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THE BUZZ LINE
Buzz Line is a monthly, hour-long, open panel with experienced beekeepers ready to answer your questions and share insights.Gain practical advice on hive management, bee health, and more while connecting with fellow beekeepers.
Check the Events page for the next Buzz Line.
Watch Buzz Line November 2024:
- foulbrood
- mite treatments
- a new app that maps forage resources
- harvesting honey
- Frame management: Recycle darkest frames to outer parts before winter; organize frames strategically
- Winter hive prep: No upper entrance, insulate top, tilt hive forward ~2-3 degrees
- Feeding: 2:1 sugar water until temps consistently below 50°F; stop when bees refuse
- Continuous learning: Beekeeping requires constant adaptation; practices evolve over time
Watch Buzz Line September 2024 with guest panelists: James DeTerra and Bill Mackintosh
- Transition to 2:1 sugar syrup in late summer/early fall to help bees store food for winter
- Adequate bee population (6-8 frames covered in bees) is crucial for winter survival
- Drawn comb is a valuable resource; protect stored frames from wax moths
- New GPT tools available for diagnosing hive issues and selecting treatments
Watch: Buzz Line August 2024 with guest panelists, Ed Lowe, James DeTerra, and Bill Mackintosh
- Methods for Controlling Small Hive Beetles
- Queen Excluders and Their Use
- Moving Hives and Swarm Management
- Managing queenless swarms and the best practices for capturing and managing them.
- Harvesting Fall Honey and Broken Frames
Watch: Buzz Line July 2024 with guest panelists: Charlene Mello, Ed Lowe, and Tim Cummings
- Bee sting potency and reactions
- Dealing with aggressive bees
- Cleaning and storing beekeeping gear
- Optimizing honey supers
Watch: Buzz Line June 2024 with guest panelists, Amy Tessier, Bill Mackintosh, and Tim Cummings.
- Timing for hive splits and requeening is critical - aim for around Mother's Day when bees are building up after winter
- Monitor hives closely after splits/requeening for signs of new queen acceptance
- Use drone brood frames as a natural mite treatment method
- Follow product labels carefully when using mite treatments like formic acid
- Consider raising your own queens to ensure quality stock and save money
- An extractor with a motor is highly recommended for efficient honey harvesting
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