Beekeeping For Newbees: Recent Episodes
Sampsell Farms
Here we will discuss everything needed to keep bees including: Beekeeping tools, hive components, what to do and when, and every trick of the trade that we can think of. If you are new to beekeeping, this podcast is for you.
Good record keeping sits right behind your IPM strategy as one of the most important things you can do as a beekeeper. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Kyle, a web developer and beekeeper from the far north, to talk about APiLOG, a hive inspection tracking app built by a beekeeper for beekeepers. The full interview including a live demo is available on YouTube -- link in the description.
What's Inside This Episode:
- Why hive record keeping belongs right behind your IPM strategy in terms of importance
- How pen and paper notes fall short as your apiary grows
- The problem with bricks, wax markers, and other hive-top reminder systems
- How APiLOG uses voice recording to capture inspection notes naturally
- Swarm risk calculation and how weather patterns factor into the algorithm
- Automated regional task suggestions for new beekeepers
- Customizable inspection interval notifications by email
- How the built-in AI assistant uses your inspection history and local forecast
- Free tier available for up to two hives with full pro features
- Works across all devices including as a home screen app for push notifications
Why Listen to This Episode?
If your notes are scattered across notebooks, hive lids, and memory, this episode introduces a purpose-built solution from someone who felt the same frustration and built his way out of it.
Links and Resources:
🌐 APiLOG website: https://apilog.app
💰 Coupon code: BK4N for 60% off
🎥 Full interview and demo: https://youtu.be/aZ6z7Lpvw0U
📹 Alternative hive inspection logging method: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🐝 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Last week wrapped up Varroa Week, and two listeners took us up on the offer to submit topics for further elaboration. This episode honors both of them. We also have a hive report on Colony 61, a packed four-frame nuc that needed immediate expansion, plus a quick tip about prepping your gear before you actually need it. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper
What's Inside This Episode:
- Colony 61 hive inspection and emergency expansion from a four-frame to a five-frame nuc
- What happens when bees draw comb on your frame feeder and why you leave it alone
- A hard lesson on prepping equipment before you get to the bee yard
- Using masking tape as a temporary fix for misaligned hive body gaps
- How bear fences work and what components you actually need
- Why one joule or higher is the target for a food-motivated bear
- Grounding rods, wire types, poly wire vs. solid wire, and jumping your strands
- Fence charger mile ratings and how to account for multiple strands
- Why reversing boxes every spring is not a biological requirement
- How bees actually move through a hive from top to bottom and back again
- Encouraging comb drawing with a nectar flow and proper foundation placement
- The checkerboarding technique for honey supers and when not to use it
Why Listen to This Episode? If you are heading into swarm season and have questions about space management, protecting your apiary from bears, or which frames to grab when making a split, this episode covers all of it with real examples from the bee yard. Practical guidance, not theory.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🐝 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
App link: https://studio.com/beekeeper
About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this final episode of Varroa Week, we cover Norroa, a newer treatment approach designed to disrupt mite reproduction rather than kill mites directly. We also recap the week, talk through real-world cost and use considerations, and look ahead to the next round of spring episodes.
The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Colony 69 inspection report and removing the feeder for added brood space
• How to locate queens by reading eggs, larvae, and brood patterns
• Why queens shrink before swarming and enlarge during peak laying
• What Norroa is and how RNA interference targets mite reproduction
• Why Norroa is more preventive than curative
• Honey supers, application timing, and brood box dosage needs
• Real-world treatment costs and where Norroa may fit strategically
• Full Varroa Week recap and what topics are coming next
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you have heard the buzz around Norroa and want a practical explanation, this episode breaks it down clearly. It also helps tie together everything covered during Varroa Week.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we continue Varroa Week by breaking down the most common mite treatment options on the market. We cover how they work, when they are used, key limitations, and how to think through building a treatment strategy that fits your own apiary.
The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Colony 63 inspection report and a delayed queen now laying strong
• Why population growth can surge once a package queen gets released
• Oxalic acid treatments, timing, and why brood cycles matter
• Formic Pro, temperature limits, and why it can be highly effective
• Apivar, resistance concerns, and where it still may fit
• Apiguard and HopGuard as additional treatment options
• Why many beekeepers keep both a gentle and aggressive tool available
• How colony size and hive configuration affect treatment costs
Why Listen to This Episode?
Choosing the wrong treatment at the wrong time can cost you a colony. This episode gives you a practical overview so you can start building a smarter Varroa plan.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
🔗 Bee Castle Products: https://www.beecastleltd.com/?ref=scfeyzjb
🎥 Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtu.be/SyIcnkIwKig
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we continue Varroa Week by getting practical with mite testing. We cover alcohol washes, dish soap washes, sticky boards, sugar shakes, and how to build a monthly testing routine that helps you stay ahead of trouble before colonies begin to fail.
The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Colony 67 inspection report and giving a crowded four-frame nuc more space
• Why expanding too early can risk brood chilling during cold nights
• The real question is not if you have mites, but how many
• How to do a proper alcohol wash using nurse bees for the best sample
• Why dish soap washes can be a lower-cost alternative to alcohol
• Sticky boards, what they can tell you, and where they fall short
• Why sugar shakes are less accurate and no longer preferred
• Building a monthly mite testing schedule and reacting to the numbers
Why Listen to This Episode?
Testing is where many beekeepers fall behind. This episode helps you choose a method, use it correctly, and turn numbers into better management decisions.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we continue Varroa Week with a closer look at how mites reproduce inside capped brood cells and why drone brood can accelerate mite growth. We also kick things off with a real hive inspection report from Colony 61 and talk through expansion decisions happening in the apiary right now.
The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Colony 61 inspection report from a three-week-old four-frame nuc
• Why package colonies often seem to stall before new brood emerges
• Aggressive behavior during inspections and what may be causing it
• Why package bee workers may not reflect the queen’s long-term genetics
• How Varroa mites reproduce inside capped brood cells
• Why drone brood is preferred and how populations grow faster there
• Using drone brood trapping and VSH queens as management tools
• How mites spread through robbing, drifting drones, flowers, and water sources
Why Listen to This Episode?
Understanding how mites reproduce and move between colonies helps you make smarter treatment and timing decisions. This episode also gives you a real-time look at spring colony management in a growing apiary.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we kick off Varroa Week and a new run of shorter spring episodes focused on helping you make better decisions in real time. We talk about why mite management needs to be part of every beekeeper’s plan, what is coming over the next five episodes, and how listeners can help shape what comes next.
The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Launching a new week of shorter spring beekeeping episodes
• Why Varroa mites must be part of every beekeeper’s plan
• How many new beekeepers buy gear but skip mite strategy
• This week’s roadmap: biology, testing, treatments, and Noroa
• Why colonies can look healthy while mite damage is already spreading
• Lessons learned from colonies lost before understanding Varroa
• How listeners can help choose future episode topics
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you do not have a mite plan, this episode helps you start one now. It also sets up a full week of practical Varroa content timed for spring beekeeping decisions.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode: the swarm trap finally paid off. I also discuss what I saw at the trap when the feral colony moved in, including a trophylaxis moment at the entrance that most people would miss. Then we dig into swarming itself, what's driving it, what to look for, and how to get ahead of it.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Catching the feral swarm and what trophylaxis looks like at the trap entrance
• Reframing swarming as colony success rather than beekeeper failure
• What drives the swarm impulse: queen pheromone dilution, backfilling, nectar pressure, and no room to lay
• Queen cups vs. queen cells, and how to tell them apart without panicking
• Bee space vs. people space, and why a honey super on top often does nothing
• The "synthetic swarm," my favorite preventive split, step by step
• The mistake that wrecks colonies every year: tearing out every queen cell before checking whether the colony has already swarmed
• A quick goodbye to Trader Moe
Why Listen to This Episode?
Swarming catches a lot of beekeepers off guard in the spring, and the wrong response can cost you the colony. This episode gives you a clear read on what's driving the behavior, what to look for during inspections, and how to get ahead of it before you lose half your bees.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we continue breaking down your first 30 to 60 days of hive inspections and what you should be looking for. We walk through warning signs, growth expectations, and how to track what’s happening inside your hive without overcomplicating the process. This wraps up the inspection framework so you can go into every hive check with a clear plan.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What it means if you do not see eggs early on and when it becomes a concern
• Spotty brood patterns and what they can indicate about queen health or disease
• What normal population growth should look like in the first 30 to 60 days
• Signs of potential issues including lack of growth, poor food stores, or visible disease
• How to track queen cups and queen cells during inspections
• Simple ways to record inspection data without overcomplicating your workflow
• What to capture in your notes including date, weather, brood, feeding, and hive condition
Why Listen to This Episode?
Knowing what to look for during inspections helps you catch problems early and stay ahead of issues. This episode gives you a clear and practical way to evaluate your hive every time you open it.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
Package Bees Install Video: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Most new beekeepers open their hives too much or not nearly enough, and both create real problems. In this episode we build a simple, repeatable inspection framework around five questions that will focus every hive visit and cut out the guesswork. We also cover what to expect in those first one to three weeks after install, how to read your brood frames, when to feed and when to back off, and why swarm pressure can build faster than most people realize. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on growing your new colony through spring.
