to match the population. Shortly after that, they swarmed. Was this a coincidence? 11:26
4) If my hive swarms and I capture them, can I place them in a box right next to the one they left? 19:04
5) I watched your broadcast about using a 12 volt oxalic acid vaporizer. How do you feel about using foggers for mite control? 21:15
6) As spring arrives and we may face deadouts, is there a sequence you follow? 29:22
7) Can I feed my bees with 1:1 sugar syrup that has both Hive Alive and Pro-Health together? 38:14
8) How far away from your own backyard apiary should you place a swarm trap? 47:10
9) Would you tell us what your steps are in adding supplemental feed through the year? 53:12
10) If I collect a swarm in a nuc box about 15 meters away and it's yours, can you move it to your backyard as the distance is less than 5 km? 1:05:17
11) You mentioned the honey production of BeeWeaver bees. How would you rank Saskatraz, Italian, and BeeWeaver bees by honey production? 1:13:20 See all interview videos here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/4ApzK0ReCew
This is part of an interview series. You can view all interviews with Fred right here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html
This is the audio track of an interview with Jeff Horchoff on Youtube.
https://youtu.be/30jOP9Ywgfc
Of particular interest are the traits of spaces that feral honey bee colonies elect to occupy. If you want to understand what honey bees do with spaces completely under their control, look to those who have done hundreds of structural removals.
Single, small entrances, predictable organization of resources on the comb and more.
Thank you for Bee-ing Here :) Find all of my interviews right here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/interviewsyoucanwatch.html
No matter if you endorse treatment free beekeeping or need to use miticides or other treatments, this may be a useful interview.
There is a lot that goes into honey bee genetics no matter what your goals are.
In this interview, Frederick Dunn talks with Daniel Weaver, Daniel has been working with bees for a very long time and has a line of survivor honey bees that have been treatment free for decades.
Listen to what Danial has to say and you may gain some greater understanding regarding survivor bees and what it takes to get them to demonstrate the desirable traits.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/svF-0p9BIN8
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/aHJXV3OqKcw
Questions and time-stamps generously provided by -
Adam Holmes 1) With my Layen's hive, how can I get sugar on them? I know Dr. Leo says not to feed. 1:31
2) What are your thoughts on Dr. Seeley's book The Lives Of Bees, is that even feasible in today's beekeeping? 7:24
3) Amy asks, what is your favorite thing about beekeeping? 17:26
4) During winter, on warmer days, do honey bees move their honey resources closer to the brood area? 19:54
5) Do you recommend any manufacturer's swarm trap that can also be used as a nuc for beekeeping? 26:19
6) Would you treat a swarm captured in a Bee Vac, while it's still in the vac? Would they associate the treatment with the vac instead of their forever home? 33:28
7) What's your opinion regarding what's a good temperature for adding feed to bees in winter? 40:41
8) Will 18 frames be enough for wintering honey bees in a Long Langstroth hive? 45:16
9) If I collect dead bees and some of them have their proboscis extended, is that normal? 48:47
10) Does painting hives different colors really help them find their hives? 50:54
11) What's the best way to protect beemax hive top feeders from UV? Can honey bees potentially chew polystyrene? 1:00:10
12) I found a dead queen at the entrance to my hive, will a QMP pheromone strip work to keep them queenless until I can replace her? 1:06:17
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/mZPi6s6FdQs
Topics and time-stamps below are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Is there a safe way to treat fruit trees without harming my honey bees? 1:57
2) Can I use the entrance queen excluder to prevent a hive from swarming? Can I leave it on permanently? 4:17
3) Can I keep my fruit trees safe from pests without harming my bees? 7:34
4) What is your opinion on using Eco-Wood to treat my in-hive frames? 11:07
5) What are your thoughts on using medium frames in the Long Lang? Are you willing to share your plans and any modifications? 13:10
6) What are your top 2-3 suggestions to get plastic foundation frames drawn out? 18:16
7) How can I convince my friends and family how good it is to have bees? They don't have the same feelings about bees as me. 26:19
8) I want to open feed to stimulate my bees for spring. What schedule should I follow? 38:01
9) I have Broodminder temperature probes in my hives. When the bees start raising brood, what would the temperature be inside the cluster? 45:17
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube: https://youtu.be/BAsakXD4y2g
Today's Podcast is the first of a series, Fred Interviews Experts.
Frederick Dunn's first guest in the series is Dara Scott, the creator of HiveAlive honey bee supplement.
See the Youtube Here: https://youtu.be/3FFvXm8w4O0
If you're wanting to find out where you can get it, follow this link:
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/hivealiveworks.html
This is the audio track from The YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Gz1aj1r1lb4
Topics and associated video time links are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) My Mom found a massive die-off in one of her hives with many bees still moving. I suggested leaving some of them on the landing board so they can crawl back in. Am I on the right track? 2:17
2) I think I may have killed my bees due to a rookie mistake. I put DE around the hive bottom lip. I feel that it did them harm eventually. 17:35
3) I opened a hive and could see a cluster down in there. Later on, it appeared that bees from another hive were going in and possibly robbing them. Do I close it up because I think it's dead? 26:30
4) I have a colony that didn't make it through winter. what's the best process for reusing, cleaning, and preparing the boxes and frames for a new colony? 36:05
5) Will plastic frames in brood boxes interfere with the thermo-regulation of a Winter Cluster? 50:06
6) I have been noticing very many dead bees on landing boards after very cold nights, but not on the milder nights. Any thoughts on this? 55:31
7) If I place a number of capped honey frames in a freezer, how can I thaw them out without risking condensation and adding moisture to the honey? 57:54
8) I will be receiving two packages of bees this April. Members of my Bee Club recommend OA Vaporization the same day I hive them. What's your opinion on this practice? 1:02:16
Welcome! This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oyiyhi3-yL8
Thank you for Bee-ing here! You're invited to also visit my chickens and honey bees website: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html
Time stamps and topic list have been generously provided by: Adam Holmes
1) I'd like you to talk about the flow-version of the clear view veil. I think old eyes may benefit. There was an insert window at the Hive Life. 1:47
2) I'm hoping to split my colonies this spring, I would like your opinion regarding moving the queen with the split, or leaving her behind. 8:23
3) I'm considering building an observation hive. How much maintenance do you perform? What other features are good additions? 21:21
4) I'm planning to add medium supers on my brood boxes for winter food. Should fondant be placed on top of brood box, or medium super? 35:36
5) I would like to know if you offer your hive artwork to other beekeepers? 42:24
6) When I pull extra frames of honey to feed back during a dearth, can I freeze frames and for how long? 46:45
7) There is a new video out that showcases a unique way of beekeeping. The guy uses 5 gallon plastic bottles. Lots of other claims. Do you think this method would survive a winter climate? Have you ever tried it? 51:45
This is the audio track from Friday's YouTube Presentation.
Topics and time links are below:
Courtesy of:
Adam Holmes
1) Is it possible to feed Mann Lake Pro-Sweet during winter? Even when it's below freezing? 1:17 2) It this a good plan for my first bee hive setup? 16:33 3) Can you explain how I can keep my bee hive numbers low? For example, I'd like to keep it to 3 or 4 hives if possible. 24:24 4) If I press comb together and it touches the cells face to face, will the bees be able to chew through that? 31:50 5) I've been told that giving bee hives a tap to see if they are still alive is wrong. What's the best way to tell if they are alive? 34:28 Show less
Welcome!
This is the audio track from today's YouTube presentation: https://youtu.be/UmwU7BiU5Mk
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers with Frederick Dunn
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/62CMi41uMKA
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thank you for being here!
