Episode 121 - Gathering Honey for the Fair & Early Autumn Beehive Inspection - September 2025

Join Astrid as she opens up one of her busy hives for a crucial early autumn beehive inspection! As the seasons change, beekeepers need to take stock of their colonies to ensure they're prepared for the colder months ahead. This time of year is all about winter preparation! In this video, Astrid will walk you through her process for evaluating the health and strength of the bee colony. You'll learn exactly what to look for during this critical inspection, including: • Evaluating Honey Stores: Is there enough winter honey for the bees to survive until spring? • Assessing Bee Population: Is the hive strong enough with a good number of winter bees? • Checking for the Queen: Seeing evidence of a healthy, actively laying queen bee. • Brood Pattern Analysis: Examining the pattern of late-season brood and looking for drone culling. • Pest and Disease Check: A close inspection for signs of Varroa mites, chalkbrood, or other common ailments. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, this video offers valuable insights into sustainable beekeeping and the steps necessary to ensure your bees make it through the winter. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more beekeeping tips and colony updates!