What's Inside This Episode:
• The 5 questions to answer on every inspection and why they replace the need to pull every frame
• How to locate the queen as a new beekeeper, including a frame trick that works even when you cannot spot her
• Reading your brood pattern and what a good pattern actually looks like versus what deserves a closer look
• Food and feeding decisions in the first few weeks and when it makes sense to taper off
• How to spot space issues that quietly build swarm pressure before you ever see a queen cell
• Swarm pressure indicators and what to actually do when things are getting tight
• How often to inspect and why stretching to four to six weeks is a setup for serious problems
• Walk-away splits explained for when you need to leave town and the hive is showing signs
• New app launch: AI-powered, built around the Beekeeping for Newbees training library, dropping April 28th
• Free pre-inspection checklist available now at: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Perfect For You If:
You just installed a package or nuc and are not sure what to look for when you open the hive, or you have been pulling every frame on every visit and want a smarter, faster way to get it done.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
Package Bees Install Video: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we pick up right where we left off and continue the install process, including a mistake I made and how to handle it if it happens to you. We also walk through what to do after installation, how to handle feeding, and what to expect in those first few days. This wraps up the install process and sets you up for your first inspections.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What happens if you remove the wrong cork on a queen cage and how to fix it
• Why leaving your bees alone after install is one of the most important steps
• How and when to check queen release without disturbing the colony
• Feeding strategies after install and when to start tapering off
• Differences in feeding and management between packages and nucs
• Common mistakes like over-inspecting and delaying installs too long
• What to expect in the first week and how to prepare for early inspections
Why Listen to This Episode?
Even small mistakes during install can have a big impact if you do not know how to handle them. This episode helps you recover from those moments and sets clear expectations for what comes next.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Installing Bee Packages: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8
Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtube.com/shorts/bd6cEeE_kSk
Swarm Trap Prep and Bait Video: https://youtu.be/VOn8nv4ZqKE
Building a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we walk through the process of installing package bees and what to expect on day one. We break down the differences between packages and nucs, how to prepare your hive, and the exact steps to get your bees settled in safely. This is part one of a two-part series, focusing on setup and install before moving into early follow-up and inspections.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• The key differences between package bees and nucs and how that affects your starting point
• Why protective gear is still important even when bees are less defensive during install
• How and when to feed new packages
• Using a sprayer to calm bees during install
• Positioning the queen cage for a safe release
• Getting frames back in place and closing up the hive without crushing bees
Why Listen to This Episode?
Installing bees is one of the most important moments for a new beekeeper. This episode walks you through the process so you can avoid common mistakes and start your colony off strong.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Installing Packages: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8
Checking Queens: (links forthcoming)
Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg
Mixing 2:1 in a Bucket: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ
Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we jump into a Bee Buzz and work through a series of listener questions from around the country. We cover a range of real-world scenarios including equipment cleanup, feeding decisions, splits, brood development, and adding space. This is a practical Q&A focused on what beekeepers are dealing with right now.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• How to clean used frames and what to watch out for when reusing old equipment
• Feeding decisions during spring buildup and how syrup fits into comb production
• How to set up new packages and when to expand from a single box
• Timing splits and why drone availability is critical for successful mating
• Why bees may ignore pollen patties and how to use them safely
• Uneven brood expansion between colonies and what is considered normal
• When to add honey supers and how to avoid becoming honey bound
Why Listen to This Episode?
These Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from real beekeepers. If you are working through spring decisions and want straightforward guidance, this episode gives you practical answers you can use right away.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we take a step back from the hive and talk about some important updates. We start with a big thank you to the community and supporters who help keep everything going, then dive into the Master Beekeeper program, what it was designed to do, and why things have shifted. We also introduce the new coaching app and how it is shaping the future of how this content is delivered.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• A sincere thank you to listeners and Buy Me a Coffee supporters and how that support directly impacts the work being done
• Hitting a major milestone in podcast downloads and what that growth means for the community
• What the Master Beekeeper program was designed to accomplish and who it was built for
• Why the original course rollout was delayed and the challenges behind the scenes
• The vision of creating a more accessible path for beekeepers with unique challenges or limitations
• How the new coaching app works and how it delivers training, tracking, and resources in one place
• What the shift to the app means for future content, training, and ongoing development
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode gives you a clear look at where everything is heading and why certain decisions were made. If you follow the podcast or are interested in the upcoming training tools, this connects all the pieces.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we walk through feeding bees during the active season and when it actually makes sense to step in and help. We cover sugar syrup, protein sources, common feeding scenarios, and the mistakes that can cause more harm than good. If you have ever wondered when to feed and when to leave them alone, this will help you make better decisions.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What feeding really means and the difference between carbohydrates and protein for bees
• When feeding makes sense including spring buildup, dearth periods, and late season preparation
• Situations where feeding is created by beekeeper actions like splits and new packages
• Why feeding at the wrong time can lead to problems like overstimulation or swarming pressure
• How to mix 1:1 and 2:1 sugar syrup and when each approach is used
• The most common feeder types and the pros and cons of each
• Common feeding mistakes and how to avoid creating bigger problems in the hive
Why Listen to This Episode?
Feeding can help your colonies grow and survive, but doing it at the wrong time or the wrong way can set you back. This episode helps you understand when feeding is useful and how to approach it without creating unintended issues.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg
2:1 Sugar Syrup Mix: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ
Water Feeder: https://youtu.be/wXTMhxdLW_I
Pollen Feeder: https://youtu.be/7tnRS83jw6s
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we break down one of the most overlooked parts of beekeeping: frames and foundation. We walk through the different frame styles, foundation options, and how each choice impacts how your bees build comb and how you manage your hives. Whether you are brand new or just want to simplify your setup, this episode helps you understand what actually works and why.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• The different types of wooden frames including groove, wedge top, and split bottom designs
• How plastic and wax foundation compare and when each one makes sense
• Why bees often reject plastic foundation and how to pre-treat it for better acceptance
• Using wired wax foundation for strength and avoiding blowouts during honey extraction
• How to use starter strips for foundationless frames and guide natural comb building
• Common issues like wonky comb and how to fix it early before it becomes a problem
• When to replace old brood comb and how to rotate frames over time
Why Listen to This Episode?
Frames and foundation choices directly impact how your bees build comb and how easy your hives are to manage. This episode simplifies the options so you can choose a setup that works for both you and your bees.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we walk through how to choose and configure a Langstroth hive setup and what decisions you need to make before installing bees. We talk through box sizes, equipment options, and how standardizing your setup can make management easier as your apiary grows.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Understanding the Langstroth hive and why it is the most commonly used system
• Choosing between 8 frame and 10 frame equipment and what that means long term
• How box size decisions affect weight, inspections, and honey production
• Why standardizing your equipment can simplify management as you expand
• Key components you need before installing bees including boxes, frames, bottom boards, and covers
• How future plans like splits and swarm traps connect back to your initial setup
• Avoiding common mistakes when selecting your first hive configuration
Why Listen to This Episode?
The hive setup you choose affects everything from inspections to expansion to long-term management. This episode helps you make those early Langstroth equipment decisions with a clearer understanding of what will be easiest to manage and scale.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Vented Inner Cover: https://youtu.be/qJ0q3plIL1I
New Beekeeper Hive Options: https://youtu.be/3VLYhm4ieoA
Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtu.be/SyIcnkIwKig
Build a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE
Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0
Hive Placement Guide: https://youtu.be/UbJRAhoCD9Q
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode we talk about getting ready for the upcoming bee season and the things every beekeeper should have prepared before the first inspections begin. We walk through personal gear, hive tools, smokers, checking equipment from last season, preparing frames and boxes, and thinking ahead about inspections and mite management. Whether this is your first year with bees or you are getting ready for another season, this episode is all about making sure you are prepared before the bees arrive.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Preparing your personal protective gear and choosing the setup that keeps you comfortable working bees
• Why hydration, mindset, and staying calm in the bee yard can make inspections go much smoother
• Getting your smoker ready and choosing safe natural materials for smoker fuel
• Hive tools, J-hook tools, and why it helps to keep multiple tools available
• Checking last year’s hive bodies, frames, lids, and inner covers before the season begins
• Planning ahead for feeders so packages, nucs, or splits can keep building if weather turns bad
• Why every beekeeper should already be thinking about a varroa management plan before the season ramps up
Why Listen to This Episode?