Itemized topics are below and have been generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Do you have a video that will tell me if my bees are doing OK without opening the hives? 1:10
2) I'm hearing lots about Hive Alive Fondant. Is this emergency food tastier to the bees than their own honey stores? 4:57
3) What can you do when water content is too high when you harvest the flow-frames? 13:30
4) Does a dark colored hive cover contribute to temperature variation that can increase activity inside the hive? 20:30
5) Do Magnets affect honey bees? 25:16 6) If I uncap the drone brood and pluck it out, will the mites come out with the drone? 29:51
7) Can I use 1/4" hardware cloth for a mouse guard and will the undertaker bees be able to drag dead bees through it? 33:39
8) Is there an study for adding a chemical compound that would be consumed by the bees and kill varroa mites when they bite the bee? 39:21
9) I'm putting a 10 frame hive body together for bees I expect in spring, with better comb, do I fill the entire box with BC, or should I leave foundationless frames in-between the BetterComb? 41:39
10) Could you speak more about Drone Congregation areas? 46:40
This is the audio track from today's Youtube video: https://youtu.be/0Sg_8GP_pTQ
Today's topics are listed below with video time-links, provided generously by:
Adam Holmes
1) When your honey bee colony goes brood-less, do the varroa mites die? 1:30
2) Will you go over various bottom boards and why you choose each one? When do you switch them? 8:17
3) I know that you insulate the top of your hives. Is it true that bees only have a hard time in winter, is when they are very cold for an extended period. Can they handle 1 week, maybe 2? 16:27
4) Do you put out syrup for the bees if the temperatures are going to be high enough for them to forage? 30:08
5) We are expanding our apiary, I noticed that you used Lyson adjustable stands, is there a reason that you moved to iron T-Posts? 34:47
6) Will honey bees clean out the poop left behind in the cells by varroa destructor mites? 42:28
7) I was thinking of putting up a swarm trap with better-comb, Tom Seeley said pieces of comb was not advisable in his article. Will wax moths or small hive beetles destroy it? 46:05
8) We are planning to move a hive this winter, over rocky terrain. Can you recommend a good way to secure it? 53:00
9) I'm being told that bees won't lay comb on the plastic frames unless they are pre-waxed by using melted beeswax, is this the case? 56:25
10) How close can my hives be to my chickens, would free-range chickens eat the bees, or would the bees attack the chickens? 1:00:43
11) What are the top 3 reads for beginning beekeepers when opening a hive? 1:06:21
12) If I put fondant on, is it better than honey or the syrup, and will this cause the bees to starve because they won't go back down to the honey stores? 1:09:28
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/gRiQXQUln9M
Topic links generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Would you place fondant on a colony that is nearly honey bound? Will the store the fondant or just use it instead of their honey stores? 2:16 2) How many times a year do you check for mites, and is sugar shake the only method you use? 10:48 3) I was wondering if you can discuss the double screen boards used to split hives? Can they be used in reverse to combine colonies? 16:06 4) How do you feel about clipping the corners of the plastic foundation to create Pass-Throughs for the bees? 28:47 5) Concerning Layens Hives, you talked about turning Langstroth comb 90 degrees. I was considering doing this with foundation, but noticed hexagon orientation would be different. 31:36 6) I have been wondering about bee-space lately. Do bees walk up the frames, or do they walk up the walls? What is the optimal gap size between the bottom of the frames and the screen/bottom board? 42:32 7) If I have only one hive with very few workers, softball sized, and a laying queen, what is the best way to rebuild the population quickly in winter? 46:50 8) I recently noticed many bee abdomens on the landing board? it's not too cold for shrews to eat them. Any advice as to how to get rid of shrews? 54:44 9) I've ben told that letting a colony re-queen itself can often result in a more aggressive hive. Is this true? 59:52
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video presentation.
https://youtu.be/4xaxk8wEhHk
Thank you so much for listening!
Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) When I start with a swarm, or package of bees, can I start them in a 8 or 10 frame regular hive, or do I need to purchase a nuc? 3:49
2) When you do the queen excluder test with the queen being caged for varroa control, could I use a drone frame in that cage, or would that impact the colony's relationship to the queen? 15:00
3) Would you mind explaining how you go about doing your splits? 25:04
4) If I order package bees, would you suggest BeeWeaver, Saskatraz, or some other line? 32:08
5) If you have bee stock that you like and know is good. Could you raise more drones and flood the area with your selected genetics? 39:39
6) What do you think about having a hole in the front of the flow box that is elevated? 49:08
7) Regarding your varroa mite control plan, if the mite scoots into a cell with a larva just before it's capped, will the Oxalic Acid Vapor still kill it? Or would you have to alter your application schedule? 53:31
8) What do you know about Texas 5000 bees? I've heard you talk about BeeWeaver bees, which are pricier. 57:12
9) We are feeding dry sugar and at times slipping in some fondant, does giving them fondant stimulate them for brood production, or is it just emergency backup feed? 1:05:13
10) If I hang drawn comb with larvae already in it, and change the orientation for a Layens Hive, will this damage the developing larvae? 1:10:03
11) If I use the BeeSmart Design insulated inner cover, do I still have to tilt the hive forward, or does it work better level? 1:17:00
12) Whatever happened to the waxed plastic frames you had that prevented small hive beetles from hiding in them? 1:20:15
13) Is a steel queen excluder better than a plastic one? 1:23:53
14) Can you go over some of the basics about your Observation Hive? Do they mind the light? How can you keep one in an un-heated space? 1:28:15
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions answers.
This is the audio track from today's youtube video: https://youtu.be/SFV3LH4ySps
Today's video questions and associated time stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Could I get a queen from my new hive when spring arrives? 2:54
2) Is it safe to put my flow hive out at a robbing station for cleanup, or is there risk of getting disease from other robbers? Would you recommend the CO2 system for mite counts over powdered sugar or alcohol washing? 13:22
3) I have a Flow-Hive 2 with the removable tray beneath, there is mold in it. 17:55
4) In one of your videos you showed that a Queen Bee put her eggs in the Flow-Supers, but now you say you don't need a queen excluder if there is a honey bridge? 22:58
5) My hive was overwhelmed by robbers, I blocked the entrance, but a day later the robbers were back. I'm trying the mesh so I don't have to smother another hive. 44:40
6) I have a question about mite treatments. I have 1 mite on one hive and 3 on another, I hear that I should treat prophylactically, others say don't treat if you don't need to. 50:08
7) I am using rapid-round feeders to feed my bees dry sugar. When I open them to add new sugar there are bees in the way. How would you suggest that I add more sugar? 1:00:03
8) You mentioned that you can spray package bees with OA, can you tell me more about this? 1:04:44
9) You will have to check out Premiere Foundation, The Cells are not smaller, the cell walls are thinner more like the construction in wild hives. 1:10:45 REPLY
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/F9X2uLolgJY
Today's topic list and associated video time links are generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) I was wondering if I can still use the oxalic drip method to treat my bees when it's mid 50's to 60's? 1:54 2) Almost all of my bees died and their bodies were outside the hive. Is it safe to harvest the full medium box of capped honey? 9:03 3) When caging the Queen with the single frame excluder, why must you wait 14 days before releasing her? Isn't is possible that she could have just laid eggs in the open portion? 16:45 4) if I wrap a hive in insulation and achieve complete disappearance of a heat ball with a thermal camera, then they must be warm for winter, right? 23:05 5) Honey bees will use the Hive Alive Fondant packs on the inner cover and consume the fondant right inside the plastic pack. 31:10 6) How do you make your queens, did you graft them? 32:26 7) I noticed that you still have spirulina on the shelf, but haven't heard you mention it this year. Do you continue to use it and if so when? 43:54
This is the audio track from today's YouTube Presentation. Enjoy, and thanks for being here!
See the video here: https://youtu.be/LgWcVKA2r4M
Questions and time-stamps are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Can I use a 12 v Oxalic Vaporizer pan in the Hive-Gate unit? 4:40 2) Can you explain how queen's pheromones permeate through the hive? 5:55 3) I just captured a medium to large swarm yesterday! They are all africanized. What kind of dry feed should I give them? 9:53 4) I have been searching for ways to keep my beekeeping hobby to just two Langstroth hives. 14:10 5) Can I offer Hive Alive Fondant in the rapid round feeders? 21:40 6) I've heard about cycling out old comb and destroying it. How do you go about cycling out old comb? 25:11 7) I'm wondering about heating my hive with an electric heater? 31:42 8) I installed a heating pad under my screened bottom board, what temp should I set for it to turn on? 35:22 9) I was surprised to find my bees clustered in the upper deeps, are my bees in trouble going into winter? 38:08 10) It's November 7th and my bees are still doing orientation flights. I was hoping they would be broodless by now so I could to OAV treatments. 43:44 11) I just bought a Flow Hive 2+ and used your discount coupon. I have a question about your varroa resistant bees? 46:50 12) Help! I have 1000's of yellow jackets in and around my apiary! 50:51 13) Could you have a discussion about bee torpor? 54:55 14) Talking about insulation and condensation and your bees up top. If the total hive is warmer, then shouldn't the condensation be lower? 1:02:10
Happy Friday everyone!
Thank you for joining me for another weekly episode of backyard beekeeping.
