Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 216 proper grease for a honey extractor and more...

Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics. This is the audio track from today's YouTube:

https://youtu.be/7vHc3VVaTN0

https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/mystore.html  for merchandise :) 

Topics and time-stamps below are generously provided by Adam Holmes -

1) I understand that spotted lantern flies produce something called honey dew. I also understand this will cause the honey the bees make to taste terrible. Do I need to be concerned about the bees moving it around in the spring? 3:22

2) My question is regarding honey extractors. There is a ball bearing at the bottom of the drum where the shaft sits on it. What type of lubricant should be used in the hole where the ball bearing sits? Concerned about contact with food/honey. 12:06

3) I have two types of cans sugar. One is white and the other is tan in color. Would it be safe to use the brown sugar for syrup for our bees? 16:38

4) I have hives in an urban setting, I've made splits and made use of artificial swarms. My bees are dismantling queen cells. I'm not sure what's going on. Any suggestions on what I should do to make my bees happy? I can't have swarms due to local populations possibly becoming alarmed. 24:22

5) Is it acceptable to brew antiviral ganoderma lucidum (Mushroom Tea) for my bees? 34:01

6) Do you continue to inspect each and every hive every 7-10 days throughout the entire summer? 37:58

7) I'm having an issue with a top bar hive. The queen is producing brood on every single frame and it's 25 bars. Should I make an excluder? Split them? Wait for fall? 43:53

8) Does a worker abdomen get larger once her ovaries become active and make her more recognizable? Possibly indistinguishable from a virgin queen? 50:05