Our November meeting will take place on
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
7-9 pm 

Presentation:

Thermoregulation and Ventilation
Presented by Bill Hesbach, EAS Master Beekeeper

This presentation explores how honey bees control the hive's internal temperature through thermoregulation and how this influences overall colony health and development. Attendees will learn how heat is generated, distributed, and managed within the hive, and why temperature regulation is essential to colony success.

The discussion then examines the convection flows that occur naturally inside a colony, providing a foundation for understanding hive ventilation. In the final segment, Bill Hesbach introduces the concept of a condensing colony and compares it with the more common practice of adding ventilation to hives.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how bees manage their hive environment and the role ventilation plays in a natural colony. This presentation offers valuable insights for beekeepers seeking to make informed decisions about hive management and overwintering strategies

About Bill Hesbach

Bill Hesbach is a Connecticut native with a background in engineering. He's an Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper and graduate of the University of Montana's Master Beekeeping Program.

Bill is on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Apicultural Society, and is President of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

Bill operates Wing Dance Apiary in Cheshire, Connecticut, which produces a crop of artisanal raw honey and natural hive products. He's a published author, with articles appearing in Bee Culture, Bee Craft, and The American Bee Journal. Special interests include: Bee Biology and Flight, and Connections Between Local Flora and Bee Behavior.