The start of bee season comes quickly, and being prepared ahead of time prevents a lot of frustration once bees arrive. This episode walks through the basic gear, preparation, and mindset that can help make the start of the season much smoother.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Regular hive tool: https://amzn.to/4iaACUf
J-hook style hive tool: https://amzn.to/4kTqZL9
Pullover top: https://amzn.to/4hmzvzA
Hat w/ veil: https://amzn.to/3FtrhZ2
Smoker: https://amzn.to/3DyBSS9
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week we jump into another Bee Buzz episode and answer a new round of listener questions from around the world. We talk through several early-spring scenarios including cleansing flights, brood removal, feeding decisions, swarm preparation, and signs of potential queen or mite problems. These practical questions highlight the kinds of things many beekeepers start noticing as colonies come out of winter and begin ramping up for spring.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Brown streaks on the outside of a hive and how to tell the difference between normal cleansing flights and possible disease
• Why bees sometimes drag larvae out of the hive and how hygienic behavior helps keep colonies healthy
• Whether reversing brood boxes in spring is necessary or simply a management preference
• When to feed 1:1 syrup and why early feeding can sometimes cause problems if weather turns cold
• Signs of deformed wing virus and why it often points to a varroa mite issue
• What clustered bees near the entrance may actually be doing during warmer winter or early spring days
• When to begin thinking about swarm management and why preparation often starts earlier than many expect
Why Listen to This Episode?
Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from beekeepers dealing with real hive situations. If you are heading into spring inspections or trying to interpret what you are seeing inside your hive, this episode walks through several common scenarios and what they might mean.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
📺 Digitizing Hive Inspection Notes: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Swarm trapping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to grow your apiary, and in this second part of the discussion we move from theory to real-world execution. In this episode we talk about where to place your traps, when they should go up in different regions, and what to do after you successfully catch a swarm. From planning your removal process to installing the bees into a hive, this episode walks through the practical steps that turn a swarm trap into a thriving new colony.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Planning ahead for swarm trap removal and why thinking through the process before you catch bees makes everything easier
• Ideal swarm trap placement including edges of fields, road borders, and other transitional areas bees naturally travel
• Why densely wooded areas often perform worse for swarm traps due to predators and poor flight access
• Regional timing guidance for placing swarm traps across the southern United States, Mid-Atlantic, and northern states
• What to do once a swarm moves into your trap and why many beekeepers leave them undisturbed for several days
• How to safely close and remove a swarm trap at night and relocate it to your apiary
• Installing captured swarm frames into a full hive and helping the colony build quickly with feeding and comb drawing
• Techniques some beekeepers use to anchor a swarm to the hive including adding a frame of brood
Why Listen to This Episode?
Catching a swarm is only the first step. This episode explains how to move that swarm safely into a hive, avoid common mistakes, and give the new colony the best chance to establish quickly and grow into a productive hive.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0
Swarm Trap Assembly: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE
60 Second Swarm Trap Build: https://youtu.be/Wfy3ybL3PJM
Swarm Trap Plans: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/resources
Swarm Trap & Nuc Entrance Wheels: https://amzn.to/3FzSMAn
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Swarm season is one of the most exciting times of the year for beekeepers. In this episode we begin a two-part discussion about swarm traps, what they are, why they work, and how you can use them to capture free bees during the spring swarm season. We walk through the biology of swarming, why scout bees search for new cavities, and how a simple swarm trap can turn that natural behavior into a powerful tool for growing your apiary.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What swarming actually is and why honeybee colonies naturally divide during spring buildup
• Why swarm traps allow beekeepers to capture large colonies of free bees during swarm season
• The advantages and potential risks of bringing wild swarm genetics into your apiary
• The cavity size honeybees prefer when selecting a new home and how swarm traps mimic it
• Materials commonly used when building swarm traps and why durability matters outdoors
• Using drawn comb and lemongrass oil to attract scout bees searching for a new colony site
• Practical guidance on where to place swarm traps and how to do it safely
Why Listen to This Episode?
Swarm traps can give beekeepers access to strong local genetics and large colonies without buying packages or nucs. This episode explains how swarming works and how simple traps can dramatically increase your chances of catching a swarm during the busiest part of the season.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0
Swarm Trap Assembly: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE
60 Second Swarm Trap Build: https://youtu.be/Wfy3ybL3PJM
Swarm Trap Plans: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/resources
Swarm Trap & Nuc Entrance Wheels: https://amzn.to/3FzSMAn
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Spring is getting closer, which means the questions from beekeepers are starting to pour in again. In this Bee Buzz episode, I work through a lightning round of listener questions covering late winter hive activity, feeding decisions, early inspections, and what normal colony behavior looks like as temperatures begin to warm. If you're seeing bees flying on warm days, noticing dead bees in front of the hive, or wondering if it's time to check food stores or add space, this episode walks through the most common questions beekeepers are asking right now.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Why bees suddenly start flying during warm winter days and what cleansing flights actually mean
• What a pile of dead bees in front of the hive usually indicates during late winter cleanup
• When it makes sense to check food stores and how to do a quick cold weather hive check
• Why one hive may appear active while another seems quiet coming out of winter
• How to estimate food stores and determine if a colony may be running low without pulling frames
• Whether bees bringing in pollen means the queen has already started laying again
• When to perform your first full spring inspection and what to focus on early in the season
Why Listen to This Episode?
Late winter can be one of the most confusing times for beekeepers as colonies begin transitioning toward spring. This episode answers the questions many beekeepers are asking right now and helps you understand what normal behavior looks like as your bees begin ramping up for the season.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March is one of the most critical transition points in the beekeeping year. Colonies are expanding, winter bees are aging off, brood production is ramping up, and nectar flows are just beginning. In this episode, I walk through the key management decisions that can determine whether your colonies thrive, swarm, or collapse in the weeks ahead.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why March is the most dangerous transition period for overwintered colonies
- The balance between declining winter bees and rising brood production
- When to feed, how to feed, and what not to stimulate too early
- Box management, reversing hive bodies, and when to add space
- Why I do not equalize weak colonies at the expense of strong genetics
- Early swarm pressure, queen cups, and how quickly things can escalate
- Inspection timing and how missing one queen cell can cost you half a colony
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you want strong colonies heading into spring instead of surprise losses or swarms, this episode gives you a practical framework for managing the most volatile month of the year.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Cold weather has a way of making even experienced beekeepers second guess everything. With unusually low temperatures showing up across large parts of the country, I wanted to take some time to walk through what cold actually means for overwintering colonies, how much additional honey they may consume, and when intervention does or does not make sense.
This episode is a general update covering several seasonal topics, including winter feeding philosophy, evaluating colony stores, progress on ongoing projects, and getting ready for spring.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why extended cold spells increase honey consumption and how much more bees may actually use
- Realistic weekly honey usage at different winter temperatures
- Why panic inspections often cause more harm than good
- How to assess colony weight and food stores without opening the hive
- Different feeding strategies and why context and goals matter
- Updates on the hive monitoring project and why it is temporarily paused
- Progress on the Master Beekeeper Program and what is coming next
- Swarm trap preparation and placement timing for the upcoming season
Why Listen to This Episode?
If cold weather has you worried about your bees or questioning your winter management decisions, this episode provides calm, experience-based perspective to help you evaluate what actually needs attention and what does not.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Laying workers are one of those beekeeping problems that feel intimidating until you understand what is actually happening inside the hive. After a listener reached out asking where to find guidance on laying workers and realizing it deserved its own episode, I finally sat down to break the topic down from the ground up.
In this episode, we walk through the pheromonal mechanics behind laying workers, what causes the condition, how to recognize it early, and several proven ways to correct it depending on your resources and goals.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why queen mandibular pheromone and brood pheromone are central to colony stability
- How prolonged queenlessness leads to ovary development in worker bees
- Clear visual signs that indicate a laying worker condition
- Why laying workers can involve multiple workers, not just one
- The role of brood pheromone, open brood frames, and synthetic QMP
- Practical options for fixing a laying worker colony, including splits, shake-outs, and recombining
- Common mistakes that cause queen introductions to fail in laying worker hives
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode gives you the biological context and practical tools to diagnose and fix a laying worker situation with confidence.
Referenced Video About Hive Site Selection:
📺 https://youtu.be/UbJRAhoCD9Q
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Africanized honeybees are one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, I cut through the fear driven headlines and talk honestly about what Africanized bees are, where they actually pose a risk, and how much of what we hear is grounded in biology versus social media panic. We also dig into real behavior differences, why identification is not as simple as people think, and how beekeepers should realistically manage risk.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Where Africanized honeybees came from and how they spread through the Americas
- Why Africanized bees are not a separate species and cannot be identified by looks alone
- The real behavioral differences that matter, including defensiveness, pursuit distance, and response thresholds
- Which parts of the United States have established populations and why cold climates limit their spread
- Why most serious incidents involve unmanaged or feral colonies, not maintained apiaries
- How Africanized colonies differ in defensive behavior compared to hot European stock
- Usurpation behavior and how one colony can take over another in minutes
Why Listen to This Episode?
You will walk away with a realistic understanding of Africanized honeybees, how real the risk actually is, and how to protect yourself without letting fear dictate your beekeeping decisions.
