Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 205 ready for warms, stop thieves and more.

Welcome to another episode of backyard honey bee keeping topics. We're focusing on spring preparations so you won't be caught off guard. OOPS! I did get the date incorrect! This video was recorded on April 21st of 2023. Please don't come here to validate your calendar or to set your watch :) If you have a topic you'd like to submit for consideration, please visit this webpage: https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html Don't let chemical companies tell you that you need to kill weeds! learn about Dead Nettles here: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-purple-dead-nettle/ I invite you to join an online fellowship of beekeepers, where you can discuss your beekeeping anytime day or night: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3062274013832702/ Using Drones for mite counts? YES: https://youtu.be/GfzkreMezCI Today's topics are as listed below: 1) Can you tell us a little more about Lyson hive stands, and why you notched 4x4 lumber when they are designed for 2x4 lumber? See them here, I could not find a lower price, if you find them cheaper, please let me know: https://www.betterbee.com/wooden-hive-equipment-10-frame/lyhe4033.asp 2) You used Eco-Wood, others have mentioned that their wood still warps or comes apart at the finger joints. I would love your opinion. For those wanting to know what Eco-Wood is, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/VP4kbX4ny5k 3) It seems like lots of additional equipment is needed when starting beekeeping. Could you estimate what extra standby equipment you might need for a Langstroth Hive? 4) How long after bees swarm, can few remaining bees raise a new queen? 5) This is an update regarding the BetterBee Better-Comb being installed upside down. I am highly impressed by the company. If you want to know more about BetterComb, here is my video review: NOTE, use wire, not toothpicks: https://youtu.be/74Ajg1chRqQ 6) I looked at capped brood and it was brown in color. Should the cappings be light beeswax? 7) Not all swarms are created equal! Be prepared for any surprises you may receive from unsettled, or defensive bees. 8) You present your Langstroth Hives without venting or top entrances, why does your Long Langstroth seem to contradict that? Can you explain why you recommend upper venting in the Long Langstroth? FREE PRINTS: (a BIG Thank you to Ross Millard for his digital draftsmanship!): https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/printsforyou.html 9) You said that queens don't mate with drones from their own colony. I have heard that many times from many sources. How does that work? 10) Do you know if anyone has ever tried to teach bees to groom off varroa by putting a dab of honey on the mites? 11) I think I killed my Queen in a mite wash. Should I re-Queen or let them make a queen? 12) Here in NW Texas we've had extremely dry winter weather. Spring isn't providing as it should. I'm wondering if I should put my bees on light syrup? I have pollen patties but fear that it would encourage brood production when Mother Nature isn't providing. 13) I noticed that when bees are departing the hive, they make a figure eight as they rise up and fly off. My question is, did this orientation flight mimic the waggle dance from inside the hive? Or is this typically how they orient themselves? 14) I have 3 very small over-wintered colonies that I am worried about. Can I mix leftover Hive Alive Fondant with pollen substitute to make patties to feed my bees? Thank you for Beeing with me here today! If you are counting varroa mites on your drones, I'd like to hear about your experience. Want to support a worthy cause? Click on this link: https://hivesforheroes.com/ HELP EVERYONE UNDERSTAND BEES BETTER! By participating in the Bee Informed Partnership loss and management survey: https://beeinformed.org/citizen-science/loss-and-management-survey/