Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 97 Where's the pollen? Let's talk about honey bees!

Welcome to another episode of questions and answers for beekeepers! We're still waiting for the weather to break so we'll know what's going on in the apiary. While we wait, it's nice to address your questions and concerns about honey bees in your care. If you'd like to submit a question for consideration, please comment in the comment section of this video, or, I invite you to visit my website and fill out a question form: http://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html Do you have a question, a photo to share, a video of your bees that you'd like other beekeepers to give their opinions on? Please join the conversation at The Way To Bee Fellowship: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3062274013832702 Join my first Citizen Science Project and help us evaluate a new beekeeping tool, the HyfeGate: http://www.fredsfinefowl.com/hyfegatetestingprogress.html Want to listen to this as a PodCast? Here you go: https://frederickdunn.podbean.com/ Topics discussed in today's video are listed in order below: CORRECTION: Dimensions of a 2 x 12 - 2 x 12 = 1 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches (38 x 286 mm) 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) I was hoping you could give a shout out to Heroes to Hives: https://www.canr.msu.edu/veterans/veterans-programming/Heroes-to-Hives/index There is also a National Program, HivesForHeroes.com Non-Profit: https://www.hivesforheroes.com/ 3) I'm getting two packages of Saskatraz bees this March. When would you test or treat for mites? I only have quickstrips. 4) With spring right around the corner, I'm wondering about feeding my bees. If they have plenty of leftover from their winter stores? 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? 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. 7) What is your take on hive insulation to help the bees in all seasons? 8) How long after hiving a nuc and a swarm should I continue feeding? 9) I was going to leave grass beneath my hives, but have concerns that a mower would upset the bees: This is my electric mower review: https://youtu.be/81YRKs9cV-U 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? I recommend OAV: https://youtu.be/LBtyeXf6fjc 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? Do you have questions about treating, or going treatment free? Here is a well-balanced article that I recommend: https://thoughtscapism.com/2017/04/10/treatment-free-beekeepers-give-varroa-mite-free-rein/ Or go deeper here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0218392 Here is the Layens Hive I'll be evaluating: Dr. Leo has no idea who I am, so no, this is not an affiliate link: https://horizontalhive.com/buy-hive-bees/swarm-trap-top-bar-sale.shtml Check out my new Bold-Beekeeper Shirt series... see links displayed below this video. Thank you for joining me today and I look forward to sharing more about beekeeping in upcoming episodes!