Referenced Article:
🔬 Usurpation: When One Colony Takes Over Another (Honey Bee Suite)
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/usurpation-when-one-colony-takes-over-another/
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
American foulbrood gets a lot of attention in beekeeping circles, often accompanied by fear and worst-case scenarios. In this episode, I walk through what AFB and EFB actually are, how they differ, how they spread, and why severity does not always equal likelihood. We also talk about realistic risk, common misdiagnoses, used equipment, open feeding, and whether the new AFB vaccine makes sense for most beekeepers.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why American foulbrood is high severity but low likelihood
- How AFB and EFB differ in cause, symptoms, and outcomes
- What sunken cappings, patchy brood, and larval death really indicate
- How spores spread through honey, equipment, robbing, and drift
- Why most beekeepers will never see a confirmed case of AFB
- When fear-based messaging does more harm than good
- The limits and realities of the new AFB vaccine for queens
- Why mites, nutrition, and basic management still matter more
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode helps cut through fear and misinformation so you can better understand foulbrood risks, recognize real warning signs, and focus your energy on the management practices that actually keep colonies healthy.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This Bees in the News edition covers four fascinating stories from around the world, from new species discoveries to the first honeybee vaccine. We look at how research and innovation continue to change our understanding of bees, their intelligence, and the threats they face.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Discovery of the horned “Lucifer” bee in Western Australia’s goldfields
- How small hive beetle larvae convert excess pollen into usable food
- New research showing that bees can perceive and measure time
- The first successful vaccine for American foulbrood disease
- A misleading viral post about queen bee insemination and why it’s wrong
- How social media often distorts beekeeping practices for clicks
- Final reflections on seasonal slowdown and winter beekeeping prep
Why Listen to This Episode?
It’s an engaging round-up of bee science, discovery, and controversy, highlighting what’s real, what’s hype, and what it all means for everyday beekeepers.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Referenced Articles:
🌏 Horned “devil” bee found in remote Goldfields prompts call for further research (ABC News)
🍯 Circular Economics: Honey Bee Pest Turns Excess Pollen Into Food (Entomology Today)
🧠 Bees Can Tell Time: New Study Reveals Shockingly Advanced Insect Intelligence (The Debrief)
💉 Vaccine for Honeybees Successfully Completes Efficacy Trials (DVM 360)
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeperPre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This episode is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about Pennsylvania’s proposed bee legislation. We move from the 2024 Senate Bill 1198 to the newly filed 2025 House Bill 1277, breaking down what changed, why it matters, and how the bill expands the state’s authority over beekeepers.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What happened to the 2024 Senate Bill and why it expired
- How HB 1277 was reintroduced with stronger enforcement language
- Expanded licensing that now includes hobbyist beekeepers
- What “risk-based inspections” really mean and why they are undefined
- The department’s new powers to enter property and destroy hives
- How fines, fees, and licensing revenue now fund enforcement directly
- Why “exclusive jurisdiction” language limits local flexibility
- What small-scale beekeepers can do before this moves forward
Why Listen to This Episode?
You’ll get a clear explanation of how Pennsylvania’s new bill evolved, what it means for local beekeepers, and why it could set the tone for future pollinator legislation across the country.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/honey
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This episode takes a closer look at Pennsylvania’s proposed Plant and Pollinator Protection Act (SB 1198) and why it’s raising concerns among beekeepers across the country. I break down how it rewrites the long-standing Bee Law, what new powers it gives the Department of Agriculture, and why even backyard beekeepers could be affected.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What SB 1198 actually proposes and why it matters
- How it expands licensing and inspection powers
- What “risk-based inspections” could mean for hobbyists
- How unregistered hives could be seized or destroyed
- The shift from a $10 registration to open-ended licensing fees
- New record-keeping and reporting requirements
- Why this legislation could set a national precedent
Why Listen to This Episode?
You’ll learn what’s buried in the fine print of SB 1198, how it could reshape state-level beekeeping regulation, and what actions Pennsylvania beekeepers should take before this bill advances further.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/honey
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Bee Buzz episode I tackle common late-season questions about treating Varroa mites before winter, dealing with moisture and ventilation, replacing old comb, wrapping hives, and whether it’s safe to move colonies near a windbreak this time of year. We also look at what “too much insulation” really means, how to manage condensation safely, and why mite counts in early spring matter more than any single fall treatment.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How late you can safely treat for Varroa before winter
- Why most mite treatments don’t work well during clustering
- Whether to treat for Nosema or other diseases in fall
- How to tell if mite levels are low enough to survive winter
- When and how to replace dark, old comb safely
- Whether tilting the hive helps manage condensation
- How much ventilation is too much in cold climates
- When to wrap hives, move colonies, or open them midwinter
Why Listen to This Episode?
It’s a straight-talking Bee Buzz focused on the realities of overwintering, from managing mites and moisture to balancing insulation and airflow for stronger colonies next spring.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/honey
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this Bee Buzz episode I answer listener questions about using drone comb to reduce Varroa without chemicals, getting bees to accept plastic foundation, managing weak colonies before winter, handling late season queen loss, and how to think about brood frames, pollen patties, and uncapped nectar as the season winds down.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How drone comb helps pull Varroa mites out of the colony
- Ways to coat or prep plastic foundation for better acceptance
- When to combine weak colonies before winter hits
- What to do if your colony goes queenless late in the year
- Why removing unused brood boxes saves energy and stress
- When pollen patties hurt more than they help
- How to move honey frames safely between colonies
- Why genetics beat feeding when it comes to overwintering success
Why Listen to This Episode?
It’s a practical Bee Buzz packed with seasonal advice, field experience, and honest talk about what really works when prepping hives for winter.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/honey
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In part two of my conversation with Minnesota beekeeper Peg DeSanto, we continue unpacking the science of overwintering and explore the research behind condensation, CO₂ balance, and hive insulation. Peg explains why matching hive size to colony strength matters, how smaller overwintering spaces improve survival, and how her Hive Hugger project was born from frustration, science, and a little bit of love.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why bees can freeze even with honey inches away
- The real cause behind “starvation” deaths in winter
- How matching hive space to colony size improves survival
- What Seely’s natural cavity research reveals about hive volume
- How CO₂ and humidity help bees regulate metabolism
- How the Hive Hugger insulation system was developed and tested
- Why insulation values (R30 top, R10 sides) are critical for cold regions
Why Listen to This Episode?
You will hear the rest of Peg’s story and learn how modern insulation research and natural bee behavior combine to create a more effective, science-based approach to overwintering.
Limited offer at https://hivehugger.com , use code: BK4N for 11% off.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/honey
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode I talk with Minnesota beekeeper Peg DeSanto about one of the biggest challenges in beekeeping, getting colonies through winter. Peg explains how she became determined to stop winter losses and what she learned about insulation, moisture control, and the science behind the condensing hive approach.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why 50 to 60 percent winter losses are not inevitable
- How moisture and cold both threaten hive survival
- What R values actually mean for top and side insulation
- How bees manage condensation and why wet bees die fast
- What condensing hive design solves and how to build one
- Real data from researchers like Tom Seeley and Etienne Tardif
- How proper insulation reduces honey use and stress
Why Listen to This Episode?
You will learn how modern data and natural behavior work together to redefine overwintering success, with practical steps any beekeeper can apply before the cold sets in.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Bees In The News is back with a fresh format and more commentary. Instead of just reading headlines, I dive into what these stories really mean for beekeepers. In this episode, we explore the surprising discovery of natural bacteria in pollen that may protect bees, the growing concerns about native bee loss in Missouri and Kansas, and a Penn State study showing that organic beekeeping might actually improve honey yields and beekeeper safety. We wrap up with Alaska’s first small hive beetle detection and what it really means for northern beekeepers.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How natural endophytes in pollen could help fight hive pathogens
- The reality of native bee decline and what beekeepers can do about it
- Why honey bees can act like an invasive species in certain ecosystems
- Breaking down “organic” beekeeping and why it does not mean “hands off”
- How organic acids and essential oils can rival conventional mite treatments
- Why true “organic honey” is nearly impossible to label in the U.S.
- The Alaska small hive beetle detection and why it is not cause for panic
- Practical steps to reduce beetle pressure in your hives year-round
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode ties together science, practicality, and opinion. You will walk away with insight into the latest research, how it applies to your beekeeping, and why understanding natural and organic approaches can help protect both managed and wild bee populations.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
Referenced Articles:
🔬 Natural bacteria in pollen may protect bees (ScienceDaily)
🌾 Native bees struggle in Missouri and Kansas (KCUR)
🍯 Organic beekeeping benefits bees and keepers (Earth.com)
❄️ Alaska confirms first small hive beetle detection (Your Alaska Link)
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Every beekeeper wonders how their colonies are doing in the middle of winter. Are they clustered? Do they have enough food? Is it safe to open the hive? In this episode, I walk through the new project I have been teasing for months, a hive monitoring system that uses temperature probes, humidity sensors, and data collectors to create real-time heat maps of the winter cluster. This is a non-invasive way to track your bees and generate actionable data for better overwintering decisions.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why traditional “knock tests” and quick hive peeks fall short
- Using 18–20 temperature probes per hive to locate the cluster
- ESP32 boards, Raspberry Pi collectors, and open source tools
- How heat maps and playback show cluster movement over time
- Testing phases: hardware build, power integration, garage trials, full yard deployment
- Adding heat strips to simulate cluster movement for controlled experiments
- Integrating insulation tests and measuring power to honey conversion
- Future expansions like weight sensors and even drone based data retrieval
Why Listen to This Episode?
