Florida Beekeepers Part 5: Beekeeping Tips and Ideas with Chris Werner

Tips and ideas on a variety of beekeeping topics with Chris Werner of Indian Summer Honey Farm. Part 5 in a series.
Marking Pen: www.markingpen...
Pierco frames: www.pierco.com/
Acorn frames: www.acornbee.com/

[@kamonreynolds]

Great series Bob. Thanks for taking us along with you. It is crystal clear that Mr. Werner is a man that takes great pride in his family and what he does.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Kamon. You would really like Chris if you ever get a chance to meet him. Thanks.

[@ThatBeeMan]

I really enjoyed this whole series. Thanks, Bob!

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

nothing wrong with that vid, I can watch vids like that all day long

[@jameswoenker2659]

Loved his comments on weather

[@Chris-ft9kf]

Wow, great! He seems like a wonderful human and has been truly blessed with all those grandchildren. Great series. Thank You Bob!

[@palmerbrothersbeefarm5170]

Outstanding video Mr Binnie. Thank you to Chris Werner and yourself for the great information to beekeepers worldwide. Side note: we are enjoying the queens we picked up, they out perform any queens we have had previously.

[@NaturesImageFarmGregBurns]

Spending time with the Werner family and Bob over the course of time we shot these videos truly was an honor, blessing and life changing to say the least. The Werners’ live life leading by example, which has and will continue to make a profound positive difference in the life of many. #bethelighthouse

[@bobbinnie9872]

Memories for a lifetime.

[@tomkingsley4398]

Great job Greg for all the work behind the scenes. Nice camera work.

[@NaturesImageFarmGregBurns]

@@tomkingsley4398 thanks for the kindness!

[@wrfarms9741]

This was an excellent video series Bob. Enjoyed watching and learning. Really looking forward to the next series. Bob Werner and his team are indeed gracious & knowledgeable hosts. Thanks for taking the time and effort to post this video series. 👍

[@ApiaryManager]

Thank you Bob & Chris. You are both gentlemen (not forgetting Greg) - not just to share your knowledge and experience like this but in the way you talk. It is so nice to see!

[@NaturesImageFarmGregBurns]

Thanks for watching!

[@rupertmedford3901]

I thoroughly enjoyed this segment. Seems like a really sharp beekeeping crowd, but also just an exceptional family and wonderful group of people.

[@maxniederer181]

I just ordered Sprecher root beer... can't wait to taste it... good video. Thank you for the oil recipe. Very Small beekeeper in Kansas. We have drought but good goldenrod. We have planted 10 black locusts and will plant more. Can't wait to see first blooms. They're 3 years old this year.

[@blain2484]

Thanks again Mr. Binnie! I always look forward to, and appreciate your videos. There's always information in them that is otherwise hard to find.

[@darienodom3043]

Thanks Bob for all of y'alls time, hard work, and sharing everything you have learned!!! Many Thanks!!!!!

[@chrisbgarrett]

Loved them all. Always love your videos. So glad a man like you with the respect we all have of you put these videos out. You are a great man. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, good and bad with us to help us learn.

[@johnmorgan9435]

Bob, thank you for this wonderful vlog. You are truly fortunate to count Chris amongst one of your friends.

[@anthonypope5830]

Great series! Lots of golden tidbits.

[@scrotiemcbogerballs8286]

Thank you bob and thank you Chris for sharing everything with us have a wonderful Easter weekend god bless everyone

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you and chris for sharing. Great series.

[@tomkingsley4398]

Thanks Bob! This had been an awesome series of videos. So much information and knowledge shared in such an honest and open way. Thanks for sharing your friendships with us.

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

Thanks so much Bob for the tour and i can see Chris is a great friend to have! Happy Easter!