This is the audio version of today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/7_m08vCMERw
Time stamps separated by topic are provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) I'm using a bee cozy and the instructions call for an upper entrance, I'd love your advice on this. 2:24 2) Can I treat with Oxalic Acid when sugar cakes are in the hive? 6:47 3) Do you remove rolled up screens as entrance reducers for winter with the Flow-Hives? 9:10 4) My rapid round feeder gets drowned bees. I've tried different textures and sizes. Still I lose bees in the feeder. 11:02 5) I was going to purchase and broadcast a mixed bag of Pollinator Flower seeds around my yard. How many square feet of the same type of flower is necessary? 20:11 6) I know you don't like the idea of pesticides, but specific ones like CB-80 is a non residual fogger. 32:46 7) When it comes to finding places to put hives, what kind of arrangements are normally made between beekeepers and landowners? 40:20 8) Do I have to flip the flowhive 2+ tray for winter the way you recommend with the other Flow Hive units? 43:47 9) I'll be using gabled bee hive tops, should I close off their air-vents? Should I insulate them? 49:10 10) I would like to know how much ventilation to allow during winter. I know that bottom inserts and bottom entrances provide adequate ventilation in my setup. What do you recommend? 1:00:13 11) I have a hive that may have lost its queen and the brood is almost gone. I can't find another nucleus anywhere now. Do I just have to lte all these wonderful bees die? 1:02:33 12) I've had a swarm with my flow-hive and I extracted honey. The bees are gathering on the front of the hive and not going back inside. Could this be the reason for the problem? 1:06:26 13) I inspected and have no eggs or larvae. I think the queen is gone. I am thinking of combining them with a nucleus. 1:09:50 14) What can we do to improve the health of the bees as to prevent dysentery? 1:13:22
This is the audio track of today's YouTube Video
https://youtu.be/Mwjk1tRhLUk
Time code links below are provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) Can the aluminum bottom screens on the Flow-Hive 2 base overheat and burn the feet of the bees? 2:31
2) Is it harmful to help a honey bee with sugar and water since there are no flowers left for them? 6:21
3) I'm wondering why we would need a hive gate in winter? Should we just pull them off? 11:13
4) Can you discuss tracheal mites? I had a bad infestation last year. What are the current controls? 18:52
5) If I put a mouse guard on in winter, when should I take it off? 27:27
6) I have a concern about the hive gate in winter. Won't it direct cold air right under the cluster? Isn't that an undesirable outcome? 32:50
7) Do you cover the bottom screen of your flow hive in winter? 39:37
8) What about moving your hives from a few feet to maybe 100-200 yards? Do entrance blocking tricks really work? 41:38
9) I have questions about the insulated inner cover and the rapid round feeder. Is the insulated inner cover supposed to extend past the edges of the hive box? 47:50
10) My RapidRound Feeder has a different sized hole than the insulated inner cover. One is too large. 57:40
11) I saw an video about the benefits of apple cider vinegar being used on bees. What about using it in sugar? 58:25
12) What's your opinion on mite treatment with heat treatment systems? 1:01:48 Thank YOU for listening! :)
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video segment: https://youtu.be/Wmc5INVSjZQ
Welcome!
This is the audio track of today's Youtube presentation: https://youtu.be/t6qkbZbgDx8
The following time codes are generously provided by Adam Holmes 1:45 1)In the past you were treatment free, would you go over your reasons for changing? The good and the bad?
13:38 2)One of my queens fainted when I was marking her. The condition is in the book Queen Bee: Biology, Rearing and Breeding: 16:03
3)I didn't find my queen, lots of capped brood. No queen cells. So do I split this hive now if no queen? What is the best way to keep this hive from swarming? 18:42
4)I have a flow hive with the super full of honey. I put the flow-super above that and they are not filling it up. Should I move the super? 24:33
5)We have rapid round feeders in Norway. The quality is highly variable as you know. Does the sock really work to minimize drowning? 33:44
6)I live in Texas, what if anything should I be doing for my hive to insulate the hives or insure they have sufficient resources? 38:50
7)Just a quick update on my laying worker nucleus. What you recommended, worked. 40:15
8) After JC's Bees was hacked last week, watch for scams. 43:46
9) I have a question about the beesmart insulated inner covers. I put one on my 8-frame box, but can't put an 8-fram box on the cover. The intention was to have a feeder shim. 48:15
10) I have searched around the web attempting to get specific answers regarding proper filters for respirators/masks for Oxalic Acid Vaporization. 51:50
11) Can you go into a little more detail on how you use your resource hives to help build up weak hives? I'm primarily interested in how you introduce a frame of brood. 54:27
12) Why use 1:1 syrup at all if they don't have to dry out 2:1 syrup? Here it is fall and I have a couple of hives that need more capped honey.
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube video: https://youtu.be/pGnS82WjWhk
Today's topics are as follows:
1) Can honey bees know instinctively know the weather is going to be bad and decide to swarm?
2) Do you consider late season swarms to be caused by varroa mites?
3) Is it possible for a hive/colony to survive a major robbing event? Would robbing bees kill the queen?
4) Since the BeeSmart Design insulated inner cover doesn't fit the Flow-Brood Box Dimensions, what do you think of these feeder shim ideas? This is my wintering with flow hives video: https://youtu.be/CZsGV1F8xbQ This is the BeeSmart Designs insulated inner cover: https://www.betterbee.com/wooden-hive-equipment-10-frame/ICBS1-BeeSmart-Insulated-Inner-Cover.asp
5) Can you tell us how to set up for winter and how to prepare for robbing season? Subscribe to the American Bee Journal: https://amzn.to/2WdBuCM BeeSmart Robbing Screen: https://amzn.to/3AGrdhr
6) You can see pollen on the legs of returning bees, but how can you tell if they have nectar?
7) I think I have one colony with a laying queen and another that isn't productive. Should I combine them now, or wait it out? In this video, I demonstrate how to combine colonies: https://youtu.be/Dr8QUVi-15s
8) Will bees cap stored sugar syrup?
9) How do you push frames back after inspection when bees are in the way?
Oxalic Acid miticide update: by Randy Oliver of ScientificBeekeeping.com
"unfortunately, the label change does not include using OA Dissolved in glycerin, either for the solution (dribble) method, or the extended release pad method."
Always follow established and approved application methods and dosing.
"The ONLY current registrant of OA is API-Bioxal, so to legally apply OA in any form, you would need to have the API-Bioxal package and label in your possession."
Ref - October 2021 issue of the American Bee Journal, page 1061 (Randy Oliver)
Thank you for listening!
This is the audio track of today's YouTube video presentation with Frederick Dunn
https://youtu.be/0P648k-p17w
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube presentation.
https://youtu.be/BjQuWV7ZPjQ Click this link to view.
The question list and associated time links are generously provided by: Adam Holmes
1) I'd like to build a vertical tube that covers the hive entrance and gets the bees up and away from where children play. How will a long vertical entrance effect the bees? 1:53
2) We can not find the queen in a hive even though we always see eggs, larvae and pupae. Any ideas? 9:45
3) If I have a betterbee polystyrene hive, do I need more insulation? What about entrance size? 17:16
4) I'm wondering why you aren't filming in front of your observation hive this year? 30:19
5) Do I need to put a different entrance reducer on for winter, or a mouse guard? 32:12
6) My hive keeps producing supercedure cells even though there is a laying queen. Should I remove them, or leave them? 34:27
7) My flow-frames were not working, you're right, they were in the open position instead of the closed position. 42:17
8) With newly hatched queens, how long should I wait for them to begin laying? don't want to get into the hive too often. 48:19
9) Laying workers are in the hive, will they stop if I add frames of eggs and larvae? 50:51
10) I'm having a problem with my Hive Butler, the sides are spreading apart with medium frames, will they also do that with deep honey frames? 57:47
11) If bees are swarming, is it possible to steer them into a specific hive? 1:01:56
12) Is bearding a sign of overcrowding? I don't want my bees to swarm. 1:08:26
13) Could I alter the slatted rack so that my Flow-Hive remains in the tilted/harvest position but he tray remains level? 1:11:20
14) Is there a way to make a screen so wasps will leave but they can't return? 1:16:06
15) I only visit my bee yard two times a month and don't want the sugar syrup feed to spoil. What can I do? 1:18:20
Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's YouTube episode:
https://youtu.be/GvYAsAUhOhI
All topic links are generously provided by -
Adam Holmes
1) My rapid round hive top feeder doesn't fit the BeeSmart Design insulated Inner Cover, any suggestions? 1:44
2) What's the deal with the Murder Hornets we keep hearing about? Are they really dangerous? 10:56
3) BeeScanning app update, does it make an accurate count of varroa mites? What else is new with it? 21:27
4) I have a situation with my hives, is it too late to be splitting them? 26:00
5) I have a Layens hive, one frame is almost completely filled with pollen, should I leave it or remove it? 31:29
6) Questions about my Long Langstroth Hive, should I be feeding pollen patties if there is no bee bread? 35:46
7) Can you explain the purpose of the slatted board? I noticed it in your Episode 120. 33:00 again at 39:17
8) I recently came across the ceracell hive top feeder. I wonder if it won't result in the same number of dead bees the rapid round does? 40:23
9) I have two hives, yellow and blue, one has a queen but low resources, the other is queenless with lots of resources. Should I just let the queenless colony die out, or should I buy in a replacement queen? 46:25
10) One of my hives was robbed, I think I have it under control, but how do I tell if the robbing has stopped? How much of an opening should I provide? 48:47
11) What kind of cage should I use to contain a queen so that I can cause a brood break? 56:05
12) What can I rub on my hummingbird feeders to keep the bees away? 58:48
13) How far will bees fly before defecating? I don't want them to poo on my neighbor's laundry or parked cars. 1:01:29 Show less
Welcome to another edition of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio track from today's Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/ASFGHk5KKRI
Time links are generously provided by:
Adam Holmes 1) I had queen loss after treatment with Formic Pro, have you used formic pro? Your theory regarding my problems? 1:44
2) Are there any occasions when you wouldn't smoke your bees when entering a hive? Since they react to smoke in negative ways, do they also react badly when no smoke is used? What might be the downsides? 8:00
3) If supercedure cells are created to replace a queen, why do so many beekeepers destroy them? 16:38
4) Regarding the BeeScape App, what did your follow-up mite test numbers show? 22:30
5) Big storms are about to hit us, I have no idea how to secure my hives against high winds. 28:00
6) What factors drive a colony into winter preparation? 32:18
7) Bees navigating in cloudy/rainy weather... Don't bees see into the UV wavelength of light? That would mean they can see the UV that transmits directly through the water vapor of the clouds. 39:32
8) Please discuss the effects of forest fire smoke on honey bee behavior. 45:00
9) Questions about wintering horizontal hives - Would you leave a space below the follow/divider board if it's going to be insulated? 49:20
10) What's your opinion regarding feeding Pro-Sweet vs Sugar Syrup? 53:26
Thank you for joining us, this is the audio track from today's Youtube
https://youtu.be/urpjyTm3800
A list of today's questions will post below later on.