This project combines beekeeping with technology, giving you a way to see what really happens inside your hives during the cold months. Whether you want to build your own system or just follow along, you will come away with new insights into how bees survive winter.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It is Bee Buzz time again, and in this Q&A session I answer listener questions on winter prep, feeding, and hive management. We talk about whether to reduce colonies from two brood boxes to one, how to handle screened bottom boards, what to know about moisture boards, and when to stop feeding syrup. I also cover queen excluders in winter, protecting against mice, and why upper entrances may cause more problems than they solve.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Best times and methods for moving a hive stand without stressing bees
- What moisture boards do and whether they are worth using
- When and why to reduce from double deeps to a single brood box
- The truth about queen excluders in winter setups
- Entrance reducers, mouse guards, and facing hives away from cold winds
- Screened bottom boards and whether to close them for cold weather
- How much honey a colony needs by region and climate
- Feeding decisions: syrup, sugar bricks, fondant, and candy boards
Why Listen to This Episode?
Winter prep is full of conflicting advice. This episode cuts through the noise with straightforward answers to common questions so you can focus on keeping your bees alive and strong until spring.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
When temperatures drop, bees form the winter cluster to stay alive. In this episode, we dig into what triggers clustering, how bees rotate between the mantle and the core, and the muscle power that generates heat without flight. We also look at how the cluster moves as a unit to consume honey, why frame arrangement matters, and what not to do when preparing colonies for the cold months. Whether you are a first-year beekeeper or have decades of experience, this is a foundational topic you cannot overlook.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What the winter cluster is and why bees form it
- Mantle bees vs core bees and how they rotate to stay alive
- The role of flight muscles in heat generation
- How brood rearing changes cluster temperature demands
- Why colonies move together through honey stores instead of breaking cluster
- Common myths about bees starving “inches away” from food
- Frame arrangement mistakes that can hurt winter survival
- Ventilation, insulation, and protecting hives from pests like mice
Why Listen to This Episode?
Understanding the winter cluster is key to successful overwintering. This episode explains how bees regulate heat, manage resources, and act as a superorganism when survival is on the line.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
When bees overwinter in a tree cavity, they enjoy thick insulation, controlled airflow, and condensation that actually helps them survive. In a Langstroth hive, things look very different, and without adjustments, those differences can cost colonies dearly.
In this episode, I break down what happens inside a natural cavity and compare it to the equipment most of us use today. You will hear how bees manage heat, water, and carbon dioxide in winter, why condensation is not always the enemy, and what steps you can take to make your hives perform more like nature intended.
What’s Inside This Episode: Why tree cavities give bees a head start on winter survival * How clustering really works, from core temps to the outer mantle * The surprising role of carbon dioxide in calming bees and slowing consumption * Why water and condensation are vital, but only when they drip below* the cluster * The insulation gap: tree walls vs. Langstroth boxes * How entrance size and placement change survival odds * Practical takeaways to prep your colonies for colder months
Why Listen to This Episode?If you have ever wondered why colonies thrive in trees but struggle in wooden boxes, this episode connects the dots. You will leave with actionable ways to improve your overwintering setup, from insulation strategies to smarter entrance management.
More Info:🌐 beekeepingfornewbees.com
📘 bestbeekeepinggear.com
🎥 youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🌱 thehealinghiveproject.org
About the PodcastBeekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Winter is coming, and the way you prepare your hives now will determine how strong your colonies are in the spring. In this episode, we go step by step through assessing colony strength, when to combine hives, and what kind of feeding really works. We also break down insulation and ventilation, weighing your hives, and why candy boards and sugar bricks are not the magic fix some people think they are. This is the practical, no-nonsense guide you need before the cold weather sets in.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How to evaluate colony strength before winter
- When and how to merge weak hives without the newspaper method
- Feeding options: 1:1, 2:1, and 3:2 sugar syrup, plus what to avoid in cold temps
- Why candy boards, sugar bricks, and fondant usually fail
- Using pollen patties wisely without triggering brood too late
- Weighing hives to judge food stores and survival chances
- Insulation, ventilation, and preventing condensation problems
- Cheap and simple gear for securing hives against wind and snow
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode clears away bad advice and simplifies what works. You will leave with a clear plan to get your bees through winter without wasting money or losing colonies to preventable mistakes.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This episode focuses on the difference between spring and fall pollen and how seasonal shifts impact bee nutrition. We look at what bees need to raise brood, how they build fat reserves for winter, and why feeding is not the same in every season. At the end of the episode, I share my personal story of 9/11, where I was that day in DC, what I saw, and how it unfolded.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Tree pollen, brood buildup, and spring protein needs
- The role of high-lipid fall pollen in building winter fat bodies
- Why pollen patties are not a one-size-fits-all solution
- What to do when your fall flow never arrives
- How feeding mistakes can backfire going into winter
- A first-hand 9/11 account from DC and how it shaped the day
- The renovation timing that kept my mother away from the Pentagon impact zone
Why Listen to This Episode?
You will gain a clearer understanding of how bee nutrition changes by season and hear a first-hand account of 9/11 that offers perspective and reflection.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
News of the USDA Beltsville Bee Lab closing has sparked controversy, but what’s fact and what’s fearmongering? In this episode, we dig into the proposed relocation of the nation’s oldest bee research lab and what it means for diagnostics, research, and beekeepers like you. We also take a hard look at the usual claims about bee declines, climate blame, pesticide hysteria, and what the real numbers say about colony health. This one might ruffle some feathers, but it’s a conversation worth having.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- The truth about Beltsville’s shutdown and what might happen next
- Why moving lab services doesn’t mean losing them
- Can private industry or nonprofits step in and do it better?
- Debunking lazy climate arguments with real-world context
- Global honey bee colony counts and why they’re rising
- The almond industry, monoculture problems, and managed pollination
- Why honey bees are the invasive species nobody talks about
- Reframing decline: how growth and loss can coexist
Why Listen to This Episode?
This isn’t just about one lab. It’s about who controls the narrative and how beekeepers get their information. If you’re tired of politics clouding science and fear replacing facts, this episode clears the smoke and brings things back to reality.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oxalic acid has long been a trusted treatment for Varroa mites, but recent label updates are causing confusion about dosage, legality, and safety. In this episode, we talk through what the updated EPA labels for Api-Bioxal and EZ-OX actually say, why generic wood bleach is not a legal alternative, and how much is too much when vaporizing OA. We also dig into what studies show about dose vs. efficacy, why more isn’t always better, and what to watch out for when combining treatments. If you’ve heard people say “the label changed,” this episode breaks it all down.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Api-Bioxal now approved at 4g per brood box — what that actually means
- EZ-OX’s label vs. Api-Bioxal: different brands, different limits
- Why you can’t legally use generic wood bleach for OA vaporizing
- What new research shows about 5g+ doses and delayed colony losses
- The risk of vaporizing OA with honey supers still on
- Proper PPE and how inhaling vaporized OA can damage your lungs
- Why rotating treatments is more important than ever
- Apiguard vs. Apivar confusion: why amitraz resistance is important to understand
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you're brand new to OA or a seasoned vaporizer, the treatment landscape is changing. This episode helps you stay compliant, effective, and safe while keeping your bees healthy and your colonies thriving.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% globally ranked podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Fall swarms aren’t just a myth, and in some areas, they’re happening right now. While most beekeepers associate swarming with spring, certain late-season conditions can trigger it all over again. In this episode, we break down what those triggers are, how to recognize the signs, and what to do if your bees get the fall swarm bug. We also clear up the confusion between fall bearding and true swarm behavior, and talk about what really happens when you see queen cells in September.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What causes fall swarming and why it’s more than just a lack of space
- How reduced brood pheromone and strong nectar flow can set the stage
- Why fall pollen may not stimulate brood the way spring pollen does
- Why bearding is not the same as swarming but can still be a clue
- Swarm vs. supercedure vs. emergency cells and how to tell them apart
- The dangers of fall swarms for both the swarm and the parent colony
- What to do if you catch a fall swarm or miss it entirely
- Managing space and drawn comb during the fall flow
Why Listen to This Episode?
Understanding the subtle signals of a fall swarm can help you avoid losing a colony right before winter. This episode gives you the tools to recognize the warning signs and respond before it’s too late.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
As the summer bees finish their work and the fall flow begins, the colony shifts gears. In this episode, we explore how the biology of the honey bee changes for winter, why the nutritional profile of fall forage is different from spring, and what that means for feeding decisions. We talk about cluster sizes, race-specific overwintering tendencies, CO₂ and ventilation in winter, and how to decide what is right for your bees rather than following blanket advice from others.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Quick update on yellow jacket and wasp trap testing
- How to estimate honey yield from a full deep
- Why ordering your 2026 bees early can save you money and stress
- The shift from summer bees to winter bees and what changes biologically
- Fall versus spring forage and how nutrient profiles match seasonal needs
- Deciding on cluster size based on bee race, climate, and goals
- CO₂, ventilation, and keeping entrances open in winter
- Why overwinter feeding should fit your bees and your specific conditions
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you want your colonies strong and ready for spring, understanding the biology and seasonal needs of winter bees is key. This episode gives you practical, fact-backed strategies you can adapt to your own bees, location, and goals.