[@mark-wn5ek]

Wow, what a gorgeous family of children he has! God has surely blessed Chris and company, this was just a super series you shared with us Bob. I'm in my 60s and just been into bees for three years....and how I resent my ignorance and not enough time left to learn the things you and Chris have. It really is overwhelming sometimes. I wanted some of your queens and/or Chris's but see both listed as sold out already. I doubt I'll ever drive to Georgia for 20 queens and I'm reluctant to mail order early in the year to have them survive the trip to Kentucky. I really need to get some superior genetics in my hives. The Queens I've grafted appear to have been poorly mated...certainly nothing like the mother queens they came from. More of that learning curve that can be so frustrating! Happy Easter and blessings to all, it's just a great day to be alive!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Mark. Thank you for your kind comments.

[@cordovanbee]

Sweet picture at the end Thanks for sharing!!!❤

[@jeffsea6490]

*All your videos have interesting "good stuff" content, thx 4 sharing Bob* 👍

[@jonathanlehr9206]

I'm really enjoying your videos. I couldn't bring my colonies to Florida last winter and really took a beating up here in Maine. I'm getting all excited to buy cells from Chris again in February and expand as much as possible. Commercial guys get undeserved criticism and they are the nicest group of real people that I have ever met. These guys even sold me a few lids when I needed them bad and was far from home with minimal tools.

[@martinr6107]

Thank you again. Another great video filled with many nuggets of wisdom.

[@tritonewr4054]

The picture at the end is great! He’s a very lucky man!

[@joer5627]

Thanks again Bob for the Mics yesterday. They look good. I also appreciate you opening up a bit early for us old timers Sat. It was kind of you to do so.

[@frankspataro9714]

Great job bob it's always neat to see everyone has something just alittle different I bet it was a good trip you guys made down there seemed like great people so far thanks

[@bobbinnie9872]

It was a great trip and you are right everyone has a unique twist on things.

[@lances8872]

Thank you Bob for the videos I am going to Indian Summer to pick up some nucs in two weeks.

[@sdichampion]

Great video as always. Thanks Bob and Friends.

[@jannassary]

another outstanding vid. Uncle Bob keep going

[@Dnelson807]

Great video, but I still can't get over that awesome photo at the end.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I couldn't resist taking a picture of that. It was on their living room wall.

[@markspc1]

Great video Bob. Thank You for sharing.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

yep, Roundup and GMO crops are changing way more then we realize, as so many bee keepers are finding out. great video, thank you Bob.

[@harlenbreeden6355]

A good weed killer that I use doesn't hurt the bees that I use is 1 gallon of white vinegar mixed with 1 pound of regular table salt and sprayed on the vegetation you want to kill and as far as I can tell it doesn't hurt the bees.

[@CaliforniaRussianRiverBees]

Great video anyway 😊 🎙thank you always 🧑🏻‍🏫 🥇What a great operation in Florida USA 🇺🇸 😎So many kids congratulations lots of honey making 🍾🌸🌼🌺🥀

[@kelitagedifarm4893]

Thanks Bob. I think I'll play around with the witches brew / shop towel thing a little bit just to see if it will indeed curb the hive beetles back a bit. My only concern is that the concoction might be a bit harsh, similar to thymol during hot weather, and of course that's when hive beetles are thriving. I've always got a couple hives set aside to experiment on, so I might start with a lighter application to start off with and work my way up. It wouldn't be the first time that I've made a tree ornament out of a colony if it blows up on me. 😁 ....have a great day my friend.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I've used just tea tree and canola in warm weather to help colonies that had been hit hard by mites and it seemed to help with no side effects. I've never tried the others.

[@markspc1]

Great video Bob. I counted 11 children, congratulations to Chris and his lovely wife.

[@bobbinnie9872]

I should have mentioned they are grandchildren and they're hoping for more.

[@burleybeeyard]

Really enjoy all your videos. Hope to make a drive and check out your store one day.

[@nynotetis]

Thank You, Bob, it was really interesting! As always

[@zionhoneybeesfarm1235]

Great video bob

[@taylorboysoutdoors]

That parting shot/photo. Cool video

[@mihai.r-beekeeper5694]

Great video. Thanks Bob.