Welcome to my PodCast!
This is the audio track from Friday's YouTube presentation: https://youtu.be/-659lJnxZ4E
SEE what I'm talking about by clicking on one of these time stamps.
Time stamps are provided by the incomparable - Adam Holmes
1) Migratory vs Telescoping Covers, why use one over the other? 1:27
2) I got a tiny speck of marking paint on the eye of one of my queens, will she be OK? I'm worried. 3:31
3) I'd like your comments on how to deal with a honey-bound hive? I have scattered brood in the honey super. 6:53
4) Can I use the new Beesmart Insulated inner cover as an insulated cover for my feeding super rather than underneath? 14:05
5) Do honey bees need more winter resources in warmer climates than they do in the cold? I wanted to try your method of one deep and one medium super. 20:39
6) If I have a hive that requires varroa mite treatment, should I be treating all of my hives, even if they are not at treatment thresholds? 27:23
7) I made a split from a strong hive, one has a laying queen and the other didn't produce one. Can I just combine the two colonies? I think it may be too late to just add another frame of eggs. 36:00
8) What are your thoughts on using heavy dipped Acorn drone plastic foundation for supering? What is the approximate rate of travel of bees up the comb during winter? 38:54
9) If I'm giving 1:1 sugar syrup to build comb, does it matter if you use a frame feeder in the brood box, or do you need a frame feeder in the super? 42:45
10) During a dearth period, is it possible to overfeed 1:1 sugar syrup? When I pour sugar syrup in my Layens Hive frame feeder, the bees start doing orientation flights, why? 49:20
11) Can you describe single brood chamber management? 52:32
12) What do you think about treating bees with oav at night? 58:54
13) When looking at the bees on the landing board, can you tell the difference if the bees have swarmed out? 1:00:22 Join me each and every weekend as we continue to learn and share about honey bee keeping! :)
Thank you for joining me for another session of backyard beekeeping topics.
This is the audio portion of today's YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/pQ-RyIVd8vQ
For more information, I invite you to visit my main website: www.TheWayToBee.org
Topics and time stamps are provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) I hived a swarm last week and eight days later they are all gone. Is there a reason they would leave so soon? 1:55
2) I usually wear gloves when I inspect my hive. is there a good way to clean propolis off of my hands? Also is there a way to clean my leather gloves? 7:58
3) How do I deal with a defensive hive? 12:24
4) I was told that if I scrape plastic foundation all the way down, the bees will not use it, is that true? 18:45
5) I'm getting three nucleus colonies in spring, will better comb actually help them build faster? 23:22
6) Why do foraging bees disappear well before sunset when there is plenty of time and light to continue? 27:54
7) Do you have a suggestion as to how to get bees to move honey down from a super into the double brood chamber I want to over winter with? 32:18
8) Any tips on how to make sure new colonies make it through winter? Especially when the year has not had a lot of nectar and pollen? 35:18
This is the audio file from today's YouTube presentation! Associated questions and time reference codes are provided courtesy of -
Adam Holmes
1) How much should I feed my bees? I have 5 Gallon Bucket Feeders and the bees drink that in a day. 1:53 2) I'm in Texas the the bees never filled the Flow-Frames, I took them off since we in a dearth now. 7:00 3) Do you think feral survivor stock might just be able to withstand higher mite loads? 12:01 4) I pulled my Ross Round supers and found them to be a haven to hive beetles. 20:54 5) What's the best way to store my pulled honey supers when I don't want to make but one mess a year? 25:33 6) I did mite washes with the soap check method, I have purchased Formic Pro. Should I remove the HyfeGate? 32:00 7) I have a new queen in my hive and she's not laying yet, I'm worried about laying workers. 43:08 8) How do you plan to treat mites in your Long Langstroth Hive? I had problems with formic pads. 51:05 9) With everyone going through a dearth period, why aren't my bees having the same problems? I do see robber activity at the back of the hive. 55:30 10) I used bettercomb in my hives, they chewed it down to the wire that was embedded. Will they build it back out? 58:46 11) I have seen hornet attacks on beehives and 20-30k bees massacred in hours. Why do bees not leave the hive with the queen? 1:03:57 12) I am treating for mites even though they are just at the borderline of requiring it. With formic pro, it says to provide a top box for bees to go into. Should it have frames or be empty? 1:08:02 13) How many cells are in your favorite Acorn Frames? Does it really matter in your opinion? 1:09:11 Show less
This is the audio track from this YouTube presentation:
Topics and associated video time-links are provided below, courtesy of -
Adam Holmes 1) When is the best time to put the HyfeGate entrances on the hives? How long should it take for them to adapt to it? 1:16
2) If I take a frame with eggs, I have bettercomb, will the bees stay put even though it is only a few feet away? 6:00
3) Wondering if I put a solar path lights around, will the honey bees see well enough to defend the hives at night? 11:42
4) If a forager brings back nectar that the taster bee doesn't like, what does the forager do with the rejected nectar? 14:48
5) Do bees react to lightning? How do they respond to electricity? 18:40
6) I have a quarter frame of brood in ten frame double deep. Didn't see eggs, but pollen coming in. need to order queen? 23:37
7) What's the best way to introduce a new queen? I tried it a week ago with a split, they started balling the queen. 26:20
8) What types of honey bottled would you recommend? 39:08
9) I have a ton of drone frames filled wall to wall. It seems excessive. Any insight? 33:51
10) Do you sell honey? Do you use glass or plastic, what is your sterilization process? 39:08
11) I received my covid shots and then was stung by a bee on the elbow. I had a stronger reaction than normal, is there a connection there? 45:36
12) How long can I stun, paralyze, some of my bees with cold and revive them? I can't find time, temp parameters. 51:07
You are invited to visit my main website: www.TheWayToBee.org Or our Facebook Backyard Beekeeping Fellowship: https://www.facebook.com/The-Way-To-Bee-102407687877468/
Welcome to another Friday episode of backyard beekeeping questions and answers, this is the audio of today's YouTube which can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/V0OliPAc2TM
www.TheWayToBee.org
Pinned by Frederick Dunn All time stamps and question links are provided by Adam Holmes
1) I have small hive beetles on my frames along with larvae. Is it wise to put them in the freezer and then replace in the hives for the bees? 1:26
2) How can I handle/tread mold on the inside of my telescoping cover and on the landing board? 10:09
3) I would like to create a large pollinator plot with 2+ acres. What would be the best for feeding the bees? 12:11
4) Should I have a bee-escape in the lid of my HiveButler so the bees can get out? 18:25
5) I stored unused hive frames (triple wax coated) in the garage and was surprised to find that roaches and wax worms were eating them. A tale of warning for your listeners! 24:01
6) Would it be worth it to paint my swarm trap hive the same color(s) as the hive they are coming from in order to encourage them to occupy it? 28:30
This is the audio track of today's YouTube video.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/TVrWPKHKoVw
Video links with time-stamps are provided courtesy of:
Adam Holmes
1) Do you use starter strips with your foundationless frames? If not what do you do to keep the bees building straight comb? 1:51
2) How do you restrict the number hives/bees if you don't want to expand beyond your ability to care for the bees and space allowed? 4:56
3) Japanese Beetles are eating all of my pollinator flowers, how do I get rid of them without harming the bees? 8:47
4) How do I tell the difference between eggs being laid by a laying worker or a queen that's also just laying drone eggs? 15:54
5) When I put a bee escape under my honey super, the super was robbed through the groove in the inner cover. 20:37
6) My HOA bylaws are restricting beekeeping. Should I just keep them and not ask, or try to change the rules? 23:41
7) When you super a hive with another honey super, do you place it above or below the brood box? 29:50
8) If your goal in beekeeping, honey collection, or is it the thrill of the chess game? 32:57
9) I have heard lots of beekeepers talk about how important a lot of ventilation is to keep bees from bearding. What are your thoughts? 37:00
10) Honey dew is often claimed to be more nutritious than Manuka honey. Should we be planting trees and plants to produce more honey dew? 43:08
11) What's the most efficient way to remove wax cappings from honey frames? 49:28
12) During a heat wave in our area, there was an accumulated pool of nectar in the drain tube of the flow-frames, how should I get that out without kicking off robbing? 58:03
13) I have four and a half built out frames of brood, pollen, nectar and honey. They are not filling out the remaining frames, can I put the super on? 1:01:24
14) One of my hives is in trouble, can I start a new queen from eggs? Or should I try buying in a new laying queen? 1:04: 13
15) We are planning to plant bee friendly plants, if we put them right next to the hives would we be attracting competition? 1:08:33 Show less
Thank you so much for joining me!
This is the audio track from The Way To Bee YouTube question and answer series.