More Info:
🐝 beekeepingfornewbees.com
📘 bestbeekeepinggear.com
🎥 youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🌱 thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Record-breaking heatwaves aren’t just hard on humans — they challenge your colonies too. In this episode, we talk through ways to support your bees during extreme summer temperatures. You’ll learn how hive ventilation works, what role water plays in cooling the colony, and why some popular summer hacks may do more harm than good.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why beekeeping forums are flooded with conflicting, often bad information
- How bees manage internal hive temps through fanning, evaporative cooling, and bearding
- A walkthrough of vented inner covers, screened bottom boards, and screened entrance reducers
- What we can (and can’t) learn from tree cavities and natural hive structures
- The critical importance of accessible water in summer heat
- Heat shielding: the wild way bees absorb and relocate thermal energy
- Why opening the hive for “extra ventilation” may backfire — and what to try instead
- A reminder that Varroa doesn’t take the summer off, and why low counts can still mean high viral load
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’ve ever worried about your bees overheating or wondered how much intervention is too much, this episode offers practical advice and a calming reality check. You'll leave with a better understanding of what bees can handle and what they need from you.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Thinking about starting beekeeping next spring? This lighthearted but information-packed episode walks you through the full “gestation” process, from the initial idea of getting bees to the big delivery day. Whether you're still dreaming or already placing your order, we’ll break the season into trimesters and help you prepare every step of the way. From first tools to first inspections and even “bee nesting” behaviors, this episode is full of practical tips (and a few dad jokes) to get you ready for your brand-new colony.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Mapping your beekeeping journey from idea to installation
- What to expect in each “trimester” leading up to your first season
- The nesting phase: organizing gear and setting up your apiary
- Bee Day prep: sugar syrup, smoker checks, and installation timing
- Post-installation care and inspection best practices
- How to document early hive progress without fumbling with paper
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you're just toying with the idea or already knee-deep in gear, this episode gives you a practical timeline, helpful tools, and a humorous nudge to get your beekeeping plans in motion the right way.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Our Sponsors:
Check out Aeropress and use my code HONEY for a great deal: https://aeropress.com
Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What’s the real deal with summer ventilation hacks? Should you remove entrance reducers? In this episode, I break down some bad advice floating around YouTube, walk through key updates to the online course platform, and share the growing list of experiments I’ll be running in 2026. If you’ve noticed fewer uploads lately, there’s a reason for that too.
What’s Inside This Episode:* Why certain “ventilation tricks” can do more harm than good * Real talk on hive entrances, reducers, and hardware cloth * The new course platform and how it fixes major pain points * Preview of upcoming experiments on feeding, queen excluders, ventilation, and mite testing * DIY hive sensors and environmental tracking * Life updates: wedding planning, grad school, and production delays
Why Listen to This Episode?This episode gives you a transparent look at what’s working and what’s not when it comes to hive management, course development, and community support. If you're curious about what's ahead for 2026 or want a heads-up on common mistakes to avoid this summer, it’s all here.
Connect and Learn More:🌐 Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Gear and blog site: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 Nonprofit: https://thehealinghiveproject.org
📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
Support the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the most common alternatives to the Langstroth hive, including Top Bar, Horizontal (Long Langstroth and Layens), and Warre hives. Each of these styles offers something different, from lower lifting demands to more natural comb construction. We cover how they work, who they’re best suited for, and what you need to consider before making a change — including frame support, extraction limitations, and realistic tradeoffs. This episode also includes a listener mention of how horizontal hives can provide better accessibility for disabled beekeepers.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why Langstroth remains the default hive for most beekeepers
- Key features of Top Bar hives
- The difference between Long Langstroth and Layens hives
- Pros and cons of horizontal hives for backyard beekeepers
- Warre hive history
- Accessibility considerations and why style choice should reflect your goals
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com
🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we walk through practical honey extraction methods for beekeepers of all levels. If you're new to harvesting or just looking to improve your setup, this episode covers when and how to take honey, how to test moisture content, what to avoid during treatment windows, and how to extract honey with or without expensive equipment. We’ll also go over tips for drying uncapped honey, clearing bees from supers, and managing sticky cleanup after the fact.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why you shouldn’t harvest honey in your first year
- How to know when your honey is ready (capped vs uncapped)
- Using a refractometer to measure moisture content
- Tips for drying uncapped honey frames before extraction
- Why your treatment history matters before harvesting
- How to clear bees using escape boards, one-way exits, or shaking
- Overview of manual vs electric extractors
- Crush and strain method explained
- Final tips for safe, efficient honey harvests
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com
🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeeping
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we cover a few important topics to help you avoid major headaches in your beekeeping journey.
🐝 What’s Inside This Episode:* Why the presence of a queen cell doesn't mean “do a split” * How to avoid disaster when buying used gear (AFB risks) * Best practices for moving bees out of swarm traps * When it's safe to relocate, and how long to wait * What to ask when picking up a nuc or package * Why queen age, mite treatment, and egg-laying status matter * Regional timing differences for splits and trapping *
💬 More Info:🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
📘 Articles & reviews: bestbeekeepinggear.com
🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 Join the community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Value in the episode? Buy Me a Coffee
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Thinking of doing a walkaway split? Before you divide that colony, hit play. In this episode, we break down why timing is everything — especially as the summer dearth sets in. Inspired by a real listener question, we walk through what a walkaway split is, how it works, and why it might be one of the riskiest moves you can make during a seasonal lull. Learn why your queen might not emerge (or mate), what happens to your workforce while you wait, and why “just because” splits usually backfire.
🧭 What’s Inside This Episode: What exactly is a walkaway split, and how is it different from other types? * Why splits are easier (and safer) in the spring * How long it really takes to go from queenless to new bees * Why feeding and robbing become serious concerns * 4 key reasons not* to split your colony right now * How to test drone availability without risking an entire hive * Why “my mentor said it was a good idea” is not always a green light * Tips for getting honest, timely advice from experienced beekeepers
🔗 More Info:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
📌 About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we dive into the what, who, when, where, why, and how of honeycomb production. You'll learn how wax gets made, when bees choose to build it, what types of foundation help or hinder that process, and how to manage common comb problems — from burr and brace comb to the dreaded “wonky comb.” We also get into frame spacing habits, foundation color (black vs yellow), and why wax production is all about energy balance, not instinct alone.
Whether you’re dealing with bridge comb between deeps, weird bulging frames, or just want to help your bees draw clean comb, this episode will walk you through every angle.
🧭 What’s Inside This Episode: Who makes comb, when, and why * How nectar flow (not honey stores) triggers wax production * The hidden costs of wax secretion for the colony * Foundation types: plastic, wax, foundationless, and starter strips * Burr, brace, and bridge comb — what’s the difference? * Fixing frames stuck together or warped from weird comb * My personal hot take on why I do not* squish frames together * Tips on checkerboarding and why it doesn’t always work * Should you use black or yellow foundation? Here’s the real deal.
🔗 More Info🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
📌 About the PodcastBeekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ever wonder how long it takes for a queen to emerge? Or why drones take longer to develop than workers? In this deep-dive episode, we break down the full development cycle of honey bee castes — workers, drones, and queens — from egg to emergence. You’ll learn what happens during each stage, how nutrition influences caste, and why understanding these timelines is essential for swarm control, requeening, and sustainable colony growth.
What’s Inside This Episode:* Worker, drone, and queen development timelines: 16, 21, and 24 days explained * What each bee does during its life — from cleaning cells to mating flights * What royal jelly is and how it differs from worker jelly * Why bee bread is preferred over fresh pollen for larval nutrition * How to calculate timing for walkaway splits and swarm prevention * Tips for spotting queenright vs queenless conditions during a dearth * Using drone brood to monitor and interrupt Varroa mite reproduction
Why Listen to This Episode:This is one of the most detailed episodes we’ve ever done — and it’s loaded with knowledge that will help you make better management decisions. Whether you’re requeening, splitting, or just trying to understand what’s happening inside the hive, mastering the timeline of bee development is one of the most powerful tools in a beekeeper’s toolkit.
