AABA Newsletter April 2026, Volume 29
- May 12
- 4 min read
What does a flow look like, and are we in one?
by Elissa Sexton, President of AABA
If you’ve ever heard a beekeeper say, “the bees have a flow going,” they’re talking about one of the most exciting and productive times in the life of a hive: the nectar flow.
A nectar flow occurs when flowers in the surrounding environment are blooming abundantly and producing large amounts of nectar. During this period, bees take full advantage of the opportunity, foraging and bringing nectar back to the hive in steady streams.
Inside the colony, this surge of activity fuels a remarkable transformation. Worker bees process the nectar into honey, storing it in wax comb for future use. With resources plentiful, the colony becomes highly active—building new comb, expanding brood (baby bees), and strengthening the overall hive.
For beekeepers, a strong nectar flow is a welcome sign. It often means the potential for surplus honey production, healthy colony growth, and thriving bees. You’ll notice increased flight activity at the hive entrance, as foragers come and go throughout the day, often heavier on their return trips.
In contrast, when there is no nectar flow—sometimes called a “dearth”—resources become limited. Bees slow their activity, conserve energy, and may rely on stored honey to survive.
In short, when the bees have a “flow” going, nature is in sync, flowers are flourishing, and the hive is hard at work turning nectar into the golden reward we all enjoy: honey.
 | Hot Honey Ginger ShrimpThis quick and easy, sweet and spicy dish combines honey, ginger, shrimp and garlic, and can be served over steamed vegetables or pasta. |
F I N A N C I A L S | ||||
Account | Starting Balance | Debits | Credits | Ending Balance |
Checking | 2105.28 | 220.83 | 25 | 2301.11 |
Savings | 5020.03 | 0 | 0 | 5020.03 |
Square | 94.88 | 0 | 0 | 94.88 |
Grand Total | 7220.19 | 220.83 | 25 | 7416.02 |
CALENDAR
Events for April & May
Beekeeping and Gardening Events: April–May 2026
Spring in Central Texas is one of the most active and rewarding times for both beekeepers and gardeners. As nectar flows begin and native plants come into bloom, a variety of events offer opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
Day in the Life of a Beekeeper
Date: Mid-April (varies by session)
Hosted by: R. Weaver Apiaries
Participants get hands-on experience with hive management, bee behavior, and honey production through guided apiary tours.
Texas Beekeepers Association Local Meetings
Dates: Ongoing through April and May
Local clubs across Texas host monthly meetings focused on seasonal hive management, swarm control, and networking with experienced beekeepers.
Two Hives Honey Workshops
Dates: Various throughout spring
These workshops typically include beginner beekeeping classes, hive inspections, and pollinator education sessions. Ideal for both new and experienced beekeepers.
Gardening and Pollinator-Friendly Events
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Spring Programs
Dates: Ongoing through April and May
Weekly events such as “Tuesday Twilights” feature garden tours, native plant education, and seasonal programming in one of Texas’s premier botanical spaces.
Home and Garden Workshops (Statewide)
Dates: Various throughout April and May
Offered through local extension programs and community groups, these workshops cover topics like native landscaping, sustainable gardening, and spring planting strategies.
World Naked Gardening Day
Date: May 2, 2026
A global, informal celebration encouraging people to connect with nature through gardening. Participation is typically private or within small groups.
Additional Spring Events
Fiesta San Antonio
Dates: April 16–26, 2026
This large regional festival often includes floral displays and cultural events that celebrate the season.
Sherwood Forest Faire
Dates: Weekends through April
A unique event featuring traditional crafts, herbal knowledge, and historical approaches to plants and gardening.
BEE SOURCES
Where to Get Your Bees This Season
by Kellie Sherrill, Vice President
Whether you need a new mated queen, a nuc to start a fresh hive, or just a few supplies for an established apiary, these local and regional suppliers have you covered:
The Bee Supply — Round Rock
thebeesupply.com | (800) 356-4229 | 1205 Round Rock Ave #119 |
Ask for Becky, our Past President!
Two Hives Honey — Manor
twohiveshoney.com | (737) 203-8598 | 7617 Nez Perce Trce, Manor, TX 78653
Bee Weaver — Navasota
beeweaver.com | (737) 230-3435 | 16481 CR 319, Navasota, TX 77868
Bird & Bee Farm — Rockdale
birdandbeefarm.com | (512) 760-0170 (Gene) or (512) 808-8533 (Cindy)
R Weaver — Navasota
rweaver.com | (936) 825-2333 | 16495 County Rd 319, Navasota, TX 77868
Pacha Mama Bees — Austin & Bastrop
pachamamabees.com | (512) 921-6606
Lockhart Honey Company — Lockhart
lockharthoneycompany.com | (512) 944-5270 | Kenny@lockharthoney.com
PEST MANAGEMENT
Varroa Mite Treatment:
Your Options Explained
by Rachel Lam, Treasurer
Varroa destructor remains the single greatest threat to honey bee colonies in Central Texas. Our mild winters allow year-round brood production, which means mite populations can build fast — making regular monitoring non-negotiable.
Test, don’t guess. The alcohol wash (or soap wash) is the most reliable field method: collect ~300 nurse bees from a brood frame, submerge in alcohol or soapy water, shake, and count the mites. A rate of 2–3% (roughly 6–9 mites per 300 bees) is the threshold for most Texas beekeepers. Powdered sugar rolls and sticky boards can supplement, but the alcohol wash gives you the clearest picture.
Treatment options: Conventional synthetic miticides are effective when rotated to prevent resistance — never apply during a honey flow. Organic options include oxalic acid (most effective during broodless periods) and thymol-based products like Apiguard (best in warm weather). Essential oil blends can help as part of a broader strategy but shouldn’t be your only line of defense.
Cultural controls matter too. Queens with Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) traits give colonies a natural edge. Drone brood removal interrupts mite reproduction. Splitting colonies or requeening creates brood breaks that can temporarily drop mite loads significantly.
Bottom line: test in early spring, late summer, and fall t minimum. Treat based on numbers, not the calendar. Strong, well-monitored colonies are your best tool against Varroa.
WHAT’S BLOOMING
April Flora: Austin & Central TX
by Joy Mills, Secretary of AABA
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