[@davidw4346]

Another good video. thanks Bob

[@DuncanHeather]

Thank you for sharing Bob

[@katj7641]

“See what’s in the bee yard before you run it over”. Lol How true! You made my day.

[@basspro120]

Very informative Bob!

[@bobandena]

Bee keeping video's don't come any better than yours Bob, many thanks from the UK. We are unable to get the marker pens you recommend here, but I like and use SIPA SP110.

[@tonyc44]

Awesome series, great job 👏

[@dianetaylor6751]

Sorry I was late to the party. We are a bit behind on everything with the miini blizzard on the 1st. But thx again for yet another great video.

[@josephrawls]

Great video. I really enjoyed this series.

[@honey_bee_live]

Great video!! Thanks!

[@577bluegrass]

Great information , thsnk you !

[@richardkuhn4358]

Thank You for sharing

[@Sigpilot97]

I noticed the well used McMaster-Carr catalog on the shelf. I love that place. How they keep it together, I don’t know.

[@bobbinnie9872]

We use them a lot.

[@honeydropfarm1605]

That was a very helpful video.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Thanks.

[@uniculcca]

Hello! very interesting all the videos you posted. I am interested in the subject of essential oils for the well-being of bees. It would be very beneficial for the clip if Mr. Chris uses these recipes in the fall treatment as well. Thank you for all your hard work in sharing your experience.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Yes, he does.

[@scottpierson7495]

Bob, you are a Natural interviewer. Thank you for taking your time to teach us and share this info. Would really like to come out and spend a few days with you, I only now have 25 colonies over wintered. all but 1 this year. I live in Northern California but would love to come out and spend a few days with you. Of course willing to get hands dirty to help with what ever. Thank you again, oh and did you get his patties recipe?

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Scott. Contact me with the email on the "About" page.

[@Batman3231852051]

So much wisdom

[@abinslaeh]

I like it , Thank you

[@donotcare330]

I am really hoping that the Wholesale honey markets go back up soon. I sold out last year and really miss the ownership. I let my C&B separator go, and my COWEN extractor. A guy needs at LEAST $3 lb whole sale these days. and with California Electric Semi laws coming in. Dunno how we are going to move honeybees out there anymore.

[@outdoors30rudenko63]

I’ve heard about Teatree oil spearmint from fat bee man in Georgia

[@rehmangusandapiary9024]

Hello Bob! Man I enjoy your videos and this one was another great educational video. I'm curious about the Caucasion cross queens you placed in hives last year. Would you give us an update on how they are doing and more? A video would be awesome! Philip Rehm New Blaine, Arkansas

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Philip. That's coming soon. There's a notable difference in these bees.

[@dandorosheff256]

Hi Bob. Hope you’re doing well. Thanks for the great series. My question takes us back to queen cell production. Other than optimization of the starter colony for maximum cell creation, why use a queen right colony to finish the cell production process?

[@bobbinnie9872]

A queen-less starter has to be regenerated continuously when making multiple batches of cells but a queen-rite colony does not.

[@mlathan1794]

Thank you Sir. I started hobby beekeeping with Starline and Midnight bees (1975). AM I being foolish for wishing we could get those lines back? I got lots of honey back then but I wonder if those bees were just the Saskatraz bees of their time. Best wishes.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Those two lines took a lot of work. They were highly inbred and then crossed back to achieve good hybrid vigor.

[@robh1789]

Bob, thanks for your videos, they are excellent. Re: the marking pens, it looks like you have to buy them 70 at a time minimum order! I'd like to try them but hardly need that many. Out of stock on Amazon. Do you know of any other sources for those of us who just need a few? cheers from NB, E coast Canada.

[@bobbinnie9872]

We bought 20 the first time. You might check the site closer. I believe I remember a few other sources when I googled it. Good luck.

[@ke6gwf]

It looks like you can order whatever quantity you want, the 70 number is a quantity discount cutoff I believe. The website could be clearer lol Use the drop down menu to select the color you want, and it defaults to a quantity of 1, and then change that wherever you want. Looks like there are 3 price levels. 1-70, 70-576 or whatever (a full case), and then by the case.