See the video here: https://youtu.be/s2Pgsoxh2c0
Time stamps and topic links are provided courtesy of:
Adam Holmes 1) What do you think of using Elmer's glue to seal up small hive beetle hiding places, AND, would it be a better idea to mow and trim at night when bees aren't flying? 4:46
2) Curious about your take on using the Checker-boarding technique to prevent swarming? 10:46
3) I had a flow-hive colony swarm as I was told not to use the second brood box before adding the flow-super. Did I do the right thing? 16:29
4) I would like to make some new colonies from a 3 year old queen as she's very good. How can I do that when they don't make swarm cells? 23:27
5) Please describe how you keep extra nucleus hives in order to have emergency queens ready to go? Please describe the procedure. 29:13
6) Is there a reason that the entrance on a Long Langstroth Hive can't be on the short end instead of the long side? 39:07
7) I started with two hives in February and now have 8 hives. I will be changing to long hives and want queens with traits that include expanding a colony horizontally instead of vertically. How would I go about finding such queens? 41:24
8) Have you published your Long Langstroth Hive plans yet? 46:29
Welcome to the audio recording of today's YouTube Video!
https://youtu.be/fnHZDpn4j0s
Time links below are provided courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) I know you can purchase Ross Round frames for chunk honey, but is there a way to do that without special equipment? 1:36 2) I have two queen cells in my hive and they are both capped. I squished the one along the bottom and left the supercedure cell to buy some time. Should I let nature take its course, or is it time to make a split? 4:53 3) Our local crop duster is going to dust. My bees are bearded on the outside of the hive, what can I do to keep them from flying during dusting? 10:14 4) Can you give some information regarding what you think it happening with my hive? Lots of resources and I found the queen, but no eggs, what's going on? 12:56 5) I see that there are multiple sizes for Layens Hives. I plan to build my own, how many frames should I be able to include in the hive? 16:31 6) When it comes to Flow Hives, I can't find any information regarding harvesting wax from them. Isn't this also a valuable commodity for flow hive owners? 19:22 7) I need to inspect my hive, and the problem is that they are bearding on the outside. Can I go ahead and inspect? 23:29 8) What happens to bees that are producing wax, but the hive doesn't need new wax such as with the Flow Hives? 25:18 9) Tried numerous different strategies for getting my bees to work the flow-frames and store honey in them. Nothing is working. 26:31 10) My plan is to have and keep only two hives! I do not want more than that. I don't want a lot of gear and have limited space. I just want to enjoy my bees. How do I keep it at two hives? 34:35 11) Bee Weaver Queens are now back in stock: (tell them Frederick Dunn sent you!) These are my favorite treatment free stock: 40:52 12) I recently captured a swarm, now it's in two parts and won't leave the side of a tree. I did not observe the queen during transfer into the hive. Any suggestions? 41:23 13) When should I remove the entrance reducer from my hive? What size should it be? 46:40
Welcome to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers! Time stamps and question links are provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) How soon after receiving a nucleus colony of bees should I be doing a mite-check? 1:25
2) Can you explain more about cutting back hives without splitting them? 9:31
3) I received my first sting after not keeping bees for 10 years and experienced a strong reaction, should I be keeping bees? 17:07
4) I plan to do an Oxalic Acid Vaporization treatment in a Hoover Hive, do you see a problem with the heavy waxed bottom board? 21:51
5) We've recently been having discussions about the difference between using HBH with sugar syrup VS smoking the hives for inspections. Can you explain that a little more? 25:36
6) Can you explain more about how you prepare hives for transport? Comments about formic pro for mite control. 34:28
7) What's your take on the new fungus strain that's effective against varroa mites in honey bee colonies? 43:35
1
Welcome to another episode of questions and answers related to backyard beekeeping.
This is the audio track from the YouTube Video found here: https://youtu.be/6Lm-xJ90mfk
Video and topic time stamps are provided to you courtesy of:
Adam Holmes
1) Why do you only use BetterComb in brood boxes, why is that? 1:50
2) Would you discuss swarm traps. I blew it by not having my swarm trap where my bees are going to be kept. Now I have to move them 2 miles or several feet a day. 8:16
3) I introduced a new Queen Honey Bee on Monday. My mentor suggested they were ready for me to release her into the hive. What are your feelings about this? 14:10
4) My bees are not building new wax comb. Are we being way too impatient? We don't have one flake of new wax. 18:32
5) I can use better comb in a medium super right? 24:52
6) How do you feel about clipping Queen wings as a swarm management strategy? 25:39
7) Is there a known diameter that allows a single honey bee to pass through? 30:42
8) I had queen cells hiding down in and under my slatted rack! 33:00
9) Would you mind mentioning Dr Samuel Ramsey to your viewers? 38:12
This is the audio extract from Fred's YouTube Video Episode 111: https://youtu.be/w8FDtGItcWw
learn more at www.TheWayToBee.com
The time stamps are provided courtesy of: Adam Holmes
1) You've talked about skunks in the bee yard, what about raccoons, possums, or other animals? 1:46
2) Is there an update on the HyfeGate evaluation? I can't make a facebook page to join the group. 5:59
3) In Australia we have to check for mites as part of the early warning even though we don't currently have them. Is the bottom board a good way to check for mites? 11:03
4) If I lift the inner cover and frames are stuck to it, can that hurt the queen? 17:04
5) There is a swarm high in a tree with lots of branches in the way. I set up a nuc box in the tree hoping that will draw them in. 19:10
6) I am interested in learning minimal maintenance beekeeping. 25:35
7) I am making a split and have a new Queen coming, how early can I release her from her cage? 34:35
8) Wanting to know more about deformed wing virus in bees and comb. 42:19
9) Do you have any favorite honey bee skin balm recipes? Any favorite ways to use old wax? 45:22
10) I have a long hive, removed 24 out of 28 frames. What do I do with the frames? 48:38
11) I hived a swarm, does this behavior mean there is a virgin queen that hasn't mated? Should I order a new queen? 52:18
12) I have questions about how many feeders to put into a recently hived swarm box. What about the useless nurse bees? 56:18
13) I put new bee frames with bees inside my observation hive. I noticed the bees are not increasing. How do I increase the brood? 1:02:31
This is the audio track from my current YouTube video.
See the entire video here: https://youtu.be/hTOxfMt4gd4
This is the audio track from Frederick's Youtube video that posted today May 7th 2021
See the entire video here: https://youtu.be/7BZLIGIAPZU
This is the audio track from today's Youtube video:
Time stamps are provided courtesy of:
A C 8:20 1) I went to the BeeWeaver website to order the survivor stock that you mention in your videos, they are offering only Italian/Carniolan hybrids, are those the ones?
