Episode 178 – The Bee Buzz (30): Winter Prep, Ventilation & Varroa Reality Check 🐝💭

In this Bee Buzz episode I tackle common late-season questions about treating Varroa mites before winter, dealing with moisture and ventilation, replacing old comb, wrapping hives, and whether it’s safe to move colonies near a windbreak this time of year. We also look at what “too much insulation” really means, how to manage condensation safely, and why mite counts in early spring matter more than any single fall treatment.

What’s Inside This Episode:

How late you can safely treat for Varroa before winterWhy most mite treatments don’t work well during clusteringWhether to treat for Nosema or other diseases in fallHow to tell if mite levels are low enough to survive winterWhen and how to replace dark, old comb safelyWhether tilting the hive helps manage condensationHow much ventilation is too much in cold climatesWhen to wrap hives, move colonies, or open them midwinter

Why Listen to This Episode?

It’s a straight-talking Bee Buzz focused on the realities of overwintering, from managing mites and moisture to balancing insulation and airflow for stronger colonies next spring.

More Info:

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About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

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