[@robh1789]

@@ke6gwf Thanks for the info Ben. I did try the MPD site again and tried to order 10 pens to cover the queen colours. But the only shipping option was $60 USD via fedex so it was a non-starter, unfortunately. I contacted the company to ask about other shipping options and got no reply.

[@hjgghbbvhhgghj7206]

Hey. Thanks for the videos. I had an question on when you pull your honey. You mentioned you pull it largely uncapped and then dry it down. Wouldn't using a heat gun to remove caps so you can pull all capped honey work or does that process use too much time or ruin the honey with the temperature difference?

[@bobbinnie9872]

We actually like to pull our honey when it is partially uncapped. I'm not sure that a heat gun would work well but I have to admit I've never tried it.

[@chuckwood3200]

Hi Bob and wonderful videos, My question is you mentioned in one of your videos you were going to be trying these towels before you did your treatment last fall, did you and will you be using again?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I've only experimented a little. Not enough to come to any definite conclusions.

[@steliandone4078]

Hello Bob and thank you very much for what you’re doing for beekeeping world. I’m a second generation Romanian beekeeper ( living in DFW Texas) and every time I watch a new video of yours I feel like I didn’t know much. But I like to educate myself. About Chris. Is he a Romanian? I heard that from someone who told me that. Can be other Chris. Bob do you sell lids for 🫙 made up of one piece? I use the lids from Walmart band and lid. They corroded very easily. Thank you 🙏.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hello Stelian. Although Chris is from Wisconsin I don't know what his ancestry is. He had some Romanian beekeepers work with him in the past. I met them many years ago and they were very well informed and professional. We do sell one piece metal jar lids. If you are interested in some call our store at 706 782 6722 and ask for Molly.

[@patrickwalther1074]

Hi Bob, hope you`re doing better!! They`re grafting larvea wich are in between 12 and 18 hours, right? when the larvea is below 12 hours and the jelly puddle is still clear and not grey, I find it very difficult to graft, as soon the puddle starts to get grey its much more easy! Can you confirm this!? Patrick

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Patrick. Yes, between 12 and 18 hours is best.

[@cecildean3648]

Would like to know if winds can cause bees to become aggressive? I am in NE Missouri and we have had a lot of winds (15-25 mph) for several weeks and my bees are becoming very aggressive. Will come after you when you are 20-30 ft away or more. Temps have be in low 50's to mid 60's in the day and lower 40's at night. They have plenty of stores . Plenty of pollen and nectar. I have 6 hives in 2 locations on my farm and all are being aggressive this year.

[@bobbinnie9872]

During my time in North Dakota (windy a lot) I noticed at times the bees seemed more defensive when it was windy.

[@cecildean3648]

@@bobbinnie9872 Thanks, I hope that's what going on. Other wise new queens for everyone. LOL

[@strixoutdoors]

Bob, curious your thoughts: I tried grafting for the first time. 5 fram nuc as a starter. Lots of young bees. One single strip of 15 JZBZ cups. I got 13 of 15 to take. Checked them on Day 5 after grafting and the 13 looked really good almost capped. I went today (Day 9 after graft) to move the capped cells into mating nucs... There were only 3 capped cups left. They did have a couple of cells on one of the frames also that were not yet capped. Any idea what might have happened? They did have pollen and nectar in the frames. I had given them some pollen cake and I had a mason jar feeder with only 2 small holes in it. I moved the 3 capped cells, refreshed with a new frame of capped brood and grafted again. Will be checking to see how they do.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Aw, mother nature, isn't she wonderful. Sometimes it doesn't make sense. Occasionally cell builders tear down cells for no apparent reason. It sounds like you did everything right. I should mention I've had a lot more experience finishing cells with queen-rite finishers and there may be something I don't know about. Good luck with the next round.

