The New England Buzz

Join us for an exciting episode of Hive Vibes in July for Southern Maine & New Hampshire, where we take a deep dive into the essential beekeeping practices for July. This episode is packed with expert tips on seasonal hive care, effective swarm management, and strategies to keep your colonies thriving during the peak summer months. From monitoring honey production to preventing swarms and ensuring your bees stay healthy in the warm weather, we’ve got you covered with practical advice tailored to the unique climate of the region. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, tune in to learn how to make the most of your hives this July!

In this episode of The New England Buzz on Beekeeping, we take a deep dive into the complex world of amitraz, a widely used miticide in commercial beekeeping, with insights from Randy Oliver’s in-depth analysis on ScientificBeekeeping.com. 

We explore its history, application methods like Apivar strips, and its effectiveness against varroa mites. The discussion uncovers potential risks, including sublethal effects on bees, increased Nosema susceptibility, and possible synergism with pesticides like neonicotinoids. 

Are concerns about Amitraz’s role in Colony Collapse Disorder and queen supersedure justified, or are they overstated? 

Join us as we weigh the evidence, discuss responsible beekeeping practices, and highlight the need for further research into Amitraz’s impact on hive health.

In this episode of The New England Buzz on Beekeeping, we dive into the essential practice of monitoring varroa mite infestations in honeybee colonies using the sugar roll method. Perfect for beginner beekeepers or seasoned apiarists looking for humane pest management techniques, we break down the step-by-step process of conducting a sugar roll. Learn why pure confectioners’ sugar (no additives!) is key, how to safely collect approximately 300 bees from the brood nest, and the best techniques for shaking those mites loose without harming your bees. We’ll also explore why the sugar roll is a gentler alternative to the alcohol wash, ensuring your colony stays strong while you keep mite levels in check. Tune in for practical tips, equipment recommendations, and expert insights to help you protect your hives from the threat of varroa mites. Whether you’re aiming for a 2-3% mite threshold or just want to understand your bees better, this episode is packed with sweet advice to keep your apiary thriving!

In this episode we discuss beekeeping for the month of June in 2025 for Southern Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Covering best practices, tips, integrated Pest Management and expending on the expert advice from local beekeepers in the New England area of the United States.

In today's episode of The New England Buzz, we explore Apivar 2.0, a game-changing varroa mite treatment from Véto-pharma, now EPA-registered in the USA and will soon be available in most States. Discover how this fast-acting, highly effective solution helps beekeepers protect their beehives with an innovative hanging system compatible with Langstroth and Dadant hives. Learn about its flexible use in spring and fall, with no temperature restrictions or honey supers withholding period, and how it delivers significant mite control in just weeks. This new version, ApiVar 2.0 will be available soon in multiple pack sizes. Tune in for expert insights and tips to keep your bees thriving in zones 5 and 6 of the New England.

In this episode of The New England Buzz we discusses a recently updated Beekeepers Playbook for Southern Maine that we were able to get our hands on, created for and used by a Southern Maine beekeeper. It goes from month to month playing out like a calendar of tasks, considerations, including feeding, integrated pest management, including Varroa mite treatments, and ends where it started with winter preparations. This calendar - playbook is a personal playbook that was shared through the grape vine of beekeepers in zones 5 and 6 of Southern Maine. It is intended as a guide that can be adjusted based on another beekeepers needs.

In this episode of The New England Buzz on Beekeeping, we explore Best Management Practices (BMPs) for thriving honey bee colonies. Learn expert tips from Best Management Practices for Hive Health on personal safety, hive maintenance, and reducing pesticide risks. Discover Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to tackle Varroa mites, wax moths, and other pests through effective identification, monitoring, and control. From queen health to colony nutrition and breeding, get practical insights for sustainable beekeeping. Perfect for beginners and seasoned beekeepers alike—keep your hives buzzing!

In today's episode of The New England Buzz, we explore OA Vaporization and a new product VarroxSan, for slow release Oxalic Acid, a game-changing varroa mite treatment, now EPA-registered in the USA and is available in most or all States. Discover how these highly effective solutions help beekeepers protect their bee's. Learn about its flexible use with honey supers withholding period, and how it delivers significant mite control in just weeks.