12:27 2) I am scheduled to receive two packages in May, is it ok to treat them with oxalic acid a few days after putting these in the hive? 26:15
3) My Saskatraz bees made it through winter and are alive and flying. I am concerned as I noticed no drones. Do bees still bring in pollen if the queen is missing? 31:27
4) If I want to speed up production in my flowhive while keeping the queen excluder in place, can I drill a hole in the front of the Flow-Hive cover? 37:07
5) When workers serve the Queen in the hive, is that a lifetime role, or do they graduate to other jobs like the others? I read that a bee's lifespan may have less to do with chronological age and more to do with flight time. 43:50
have Spirulina in the background on the shelf. I tried using it, the bees don't seem to want it. Have you tried it? What application did they consume? Show less
2
This is the audio track from this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Azg0n2Ib8yI Time stamps are provided courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) Is it possible that my hive was taken over by a four year old queen? 2:09 2) When waiting 3 days to re-queen a hive, do you have to worry about them building emergency queen cells? 6:40 3) What are the favorable traits of the BeeWeaver Queens? Compared to Italians? 14:23 4) How long can I leave a queen in her cage? When will that become a problem? 22:55 5) My hive seems to be dwindling and making drones. Some cells have eggs halfway down. What do you advise? 27:45 6) Have you ever heard of Eco Wood Treatment? 30:48 7) Curious to know if bees scout a swarm trap before they swarm out? 39:33 8) Are standard Lang Medium Supers compatible with the Flow Hive Brood Box... want to stack one. 44:31 9) Why are my bees already giving drones the boot? Is this normal? 46:05 10) Should I smash extra queen cells to prevent after-swarms? 49:44 11) I'm buying a nuc, but it is only available as a medium frame, I have deep boxes, what can I do? 55:55 12) I have a 9 x 9 bee yard and electric fence at 15 x 15 feet, 3 foot offset. I'm trying to figure out how to orient the hives. 59:33 13) Would you notice a drop off in pollen being brought into the hive during the days leading up to a swarm? 1:07:17
Welcome to my Podcast, this is the audio track from the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/O6BeI8X_OTk
www.TheWayToBee.org
Time stamps and question list provided by:
Adam Holmes
1) My package of bees will probably be arriving in the rain, can I install them in the pole barn and then move them outside later on? 3:45
2) You recommended painting the interior surface of the gable style hive covers, does it matter if we shift or change out covers, will the bees notice/care? 13:30
3) Why aren't there any pre-drawn plastic cell frames for beehives other than the flow-hive frames. 18:17
4) When you inspect your hive, do you inspect every box? Only Brood? Which one? 20:20
5) I need to feedback honey frames that have Honey B Healthy in the honey, the bees are ignoring it, can't find it. I have scratched open the cappings and it caused robbing. 22:15
6) Do you swap out the insulated covers with gable wood hive covers in summer, or to you keep them the same all year around? 28:44
7) How far should my feeding station be from my hive? My Swarm Trap is 250 ft from the same hive. How far away should swarm traps be? 36:40
8) How are none of the bees investigating the Flow and not contaminating the jar? 51:40
9) Verify the clearance of your rapid round feeder, the inner cover may not allow the bees to get to the feed. My cone has a notch that allows it to get too low and the bees can't pass. 55:44
This is the audio track from today's Youtube of Episode 105
https://youtu.be/SPFwjvIC1NA
Topic listings and time stamps are provided courtesy of
Adam Holmes
1) How long do your BeeWeaver Queens last? 2:40 2) How do you do splits? 7:42 3) I had a queen lay drone eggs in the flow-frames of my flow hive. how should I manage that situation? 11:07 4) A friend wanted to buy my Organic Honey, is it really good for allergies? 20:05 5) When looking at my swarm trap, how do I tell the difference between scouts and robbers? 27:02 6) I am confused about why you want us to do splits after we see drones on the landing board, aren't the drones too young to mate? 32:10 7) A week before my colony of bees swarmed, there were hundreds of dying drones in front of the hive, is that part of the preparation for swarming? 34:55 8) You mark the top of your Better Comb frames, do you mark other frames as well? 40:50 9) Where is the best place to keep my suit? Indoors, shed, or garage? 44:47 10) How long do Flow-Frames last? Can I use them in Horizontal hives? 49:32
This is the audio track from a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/pRsX7U_eNms
www.TheWayToBee.org
Pinned by Frederick Dunn
Adam Holmes
Time links are courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) Would making beehives from OSB work to cause the bees to make propolis on the hive interior? 3:25 2) When a new colony is being installed, should I use Honey-B-Healthy, or should I stick with smoke? 8:15 3) Do you harvest any fruit, or are your trees just for the bees? What are some organic products that could be used to protect fruit trees, but not harm bees? 11:56 4) What must the condition of a hive frame be for you to put it in the fire pit? 15:40 5) I have a Flow-Hive 2 and the HyfeGate won't fit in and lay flat. Have you tried this on your Flow-Hive 2? 21:36 6) I have a nucleus of honey bees coming this spring, the frames are medium depth, not deep frames. Should I put them in a medium box above or below the deep box? 25:48 7) Can Varroa Mite droppings be present in capped honey? 32:36 8) Not following... find heavy mite load and then saying workers just died after normal life span. 36:54 9) We have flower pots and the bees are face down in them in the dirt. They have done this several times now. What are they doing? 48:27 10) What tools do you carry in your beekeeping toolkit? 55:20 REPLY0 replies
Thank you for stopping by.
This is the audio portion of today's Youtube: https://youtu.be/zDCrLTkHmk4
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Time stamps and links brought to you by the over-achieving Adam Holmes
1) Have you had a chance to open your Long Langstroth Hive yet? 2:00 2) There is too much space between lower frames and upper frames, more than the recommended 3/8" "bee space", could I shave off the boxes to get them closer to that ideal space and eliminate the burr comb issues? 10:10 3) You have talked about not using Queen Excluders and using a honey-bridge in Flow-Hives to prevent the queen from laying. My confusion is, what is preventing the Queen from expanding her brood into a medium super? 17:55 4) Do you re-queen feral bees, swarms that you catch? And if so, do you recommend waiting 3 days? 26:20 5) I have a hive with a laying worker, confirmed by only drone brood present, should I allow them to dwindle away, or combine them with another active hive? 30:17 6) One item that still perplexes me, is how the boxes just merely stack on each other. We have high winds etc... 40:55 7) Is there a downside to taking a frame of honey and brood from another hive to help keep swarms in their box? I have a colony that isn't completely dead, but has only a few bees coming and going. Should they be helped? 45:30 8) How did the Broodminder function over winter for you? 52:20 9) How do you deal with a very small colony if you also have large ones? 55:50 10) I built a long Langstroth hive, I put a nucleus colony in it and they did not survive. I used all plastic Acorn Frames. 1:04:04 11) Why do you put your Long Lang hive entrance elevated from the bottom, why not have it level with the interior floor? 1:09:04 12) I have 4 hives that are doing great, is late March, early April too early for making splits? 1:15:09 13) Will a queen lay workers that vary in appearance? Or is this likely due to bee drift? Thoughts? 1:17:41 14) Do you recommend reversing boxes? The lower box has only drawn comb. 1:23:09 Show less
This is the audio recording of the YouTube episode 102 of Backyard Beekeeping with Frederick Dunn
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Questions and time links are courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) If a hive dies over winter, do all of the varroa die as well? Can I do an Oxalic Acid treatment in spring? 3:11 2) Can I keep the hive as a single brood box? 11:56 3) I have Ross Rounds on my hive, and they aren't finished. Can I treat with Oxalic Acid, or should I use Formic Pro? 21:10 4) Please explain why you decided to raise your own stock of treatment-free varroa resistant bees in your backyard. And move treatment required bees to another location? 27:52 5) Will bees still use old pollen? If I froze and stored them, but now wondering if I can put the frames in a nuc. 37:18 6) What measures do you take with newly hived swarms? 40:50 7) I am a new beekeeper and am interested in catching a feral swarm. I'll be using a Layens Hive. Would prefer not to rob anyone near me of their swarms. Do you think I will be in for lots of disappointment? 47:47 Show less
Here is the full video: https://youtu.be/nHk5--03kEg I invite you to visit the main website for more links and information: www.TheWayToBee.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o6XkGqJQXU
Timestamp references provided courtesy of :
Adam Holmes
1) Can I rub ultra bee dry pollen sub directly into the combs for the bees when the weather doesn't permit foraging? 7:51
2) Looking at building 2 Long Langstroth Hives. Can I install two colonies in each end and use queen excluders to allow workers from both colonies to work the same honey frames, or will they fight? 16:18
3) Is it too late to move my beehives? If I do, is sun or shade better? What about orientation flights in the new location? 22:20
4) My hives are building a lot of drone comb, should I remove it, or shift it to another position in the hive? 29:35
5) Do worker bees clean varroa mites off the queen, or can Queens die from mites as well? 34:45
6) Both of my hives died due to starvation, I'd like to hear your ideas on why this happened? 39:21
7) I'm interested in the beekeeping mittens you put on your grandsons, I can't seem to find them? 47:45
8) I'm starting 3 layens hives this spring. I have questions about how many frames to use and how to arrange them. 50:16
9) We're having some recent warm weather, my bees are flying and bringing in some pollen. They have pollen patties, but don't seem to be touching them so far. With nothing in bloom, where are they getting the pollen? 57:21
Thank you for joining me for another episode of The Way To Bee
This is the 100th episode of the YouTube series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n94_gFHvc3w
Time stamps and question summary is coming soon!
This is the audio portion of the full YouTube: https://youtu.be/qh_kZGQcoQg
Pinned by Frederick Dunn
Questions and Time-Stamps are listed below, courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) How do you safely handle frames? As you inspect? 3:30 2) How do you keep from harvesting unripe honey with your flow-hive frames? 14:19 3) Do you pull hives apart and clean bottom boards in spring? 23:30 4) How long do you wait to transfer a newly trapped swarm from trap to hive? 25:21 5) I purchased Hoover Hives, there is space in the 8-frame box for a 9th frame. Is there a reason not to put a 9th frame in the box? 29:12 6) You have said to make sugar syrup by weight instead of volume, did you have unsatisfactory results when using the volume method? 34:05 7) Why not have a medium as your brood box? 41:36 8) When do you start changing feeds from emergency to 1:1 etc. 44:21 9) I'm going to start an observation hive, I've got a ton of questions. 50:37 10) Do you clean / replace bottom boards in spring? Would you consider mixing dry spirulina with dry emergency sugar? 59:51 11) Do you think the Asian Giant Hornet could fit through a Hyfe Gate? 1:02:32 12) I'm getting my package bees next month! Should I use lemongrass oil drops, peppermint, lavender oil? 1:06:36 13) What feeder do you use to feed in spring? Would the super be added immediately after my 8 frame flow hive is full? 1:12:41 14) I'm a treatment free beekeeper, one of my colonies has some crystal bits in the brood cells, will the bees clean that up? 1:14:40 15) A guy that has had bees for 20 years told me today that he just buys new bees every year. 1:19:56 16) I was wondering if you could talk a little more about the BeeWeaver Bees? How is their temperament? I have read that they can be hotter than other bees. 1:23:12 Show less
Episode 100 May be a LIVE-Chat Session! Undecided at the moment.
