Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 193, spirulina, tilted Long Hives, and more...

Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics. Are you in a hurry and need to talk with backyard beekeepers right away? Welcome to The Way To Bee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3062274013832702/ Find lots of useful bee and chicken related resources here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html Today's topics are in order below: 1) Would you advise for or against Spirulina Patties? Do a deeper dive on spirulina here: https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2020/microalgae-food-for-honey-bees/ 2) I'm getting a Nucleus from a local provider in April. From what I understand the Nucleus will probably have Varroa Mites. Any suggestions on what mite control product to use? 3) I am interested in becoming a beekeeper this spring. I don't have the resources or space for more hives, what is your recommended method to prevent swarms? 4) How do I know when to reuse old comb? I've been keeping bees for seven years now. 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? 6) This April I am looking forward to the spring and splits. Would you recommend splitting by the artificial swarm method? I just want to slightly increase my yard. 7) One of my hives has bee-poo all over the mountain camp sugar. Can you talk about nosema? Hive Alive at a discount right here: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/hivealiveworks.html 8) Why wouldn't I just use a 10 frame box with a follower board instead of a nuc? 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? The Colony Keeper Hive may be what answers this question. Check in with Mark Waring and learn about his Long Hive on an Incline: https://youtu.be/fIpNvWQBJv0 Please tell Mark that I said hello! 10) If people place the green drone frames and then don't remove them on time, are they really producing mite-bombs? 11) I wonder if I should spray a pallet with water proofer for longevity or is that bad for the bees? I use Eco-Wood for most of my hive bodies and equipment that is exposed to the weather: https://amzn.to/3JltUvS This is an affiliate link. You can also get it at Home Depot and other home centers. 12) Assuming my flow hives make it through winter with the single deep and medium boxes, what's my next move? This is my Flow-Hive page: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/theflowhiveexperience.html My new wintering alteration Flow-Hive will post on this page in the near future. Looking for a worthy cause to volunteer your time or beekeeping resources? Consider https://www.hivesforheroes.com/ I wish you all the best with your honey bees.