Episode 101 - Chat With Les Crowder & Nathalie B. - Winter preparations, conversions methods, Layens

During this Halloween themed Chat we answered questions live and discussed how to complete conversions from Langstroth to Top-Bar Hives and Layens, choosing which hive box the smaller colonies will overwinter in, methods to protect from robbing and mice in the hive, insulation and thermal mass, commercial Italian queens vs. local survivor stock, etc.
Come back next Monday 7:30pm-8:30pm to join us live and ask your own questions!
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[@SuburbanSodbuster]

I missed the live broadcast last night while I was handing out candy, but I'm glad to be able to watch the recording.

[@beemindful1027]

I figured the attendance would be lower - but since it's recorded it can always be watched later - glad you caught it, thank you Monty!

[@jarnold8803]

Happy Halloween, with respect to honey harvest do you use a press to push the honey out or do you crush it and let it drain through a screen? Also a lot of bees this summer were bearding under the hive, so has anyone tried putting an entrance on the floor of the hive. I've heard hive beetle fly horizontal but can't fly vertical. Thanks for another great talk.

[@beemindful1027]

Hi James! I use a big pot with the matching steamer basket on top, put a (brand new) nylon paint strainer for 5 gallon buckets over the lip of the strainer basket, then crush and strain for liquid honey. For larger quantities, a fruit press works well also, although I would still use the nylon paint strainer in it as a liner. About bearding, it often happens when the bees are dehydrating nectar and pulling the air out in a concerted effort. It's also frequent when there is not enough space in the cavity to allow for proper airflow with all the bees inside. I think you're correct about small hive beetles, but honestly we don't worry about them - they are rarely a problem with strong colonies policing all resources, and their pressure pushes the bees to find more ways to deal with them. Thanks for your kind words and your questions :-)