More Info:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on the meaning of service, sacrifice, and the families who carry that burden. In this special episode, Jeff shares his own story of military transition, how beekeeping became a source of healing, and why he's launching a new nonprofit: The Healing Hive Project. This initiative will create a retreat and training center for veterans and first responders using the therapeutic power of honey bees.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- A personal message of gratitude to Gold Star families and those who serve
- Reflections on military transition, loss, and reconnecting with purpose
- A behind-the-scenes look at the vision for The Healing Hive Project
- Facilities, programming, and how the beekeeping community can get involved
- Call for volunteers, donors, and partners to support this mission
- A reminder to show grace on Memorial Day — and to educate with kindness
Why Listen to This Episode:
If you’re a veteran, first responder, or someone who believes in the power of nature to heal, this episode shares the story behind a meaningful new direction. Whether you want to lend a hand, share the mission, or just reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, this episode lays the foundation for something that matters far beyond beekeeping.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
🫶 Learn more about the nonprofit: thehealinghiveproject.org
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The nectar flow doesn't last forever, and when it ends, things can get tough. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize the start of a summer dearth, how to feed bees without triggering robbing, and how to use this broodless period to crush your mite population. You'll also hear what not to do with syrup feeders (Jeff's mistake was gross), and why hive beetles and robbing go hand in hand this time of year.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Signs your bees have entered a dearth
- When to feed — and how to do it without attracting robbers
- Entrance reducers: size matters
- Best feeder styles (and how to avoid fermenting syrup disasters)
- Hive beetle traps, pollen patty caution, and SHB vacuums
- Leveraging the brood break for more effective mite treatments
- Why blind treating for mites without testing is hurting your bees (and everyone else)
- How to recognize robbing in action — and how to shut it down fast
Why Listen to This Episode:
If you’re beekeeping anywhere that sees a summer dearth, this episode is essential. You’ll learn how to keep your colonies healthy, productive, and protected through the toughest part of the season and how to time your mite treatments for maximum impact when brood levels drop.
More Info:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We wrap up our three-part Bee Buzz Q&A series with a big one — covering everything from screen bottom boards and queen excluders to robbing behavior, swarm cells, spring mite counts, aggressive bees, and more. Plus, a quick family update from graduation weekend, a pickup mission to Kentucky, and the latest with Howard the cat (who now demands an intro shoutout). This is a packed episode with over 20 questions answered.
What’s Inside This Episode: When to do your first mite wash after installing packages * Queen cells: how to tell the difference (and what to actually do) * Is a loud hive a sign of danger? * Should I be worried if one new package is way more active than another? * Robbing, screen bottom boards, and entrance reducer strategy * Late spring brood levels, swarm triggers, and inspection timing * Best mite treatment strategies for early season * And yes — why the queen excluder can go on anytime*
Why Listen to This Episode:This is the kind of episode you revisit every spring. Whether you're installing new bees, spotting queen cells, worried about brood patterns, or just trying to stay one step ahead of swarming season — this Q&A hits the key questions every new (and not-so-new) beekeeper runs into.
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We’re back with The Bee Buzz! In this episode, I recap a wild cross-country trip that ended in a busted transmission, a used car purchase, and the world's best Applebee’s salmon. Then we jump into your beekeeping questions.
What’s Inside This Episode:* Weekly inspections vs bi-weekly: what you risk by skipping * Reversing boxes vs adding space — what actually matters * When and how to rotate or replace frames * Signs your bees are running out of room * Queen cells: when to panic, when to leave them alone * How to time spring feeding, splits, and adding supers * Swarm traps, package installs, brood patterns, and more
Why Listen to This Episode:This Bee Buzz is packed with practical advice for spring management, swarm prevention, and making better colony decisions — especially if you're still figuring out when to step in and when to let bees do their thing. Whether you're managing two hives or twenty, there’s something in here for you.
Support the Show:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Bee Buzz is back! After a long break, we’re reviving this listener-favorite format where we answer your questions directly. From feeding bees in spring, to how much honey is enough to get through winter, to deciding when to add a second brood box—we’re covering a huge range of practical Q&A topics in this special milestone episode.
What’s Inside This Episode:* How to decide if your bees need feeding—or if you’re wasting sugar * Why beekeeping advice is often contradictory (and what to trust) * The best ways to assess colony strength after winter * When and how to add a second box * Cleaning deadouts safely and identifying disease risk * Hive inspection timing and what to look for in early spring
Why Listen to This Episode:This isn’t theory—it’s real-world beekeeping based on questions from our community. Whether you're confused by syrup ratios, struggling to tell if your bees are strong enough, or wondering if your queen made it through the winter, we’ve got answers. If you’ve ever said, “I’ve read 5 articles and they all say something different,” this episode is for you.
Support the Show:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 Also visit: bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feeding bees is one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, we talk about when you should feed, what you should feed (syrup, patties, honey frames, and more), and how much is enough. Whether you're managing packages, nucs, or full colonies, this episode will help you feed with purpose, not just habit.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Feeding strategies for packages, nucs, and overwintered colonies
- Syrup ratios and why 2:1 might be your new go-to
- When pollen patties help — and when they don’t
- Common mistakes and how to avoid robbing, spoilage, or overfeeding
- Practical feeder options (frame, top, jar, and more)
Why Listen to This Episode:
If you’re new to beekeeping or even a few seasons in, this episode cuts through the confusion and gives you real-world context on feeding decisions. Learn when it’s essential, when it’s optional, and how to do it without attracting problems like hive beetles or yellow jackets. 🐝
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
🌐 Visit the website: bestbeekeepinggear.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we talk about the right (and wrong) ways to move bees to a new location. Whether you’re relocating a hive two miles or two hundred, learn how to minimize stress, avoid major bee loss, and keep your colonies thriving. Plus, updates on swarm season and new traps at the property! 🐝
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How far honey bees can really travel.
- Best practices for relocating colonies safely.
- Real-world moving tips for new beekeepers.
- Funny stories from the field — including my cedar tree swarm!
Why Listen to This Episode:
Avoid costly mistakes when moving bees and learn practical techniques for success. Whether it’s a short shift across the yard or a major relocation, these tips will help you protect your bees and keep operations running smoothly. 🚚🌸
Listen now and make your next hive move a success! 🐝✨
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% globally, podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we dive deep into how honey bee colonies are structured and why understanding bee behavior can make you a calmer, more effective beekeeper. We cover the different castes of bees, what drives their daily decisions, how pheromones regulate everything inside the hive, and tips to work with your bees, not against them.
What’s Inside This Episode: • The roles of workers, drones, and queens
• How pheromones control hive behavior and reactions
• Recognizing warning signs during inspections
• How your own energy influences bee behavior
• Tips for minimizing disruption during hive work
Why Listen to This Episode?
Understanding how and why bees behave the way they do is the foundation of calm, confident beekeeping. Whether you're brand new or refining your skills, learning to “read the bees” will change everything.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is your trusted guide to practical, real-world beekeeping advice. We break down complex topics to help you build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and truly enjoy your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
From pub patio swarms in England to rooftop hives in Chicago—and even yoga sessions with bees—this Bees in the News installment covers the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain “what?” in the world of bees.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- A 3,000-bee swarm descends on a British pub mid-pint
- Chicago hotel rooftop bees add sweetness to guest stays
- New research warns that urban wildflowers may be toxic to pollinators
- Harvard’s Robo-B project gets insect-inspired landing gear
- Bee yoga? The University of Nebraska wants you to ommmm with bees this summer
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’re into honey bees, pollinator tech, or just enjoy hearing how bees are buzzing into headlines worldwide, this episode is for you. Equal parts educational and entertaining, Episode 146 reminds us how often bees find their way into our communities, cultures, and even wellness routines.
Support the Show:
Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
Discord Room: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
Blog & Gear Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is a top-ranked podcast that helps hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the craft of beekeeping. Each episode dives into practical tips, hive management strategies, and the occasional bee-related rant—all with a focus on helping you become a better beekeeper.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
So… you open the hive and don’t see any eggs. Panic sets in. Did she die? Did they swarm? Did you crush her?! In this episode, we walk through how to tell whether your colony is actually queenless—and what to do if it is.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Real reasons your queen might be gone
- False alarms that trick new beekeepers into requeening too soon
- How to recognize normal brood breaks vs. true queenlessness
- The frame-of-eggs test and what it tells you
- What queenless hives sound and act like
- Why waiting a week might be the smartest move you can make
Why Listen to This Episode?
Being queenless doesn’t always mean disaster—but reacting too fast can make it worse. If you’re unsure whether to intervene, requeen, or just walk away and wait, this episode will give you the confidence to make the right call. And if your queen really is gone, you’ll have a clear next step without wasting time or money.
Support the Show:
Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
Discord Room: Beekeeping For Newbees
Blog & Gear Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is a top-ranked podcast that helps hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the craft of beekeeping. Each episode dives into practical tips, hive management strategies, and the occasional bee-related rant—all with a focus on helping you become a better beekeeper.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Requeening a hive is one of the most important, and sometimes most confusing, tasks beekeepers face. Whether your queen is failing, gone, or just not cutting it, knowing how and when to step in can make or break your colony’s productivity.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How to tell if your queen is gone (and why no eggs doesn’t always mean queenless)
- Natural vs. assisted requeening: pros, cons, and timing
- Understanding queen mating flights and drone congregating areas
- A walkthrough of different requeening methods:
- Letting the colony requeen
- Purchasing queen cells
- Installing a mated queen
- Requeening with a full nuc
- Why direct release can backfire (and when it’s okay)
- When colonies naturally supersede a queen — and why you shouldn’t always wait
- How often you should requeen (hint: not every year)
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you’re dealing with a defensive colony or planning ahead for spring splits, this episode gives you a complete framework for understanding your options, weighing the risks, and making the best decision for your apiary. From budget-conscious strategies to high-efficiency options, we cover it all with real-world insights from years of hands-on experience.