This is the audio track of the full youtube video: https://youtu.be/QVvdwGrZPXM
You are invited to share and learn from one another at The Way To Bee Fellowship: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3062274013832702
Support The Way To Bee and wear something that will start a beekeeping conversation: https://freds-fine-products.creator-spring.com
Time stamps are provided by Adam Holmes
1) Can I put a bar of beeswax in the hive as a resource for the bees? 3:30 2) How do you reduce the size of a hive going into winter? 5:33 3) How do you determine the size of your brood boxes? You seem to favor one deep and one medium. Can you talk about the factors that go into that decision? 8:45 4) What is the point of the slats in the slatted rack? Wouldn't a 5cm shim work? 13:37 5) I feed 2:1 sugar syrup and pollen sub patties. My bees starved to death and did not appear to have touched the dry sugar. Is there something better than dry sugar to use in winter? 17:25 6) What is the difference between summer worker bees and winter workers that live so much longer? Is it metabolism? 29:45 7) I will be receiving packages in mid-April. Once both boxes are full, I was thinking of putting a Flow-Super on one and a Ross-Round super on the other. any thoughts? 34:00 8) Every day lots of bees come out of our hives and die. Lots of poo, so could it be dysentery? Probably thousands have died in the last two weeks. 40:05 9) I have 4 Layens Hives and want to switch them to Long Langstroth Hives I just built. The problem is that it won't be far, between 3 to 6 feet. 45:14 10) What is your favorite smoker? Or Which would you recommend? 50:22 11) I'm trying to find more information on how to feed spirulina to my bees. When do you usually feed pollen patties? Should I wait another week or two? 55:35 12) I have a local beekeeper selling nucleus colonies, but can't get them to me until the first week of June, is this too late? 1:10:15 13) I cleared the entrances of my hives and most, if not all, had their tongues out. Is this an indication of starving? 1:14:17 14) What are the positives or negatives to using a canvas inner cover compared to wooden inner covers? 1:15:59 Show less
This is the audio version of the YouTube beekeeping question and answer video episode 97 by Frederick Dunn
Episode questions and time links will appear below in the future. Thanks for listening!
https://youtu.be/IzUUvMw970E This is the associated video.
Tim stamps are courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) Considering the HyfeGate, got me thinking about my own hive designs. I wonder why you allowed 1.5" of open space at the bottom of your Horizontal Long Langstroth Hive? 2:44
2) I was hoping you could give a shout out to Heroes to Hives: 15:50
3) I'm getting two packages of Saskatraz bees this March. When would you test or treat for mites? I only have quickstrips. 19:08
4) With spring right around the corner, I'm wondering about feeding my bees. If they have plenty of leftover from their winter stores? 26:02
5) I have 32 colonies and so far every one has made it. I have been feeding them dry sugar. They have not consumed their winter stores, I feel like they do not have enough space for laying. What would you recommend? 30:20
6) Inspired by your anti-wasp entrance, I have SHB issues and am wondering if I could close my hives at night, or how to reduce the SHBs from getting in. I've seen 30 an hour on hot humid evenings. 36:40
7) What is your take on hive insulation to help the bees in all seasons? 45:50
8) How long after hiving a nuc and a swarm should I continue feeding? 59:47
9) I was going to leave grass beneath my hives, but have concerns that a mower would upset the bees: 1:02:20
10) My new hives are Layens design. I was planning to treat with oxalic acid vapor through a port hole. Would this work or should I consider another treatment? 1:04:54
11) I remember you mentioned that you picked up a Layens Hive. Did you get the insulated version? Will you be able to raise it high enough for the skunks and still be able to lift the frame out reasonably easily? 1:13:41
Welcome!
This is the audio version of today's Youtube video, Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 96
It's long one!
Time links below are courtesy of Adam Holmes
1. Could we mix salt and sugar as an early spring supplement? 2:00 2. Will wax moths take over drawn comb in my swarm collection boxes? 6:04 3. I have left over honey from last year that crystalized, will the bees still use it? 10:26 4.Thoughts on an alternative bottom board configuration to combat wasp 17:32 5. Can you explain why people suggest starting with 2 haves? Should I source bees from Randy Oliver? 36:32 6. I need to replace an existing hive, any advice for swapping frames and their order? 42:57 7. If someone caught a late season swarm could they fill drawn comb with honey and paint melted wax to cap them? 48:24 8. How do I go about replacing old comb and setting up a schedule for that? 52:37 9. You mentioned a queen could fly up to 9 miles to be mated, source? 55:25 10. If you were to redo your long lang what would you different? 59:35 11. Thoughts on marking and clipping queens? 1:02:53 12. I have 3 hives, I want to requeen to provide a brood break and reduce swarming. Can I rotate the queens to other hives? 1:08:25 13. Will long wire snake camera disturb the bees and interfere with their winter survival? 1:13:49 14. Can I save bees I find in the snow? 1:19:05
This is the audio track from The Way To Bee on YouTube
Backyard Beekeeping Questions Episode 95 you can view the entire episode here: https://youtu.be/txkVNKiqI4k
Do you have a question? Here is the form: http://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html
Time stamps generously provided by Adam Holmes
1) Could you place drone combs to hyper produce them and mate with Saskatraz queens as they make new ones? 1:34
2) Does the variety of honey bee change the flavor of the honey they produce? 11:28
3) How important is the space you leave above the frames and below the cover boards or inner cover? 18:13
4) How do you keep a queen bee alive when you remove her from the hive and want to replace her? 26:58
5) When is a good time to replace a deep with a medium super, and also replace the spacer boards with frames? 29:58
6) When you catch a queen from the swarm, can that queen bee worked in the same bee yard? 35:02
7) I live in South Australia and our summers are hot, suggestions for what I can do to help my bees with watering? 38:10
8) What's your opinion on feeding Direct Feed Microbials (DFM)? when do you feed it? 46:40
Welcome! This is the audio from a YouTube video that was published on January 21st of 2021
See the video here: https://youtu.be/DbEe_Rr6YRU
Further evaluation of BetterComb is necessary as there are many unanswered questions still.
If you use it, clearly identify frames and keep track of any hives with synthetic comb.
Thanks for listening.
This is the audio version of my Backyard Beekeeping Question and Answer video on YouTube at Frederick Dunn
Time links courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) You've mentioned in the past that some bees are slow to take to the flow-hive supers. Do you think that some behavior/breed traits would also be responsible for bees not taking to Better-Comb for brood production? 2:17 2) This is a suggested method for deterring bears from entering your honey bee Apiary. It's a good concept, but I can't vouch for the effectiveness... yet! 16:28 3) I have two hives, one is strong, the other weak. Can I combine a package of bees with the weak colony in spring? 23:45 4) My Question is about winter emergency feeding. I spilled some dry sugar down onto my bees, did this cause any damage? Best time to put pollen patties on? 31:17 5) Can you tell me about the pros and cons of swarms? 47:02 6) Should I treat my bees for mites in the spring? When is the earliest to treat for mites? 53:04 7) Can the bees dispose of moldy honeycomb, or should I dispose of them? 59:20
The topic time stamps for each topic have been provided by Adam Holmes 1) My bees are flying out and dying in the snow, should I close up my entrance temporarily to stop this from happening? 2:20 2) Can I let the sugar syrup run down in my rapid round feeder and just add dry sugar to it? It will be slushy. 8:15 3) I was stung on the nose tending my feeder! What is the Best Pain Remedy?! 11:48 4) Do bees guard against pests better with entrance reducers? What about copper mesh? 15:47 5) I have a Layens Hive from Dr. Leo. I know I need to feed, but how? 22:10 6) Viewer from Wroclaw Poland recommends using cell phone to take dictations instead of filling out a log when tending bees. 29:20 7) Is there a pattern regarding how bees make vent holes in comb, and is it the same for all frames? 31:10 8) Do different sized landing boards make a difference? 34:50 9) Did you manage to test Permacomb? 42:36 10) How does the Queen Know to lay a Queen Egg in a Queen Cell, and a Drone Egg in a Drone Cell? 45:30 11) Why don't your bees clog screened bottom boards? Does that mean they want an open bottom? 48:53 12) I have six colonies in Chile, one of them is far more aggressive. What might be the cause? 54:20 13) What are your thoughts on using a cage to break the brood cycle? 1:04:20 14) One of my hives is being robbed every time the weather warms up, I don't seem to be able to stop it. 1:13:02 15) What is the best line of bees for a new beekeeper in Rhode Island? 1:17:38
This is just the audio track from The Way To Bee Question and Answer YouTube Beekeeping Video Series with Frederick Dunn
All rights are reserved.
Time codes compliments of Kay and Tylor's Bees
3:46 1) How can we mitigate nosema? 17:30 2) What if there is a swarm after a walk away split? 26:35 3) Does a rapid round fit inside a flow hive? 31:26 4) Where does Mr. Dunn get standard Langstroth equipment? 34:34 5) Do winter bees stay "winter bees" through warm weather? 40:29 6) If there is a void in my nuc box, will bees build comb in that space? 43:52 7) What was the book by Dr. Thomas Seeley regarding your winter configuration? 1:02:35 8a) What scientific journals do you recommend? 1:04:15 8b)Will worker bees move an egg into a queen cup? 1:10:32 9) What is the best way to treat for varroa mites with only one hive? 1:18:38 10) Are there any major repercussions to letting a hive swarm? 1:26:08 11) What do you place on the entrance during winter? 1:28:40 New product worth mention!