[@strixoutdoors]

@@bobbinnie9872 , Thanks for the reply! Really appreciate your videos. The last series was especially informative. As you've said; I just need to keep working on the ART portion of this and figure out what works for me. We have about 20 hives and trying grafting because we have several queens that need to be replaced and it gets expensive at $40/queen.

[@chadboling1195]

Thanks bob for the videos! Do you know how much cinnamon to add to pollen patties! Keep up the good work & see you soon in you store soon! And thanks for your great queens i love how the 3 i got from awhile back are doing great!!!

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Chad. I don't know how much cinnamon to add. My guess it's not very much. Glad the queens worked out.

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

Hey Bob did Chris say where he gets his oils? Or do you have a good contact for ess.oils ?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I didn't ask where he gets his oils. We get ours from www.lebermuth.com/. Only problem is they have a $500.00 minimum.

[@beebum1909]

We cut this recipe in half for our purposes and it seems to work quite well, we started using it August so we'll be testing it again next season.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Please keep me informed of your findings.

[@anabelaramos8399]

Are you sure you are using 300ml essential oil for 4,5L, 1 gallon, canola? That's a lot of essential oils! Is 1 gallon in America 4,5L? Please answer me, I don't want to kill my bees.

[@anabelaramos8399]

I use 2 drops per hive

[@anabelaramos8399]

I use 2 drops per hive, no very good results lately .

[@porkchop1936]

Great series. Enjoyed all of it. I'm sure when I hear the answer. I'll feel stupid. But what's the purpose of the 5th wheel on the back of the skid loader?

[@bobbinnie9872]

It lifts the rear wheels just slightly off the ground allowing the machine to turn really smooth and quickly without digging up the ground. As long as you are not on rough ground it works great. Not so much if the ground is rough, especially with roots or rocks.

[@porkchop1936]

Yup Feel stupid. 😀 Thanks again for all your hard work on the videos. Keep them coming.

[@ronaldlassiter4863]

Bob if I start my 3lb package on drawn comb can i get honey from a one brood box & supers the first year?

[@bobbinnie9872]

Yes, depending on where you are and how early they are established.

[@td4190]

Bob you don't have to worry about telling us we're going to learn something new. I don't think I've watched a single video of yours where you didn't say something that I haven't heard before or didn't fully understand before you said it

[@route-249]

So it is okay to use enamel on the queens? I always thought you were suppose to use a water base paint... Great video! thanks Bob!!!

[@bobbinnie9872]

I have also heard that you shouldn't use that type of paint on queens but I know of several people that have used it for years and say they haven't had any problems.

[@paulchristu996]

May be necessary to let the paint dry longer. The single time I used an oil based product to mark the queen, I let it dry for just a few minutes and the queen was immediately balled on introduction.

[@route-249]

@@bobbinnie9872 They also have a Testers Acrylic paint that might work well

[@arpit12021989]

Bob, as I see it, Chris has been using formic acid (liquid form) unlike you using vapor (of Oxalic acid)...do you feel that using vapor instead of liquid directly, does help in making it relatively easy on your bees? Can we say that in terms of least irritation for the bees, just as essential oil treatment is better (can't say about its effectiveness against mites though), similarly you using vapor is just as good or good enough? Had you ever faced a situation where highly mite-infested bees exited the box or died, due to vapor treatment? Also what about Apiguard (thymol)? Did your bees die or exit the box ever? Thanks.

[@masonh2260]

Formic acid vaporizes at about 75 degrees so the vapor gets worked through the hive. Oav does great when there is no brood but Formic works well with brood present.

[@framcesmoore]

Ha Bob I enjoyed the video I did not understand the tee tree oil shop towels I got the recipe but does he use that to treat his bees for mites. or is it used for something else. 2nd question how long do u leave it in the hive and thanks again for all the work u put into doing these videos. Thanks to Chris as well have a Blessed easter

[@bobbinnie9872]

Hi Frances. He uses it because it is antibacterial and helps in colonies that are affected by mites. He leaves the towel in until his next visit.

