Fall Management Tips with Jim Tew (354) — Beekeeping Today Podcast

Fall is one of the most critical times in the beekeeping calendar, and in this episode Jeff and Becky welcome Jim Tew of Honey Bee Obscura for a lively and practical discussion about preparing colonies for winter.

The conversation starts with a listener's question about quilt boxes—what to put in them, how they work, and whether wood shavings, insulation, or even moisture boards are best. Jim, Jeff, and Becky share their own experiences and lessons learned about managing moisture and heat in the hive, with some humorous nods to past beekeeping misadventures.

From there, the group dives into fall priorities: ensuring colonies have adequate food reserves, considering when and how to feed syrup or fondant, and combining weak colonies before winter. Becky shares her "Frankenstein hive" approach, Jim reflects on decades of overwintering practices, and Jeff offers perspective from the damp Pacific Northwest. The trio also debate ventilation, moisture management, and whether or not to requeen this late in the season.

As always, the discussion mixes science, experience, and a touch of humor—reminding beekeepers that fall is the last big chance to set colonies up for survival. The episode wraps with a look ahead to January's North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, where Jim, Jeff, and Becky will be together at the Beekeeping Today Podcast booth.

This is a timely, information-packed conversation for anyone wondering what to do in the final weeks before winter truly sets in.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Using Quilt Boxes on Betterbee: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/quilt-boxes.asp
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

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