This is just the audio track from The Way To Bee Question and Answer YouTube Beekeeping Video Series with Frederick Dunn
All rights are reserved.
This is just the audio track from The Way To Bee Question and Answer YouTube Beekeeping Video Series with Frederick Dunn
All rights are reserved.
Question time stamps provided by Kay and Tylor's Bees
The Way to Bee 85 3:55 1) Does it matter what kind of oxalic acid we use to treat for varroa? 14:06 2) Do you find BeeWeaver bees to be as mite-resistant as they are supposed to be? 30:15 3) How did you grease the joints in your boxes? 33:32 4) I plan to use rigid insulation for inside hive insulation to take place of two frames. 38:18 5) Can you give us an update to the Horizontal Hive? How much honey did you get? Will it overwinter better than the vertical hives? 45:11 6) I have a Flow Hive 2 and am getting a long langstroth in the spring and using the one to populate the other. Should I use a nuc box first? 47:52 7) Is it healthy to build a hive out of Styrofoam insulation board? If so what is the safest to use? 51:55 8) I am using an insulation wrap on my hive. Is this overkill? 55:48 9) What is the chain of command within the hive? 1:00:21 10) Does the queen choose to lay in drone frames, or is there a specific trigger? 1:05:32 11) As we are past the time for liquid feed, how would I go about using HiveAlive in my hives? Should I wait for spring? ______________ 1:08:57 12) Did my honey crystallize because I fed 2:1 sugar syrup in winter? Or is there another reason it crystalized so fast? ______________ 1:19:18 13) I bought some land with woodchucks, skunks, and raccoons. Will they bother my bees? 1:22:11 The "Fluff" end
Timeline courtesy of Adam Holmes
1) Could you please talk a little bit about your painting methods and your wax dipping process? 3:32
2) I went to check on a hive for winter feeding and was stung, why do you think that happened? 9:55
3) My bees are bringing in pollen, but nothing is blooming. Where do you think it may be coming from? 15:30
4) It's in the 40's and sunny, I've noticed bees digging in the dirt next to my home at the southern exposure. I put the same dirt next to the hives and they ignored it. Do they need something? 21:05
5) I'm building two Long Langstroth hives for spring. I plan on using wood frames with plastic foundation. Can I snap off the corners and invert the foundation so the openings are at the top? Do you think the bees will use the holes? 28:20
6) I can't see the dead bees in the hive, should I just clear them out blindly? How often should I clear the bottom board? 34:52
This is the audio version of Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 90.
All rights reserved by Frederick Dunn.
Time stamps are compliments of
Adam Holmes
1) Treatment free is the only way to go if we want to resolve the varroa mite problem, do you agree? 3:57
2) What information do you put in your log book when conducting hive inspections? 19:48
3) We have discovered a bee tree that swarmed at least 3 times last year. We were able to capture and hive 2 of them. Would you recommend removing the bees from the tree, or would you leave them alone? 28:24
4) Please explain the Saskatraz VS BeeWeaver bee line varroa resistance comparison. 33:24
5) I purchased a Ross Round super to try out next year. Would I be able to add a regular super on top of that after the bees have worked it? 41:00
6) Should I buy in a queen if I have only a fist sized colony of bees with drone brood hatching? 45:20
7) Are honey bees only instinctive? How can they survive without conscious reasoning? What about emotions like feeling satisfied, happiness, sad, or in pain? 51:05
8) Fred, what are you goals for 2021? More packages? New Flow-Hives? Anything? 1:02:16
9) I am wanting to build my own beekeeping equipment collection. what are some things beyond the basics that you recommend a new beekeeper add to their collection? 1:04:55
10) If you were starting from scratch, would you get packages or nucs? if you start with a package and better-comb, how long does it take the bees to start laying brood? 1:09:58
11) it looks like your flow-hive (in the recent winter video) is tilted back instead of forward. Is there a reason for that? 1:12:44
12) I am looking for different bee hives like the Layens, but the Langstroth is more common. I'm thinking of a custom Langstroth horizontal hive that has two deep frames. Do you think that would be a worthwhile adventure? I plan to crush and strain for honey collection. 1:14:45
This is the audio version of Frederick Dunn's Backyard Beekeeping Question and Answer Video on YouTube.
The Way To Bee is a weekly YouTube series where Fred responds to questions about backyard beekeeping.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0BtJyPt4SZ9ohcHBHw4Dnxt2lPL8F2cA
Thank you for listening!
Welcome!
You're listening to the audio from Frederick Dunn's YouTube Series "The Way To Bee"
Where Frederick responds to questions relevant to Backyard Beekeeping.
Want to see the full episode on YouTube?
Click here to visit Fred's Channel and see the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHQD7bWCwRw&list=PL0BtJyPt4SZ9ohcHBHw4Dnxt2lPL8F2cA
Please subscribe, there will be weekly updates to this PodCast.
All rights reserved - Frederick J Dunn
Time stamps provided by
Adam Holmes
1) I found a commercial and they are advertising 6 frame flow hives for 78% off for $110.00. Is this a true Flow-Hive? 3:37 2) I would like clarification on the three OA vaporization treatment intervals to make sure all drone brood are treated. 10:06 3) I have a question about painting the BeeMax polystyrene covers, is there a particular paint? 33:19 4) Should I be ordering a new queen every two years? What about the hive replacing or producing a new queen on their own? 35:30 5) I am buying in 3 Bee Packages in March of 2021. Should I plan on using OA treatment as they go into the new hives? Or use Apivar Strips before they start making brood? 42:01 6) Turns out that bees have magnetic abdomens and exposure to magnetic forces can disrupt the way they communicate in the hive and their behaviors. 46:13 7) How do they make fat bees for winter? Does the Queen lay eggs for the fat bees all winter? And when does she stop? 58:20
Welcome!
You're listening to the audio from Frederick Dunn's YouTube Series "The Way To Bee"
Where Frederick responds to questions relevant to Backyard Beekeeping.
Want to see the full episode on YouTube?
Click here to visit Fred's Channel and see the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHQD7bWCwRw&list=PL0BtJyPt4SZ9ohcHBHw4Dnxt2lPL8F2cA
Please subscribe, there will be weekly updates to this PodCast.
All rights reserved - Frederick J Dunn
Time Stamps courtesy of
Adam Holmes
1) Can you make a recommendation on what make and model of camera might be useful in monitoring hives? 2:15 2) One of my hives swarmed during 40 deg weather. I haven't seen any drones in months. Now it's 21 deg. 18:26 3) I have a question regarding fall feeding. Should we be feeding protein, sugar syrup? What's your opinion regarding building up a colony going into winter? 22:00 4) Should I leave my beetle Guardian entrances on all hives? 32:08 5) I have three medium boxes and want to swap for a deep box in spring. Would I just add the deep? Or remove some of the mediums? 37:21 6) I fed my bees sugar syrup with honey-B-healthy in it. During my last inspection, I damaged some comb and the honey tasted of HBH. Can I recycle these frames back to the bees to remove that taste? 43:34 7) After reading this article, I was wondering about screen bottom boards and venting holes in a hive. What are your thoughts on the subject? 46:26 8) I've noticed that B and R Weaver are the same on google Map. Same Family. BeeWeaver sells only Nucs and R Weaver sells packages. Would you please post information on B and R Weaver, informing that they have the same genetics? 58:13
Welcome!
You're listening to the audio from Frederick Dunn's YouTube Series "The Way To Bee"
Where Frederick responds to questions relevant to Backyard Beekeeping.
Want to see the full episode on YouTube?
Click here to visit Fred's Channel and see the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHQD7bWCwRw&list=PL0BtJyPt4SZ9ohcHBHw4Dnxt2lPL8F2cA
Please subscribe, there will be weekly updates to this PodCast.
All rights reserved - Frederick J Dunn
Time stamp links are provided by Adam Holmes
I found my queen half sticking out of the front entrance, should I put her back in the hive? 4:34 I have two hives, one is eating the sugar and the other isn't, they both took syrup. Is there a reason? 12:20 You mentioned clipping the wings of the queen to reduce swarming off, do you have a video of how to do that? 14:20 When I place a new queen in a hive when can I expect her traits to take over? When will they go to work on existing mites? 16:09 An old beekeeper says to count the mites on the floor and multiply it with 100, is this your mite number in the hive? Is the hive poisonous if I treat them with oxalic acid? 20:14 I have 3 hives, I am sure one won't make it. I want to try package bees for replacements. What bees should I order? 32:07 I want to use fondant for winter feeding, I heard fondant may harm the bees? 36:04 How does a queen excluder work in the long langstroth hive? 48:24 Which cell makes the best queen? Supercedure, Swarm, or emergency Cells? 54:11 Have you ever made this experience of tanging, or has anyone on your channel? Honey Bees Reacting to Sound? 59:00 Show less
This is my podcast where we will be discussing all things honey-bee related.
I will be posting the audio track of all previous YouTube Q&A Videos for the convenience of those who like to listen while traveling or working.
Many thanks to all of my YouTube viewers.
I'm happy that you're here!
Fred