[@framcesmoore]

@@bobbinnie9872 Thanks

[@dp.2766]

👍👍🐝

[@benjaminmeadows1380]

Hi Bob I only got 12 hives here in Florida on the oil trick how is that made my brain not functioning right I was try to write down but slow on go video

[@rickhermann7639]

if you could post the cee tree recipe and the marker pen here, it would help. I would greatly appreciate it. fantastic video.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Essential Oil Recipe: mix well- 1 gallon canola oil 100 ml eucalyptus oil 100 ml camphor oil 100 ml tea tree oil 4 rolls of blue shop towels cut in half will make 8 rolls of half sheets and will soak up all liquid. Apply a single half sheet per deep box. Not to be used with honey supers on. www.markingpendepot.com/paint-pens-low-cost.aspx

[@katmanclancy]

I'm in Ireland Bob, when you say blue shop towels do you mean J cloths type or blue roll here is for hands etc.. Like toilet paper?

[@bobbinnie9872]

They are about twice as thick as a normal household paper towel and are often used in a work shop or industrial setting for cleaning and wiping. They are usually blue so a person can tell the difference at a glance. There are usually 55 sheets on a roll.

[@framcesmoore]

ha Bob does he have a recipe for the pollen patties my patties dry out and then the bees will not eat it thanks

[@honeydropfarm1605]

Bob, does Chris do anything else for the beetles, or just those towels?

[@bobbinnie9872]

As far as I know it's just the towels.

[@beekeepernova]

Any insight on the temperature for doing the treatments of essential oils?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I'm not aware of any research on this.

[@lahcenajar7489]

hello Bob , thanks for the video , it was very interesting. Is the essential oils treatment good for the varroa too? Thanks

[@bobbinnie9872]

Chris says it helps but is not adequate by it's self.

[@lahcenajar7489]

@@bobbinnie9872 Thanks.

[@uniculcca]

👍

[@tyleregan9927]

Bob, did you notice the center rear nuc entrance dimensions?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I think it's around 1-1/2 inch, possibly 2.

[@blackcreekorganicfarm296]

What's the essential oil treatment for hive beetles. Hive beetles are bad here in Australia

[@bobbinnie9872]

The recipe mentioned at 5:54 is the only one I've heard of.

[@RichardScottWeather]

@@bobbinnie9872 How often is this treatment done and does this both reduce mites as well as hive beetles? I see 1/2 a sheet of blue shop paper towel per deep box. Is this located in the middle or corner? When does the sheet need replacing? How many treatments during what time of the year. Thank you!

[@terrydoublin1398]

When and how long does he use the tea tree towels?

[@bobbinnie9872]

I believe he does it in early spring (Florida) and early fall (Wisconsin). They are in until the next visit.

[@ehsanpartovi]

I had the same issue with blueberries in mane

[@kentmeredith2945]

Bob, would you be willing to post the recipe for mixing UltraBee paste?

[@bobbinnie9872]

No special recipe. Add as much sugar as you like. Chris adds a lot, at times the same quantity as Ultra Bee. Mix with sugar syrup until it feels like cookie dough. Keep in mind that it will continue to absorb moisture and become thicker for awhile after mixing.

[@downunderfulla6001]

🍺🍺

[@donaldjones3580]

I really hope the family photo is Chris, wife and grandkids, quite a brood he's got there.

[@bobbinnie9872]

That is correct.

[@3Beehivesto300]

What is your preferred product of Cooper nap

[@bobbinnie9872]

www.mannlakeltd.com/cunap-wood-treatment-8

[@jorgeclaverie6752]

We (organic beeks in Sweden) are not allowed to use plastic frames in our hives.

[@bobbinnie9872]

Are you allowed to put honey in plastic jars?

[@nkapiariesjeffbeezos796]

I guess dumb regulations are universal, good comeback Bob

[@bamabeesqueens]

Bob I never did catch if he makes his own boxes or does he buy them

[@bobbinnie9872]

He purchases them unassembled.

[@jameswoenker2659]

Salmon on the grill