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Greetings Hello,
The February BeeGroup meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 6:00 PM at the Olive Free Library. We’ll go over spring plans, check in on how wintering is going so far, and answer questions—especially for anyone planning to start beekeeping this season. Bring your questions and join us!
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Assessing Beehives During Frigid Weather
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We’re in the coldest stretch of the season, so it’s normal to worry about your colonies. In truly frigid weather, restraint is often the best management tool. Opening a hive can chill the cluster and brood and can do more harm than good.
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What to do instead
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Listen and observe from the outside: On a relatively calm day, put your ear against the hive and listen for a steady, gentle hum. If you choose, a light knock on the side can prompt a brief “reply buzz.”
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Check hive weight: Gently heft the hive from the back to gauge stores; if it feels unexpectedly light, plan for emergency feed. A luggage scale can help you track weight trends through winter.
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Watch for signs of life: On warmer days, look for cleansing flights. Quick “bathroom breaks” often show up as yellow spots in the snow near the hive.
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Read the front porch: Check the landing board and ground in front of the hive. A few dead bees is normal; lots of dead bees, or brown streaking/dysentery on the front of the hive, can be a warning sign. (“Yellow poo: usually normal cleansing flight. Brown poo: concern.”)
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Emergency feeding (when a hive is light)
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If the hive feels light, add dry sugar or sugar bricks above the cluster as quickly as possible to minimize heat loss; this is easiest if you installed a feeding shim in the fall. Avoid liquid feed in winter, since it can add moisture to the hive.
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Your bees have survived winters for a very long time, do what you can from the outside, feed only if needed, and save full inspections for a warmer day.
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Queen 16 Days, Worker 21 Days, Drone 24 Days...Capped by 9th Day...
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Please check the Resources section below...
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Bees In the News...
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Stephen Martin explores varroa resistance globally, examining bee colony survival rates and viral impacts. A 35-year study reveals surprising insights into bee behavior and mite adaptations, challenging existing assumptions. Learn about chemical camouflage, hygienic traits, and the role of viruses in colony health.
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UK employers turn to beehives to boost workplace wellbeing
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In a growing number of workplaces, the soundtrack of the lunch break is no longer the rustle of sandwiches at a desk, but the quiet hum of bees – housed just outside the office window.
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Bee Humor...
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Photos of the Month...
We’re always in need of photos to feature in the newsletter! Please email your submissions to beegroup@hvhives.com.
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Dug into some old macro photos I took years ago. A bee is born!
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Resources:
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BeeGroup winter education session
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Hive Thermodynamics and Winter Prep
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Rob Overton presentation to Northern Dutchess Bee Club - 2025
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Trinity of Soil, Plants, & Bees
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Tom Sotiridy talk from HVH April 2025 Meeting
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Critical Thinking Beekeeping
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Rob Overton presentation to Wake County Beekeepers - 2022
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Commercial Queens-Nosema and Low Sperm Count
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Recommended Reading and plans
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Beltsville Lab: If your bees die, please send a sample to the Beltsville Lab in Maryland. The analysis is free and they will email you the results. They check for Nosema and Mites. Please share results with Rob so we can help keep tabs on what is happening within the BeeGroup.
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NOSEMA: Treatment Procedure
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SABA (Southern Adirondack Beekeepers)
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Lots of great information - many articles, lectures and seminars by various people in the worlds of beekeeping.
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Dave Cushman Beekeeping Website
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A Quick Reference Guide to Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators, and Diseases
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A few videos that you may find of interest
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Queen 16 Days, Worker 21 Days, Drone 24 Days...
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