Support the Show:
Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
Blog + How-To Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ever hear beekeepers talk about the "Demaree split" and wonder what it actually is? Spoiler alert: it's not a real split. In this episode, we walk through the Demaree Method of Swarm Control, a smart hive reorganization technique that helps manage swarm urges without creating a new colony.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What the Demaree Method is (and isn't)
- Step-by-step instructions for implementing it in a two-deep setup
- The biology behind why it works
- Pros and cons of this method for new and experienced beekeepers
- When to use it—and when not to
- Why “words matter” and why calling it a “split” drives me crazy 😅
Why Listen to This Episode? Whether you're trying to boost honey production, follow local hive count ordinances, or just don’t want to deal with another colony, the Demaree method offers a practical, no-split solution. Even if you’re not ready to try it this year, it’s a great tool to add to your beekeeping brain bank.
Support the Show:
- Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
- Blog, reviews, and write-ups: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
- Discord Room: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is a top-ranked podcast that helps hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the craft of beekeeping.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Swarming is a natural part of honey bee biology—but that doesn’t mean it has to happen in your apiary. In this episode, we break down the triggers that lead to swarms and the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk. From adding supers to splitting strong colonies, we’ll cover what works, what’s optional, and what to avoid.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Why bees swarm (and why it’s not personal)
• How swarming impacts honey production and colony survival
• Signs your colony is preparing to swarm
• Practical prevention strategies: supering, splitting, and managing brood space
• Why queen cells aren’t always bad—and how to handle them
• Common myths about reversing boxes and gadget-based “fixes”
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you're in your first year or your fifth, understanding how to prevent swarms will make your colonies more productive and less chaotic. This episode gives you the tools to keep your bees at home—and your season on track.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of hive inspections—from timing and tools to what to look for and what to leave alone. Whether you’re in your first season or your tenth, this guide will help you inspect your hives with confidence, purpose, and minimal disruption to your bees.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Why inspections are critical for every beekeeper
• What tools you really need (and what to skip)
• How to read frames without overhandling
• When to inspect, based on weather and colony stage
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself during an inspection—or avoided one altogether—this episode will give you the clarity and structure you need to get in, get answers, and get out while keeping your bees happy.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
If you’re about to install bees — or just did — this episode walks you through what to expect during the first 30 days of a new colony. From queen acceptance to feeder strategies and early inspections, we’ll help you avoid common mistakes and start your beekeeping season strong.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Quick overview of packages vs. nucs
- Why queen acceptance is key to package success
- When to feed and when not to (nucs vs. packages)
- What to look for during early inspections
- When to add more space or super
- Warning signs to watch for during colony buildup
- Tips for new beekeepers on staying organized and healthy in the heat
Why Listen to This Episode?
The first 30 days are make-or-break for new colonies. Whether you're starting with a package or a nuc, this episode helps you know what to expect and how to avoid mistakes that set your bees back. Tune in for a calm, clear walkthrough of everything that matters during the first month.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is your ultimate guide to getting started and thriving in the world of beekeeping. With real-world tips and calm, practical advice, this podcast helps you succeed through every season.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Over half a million downloads, a top 1.5% global ranking, and Feedspot’s Top 10 Beekeeping Podcast award — we’re celebrating some milestones and diving into an essential skill: keeping records. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring pro, your beekeeping notes matter. In this episode, we cover the importance of documentation, what to record for each hive and queen, tools and apps to consider (like Hive Tracks and Hive Bloom), how recordkeeping supports ELAP claims or inspections, and why a $9 mic has completely changed how we track inspections in the field.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
New beekeepers make a lot of mistakes, but many of them are easily avoidable if you know what to look out for. In this episode, I go through some of the most common beginner beekeeping mistakes and how to avoid them—so you don’t end up losing colonies, wasting money, or making your life harder than it needs to be!
📌 What’s Inside This Episode?
✔️ Why not treating for varroa is a guaranteed way to lose your bees
✔️ The importance of mite washes—how do you know if treatment is working?
✔️ How bad advice from "experienced beekeepers" can wreck your colonies
✔️ The dangers of splitting too early and how it weakens your hive
✔️ Why supering too late can lead to swarming and honey loss
✔️ The importance of keeping good notes, being prepared, and having the right gear
✔️ How robbing behavior and wide-open entrances can put your bees at risk
✔️ Taking care of yourself—hydration, electrolytes, and staying safe in the heat
🎧 Whether you’re a first-year beekeeper or a few years in, avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration!
👉 Join the Discussion & Resources:
🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord Community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
☕ Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Should you use a single deep or double deep for your brood chamber? 🏠🐝 In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of each setup, when to use them, and how they impact colony growth, inspections, and swarm management.
📌 What’s Inside This Episode?
✔️ The math behind brood space—do bees really run out of room? 🧮🐝
✔️ Pros & cons of single vs. double deep configurations
✔️ How hive layout impacts queen management & inspections
✔️ Swarm prevention strategies for both setups
✔️ Why drawn comb makes a huge difference in early management
🔥 Whether you’re a new beekeeper trying to decide or an experienced keeper rethinking your setup, this episode will help you determine which configuration is right for you!
👉 Join the Discussion & Resources:
🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord Community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Want to turn beekeeping into a profitable business? 🏛️🐝 In this episode, I break down everything you need to knowabout starting a beekeeping business the right way—from choosing a business structure to legal requirements, taxes, and protecting yourself with insurance.
📌 What’s Inside This Episode?
✔️ How to legally structure your beekeeping business (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietor)
✔️ The importance of business banking & keeping finances separate
✔️ Do you need a business license, EIN, or insurance?
✔️ How to protect yourself from liability when selling honey, bees, or hive products
✔️ Smart strategies for scaling your business and making beekeeping profitable
🔥 Whether you’re a new beekeeper looking to sell honey or someone thinking about expanding into a full-time operation, this episode will help you start your beekeeping business the right way!
👉 Join the Discussion & Resources:
🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord Community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Starting beekeeping this year? 🐝 Getting the right gear is key to setting yourself up for success. In this episode, we go through everything you need to get through your first season, from protective equipment to hive components, feeders, and hive stand options.
We also cover why every beekeeper should have a backup hive and a nuc box—because you never know when you’ll need to split a hive, catch a swarm, or save a colony! Plus, I share tips on hive configuration choices (single vs. double deep), hive stand options, and frame selection to help you plan ahead.
✔ Essential beekeeping tools you need for year one 🛠️
✔ Hive components: bottom boards, frames, covers, and hive stand options
✔ Feeding options and best practices 🍯
✔ Why you need a backup hive & nuc box for emergencies
✔ Optional honey-harvesting gear & why I don’t recommend taking honey in year one
✔ Preview of an upcoming episode on single vs. double brood boxes
If you’re getting started with beekeeping, knowing what gear you need (and what you don’t) can save you time, money, and frustration. This episode will help you prepare before your bees arrive so you can start strong!
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Beekeeping isn’t as cheap as many think—so what’s the real cost of getting started? In this episode, I break down the actual expenses of beekeeping, from startup costs to hidden fees you might not expect. If you're thinking about getting into beekeeping, this episode will help you budget wisely and avoid financial surprises.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- The true cost of starting beekeeping 💸
- Hive setup, protective gear, and equipment expenses
- The ongoing costs of maintenance, treatments, and feeding
- Hidden costs that most new beekeepers don’t consider
- How to save money and make beekeeping more affordable
Why Listen to This Episode?
Thinking about getting into beekeeping? Understanding the real costs can help you plan ahead and avoid overspending. Whether you’re budgeting for your first hive or looking to expand, this episode will give you a clear breakdown of the financial side of beekeeping.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Are package bees or nucleus colonies (nucs) the better choice for starting a new hive? In this episode, I break down the key differences, pros, and cons of both options. From installation to colony growth, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to make the best choice for your beekeeping goals.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What are package bees and nucleus colonies?
- Pros and cons of each option for starting a hive.
- Which one is best for your beekeeping style?
- Common questions and key considerations before purchasing.
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced beekeeper looking to expand, choosing the right way to start a colony is critical. This episode will help you understand the strengths and challenges of both package bees and nucs so you can make an informed decision.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Can you have it all in beekeeping—big honey harvests, low costs, and strong overwintering colonies? In this episode, we explore the Beekeeping Triangle: the three key priorities every beekeeper must balance—honey, money, or life. Whether you want a thriving apiary or a booming honey business, you’ll have to make choices!
💡 What’s Inside This Episode:
- How honey production, overwintering, and cost management interact
- Why you can only pick two out of three
- Tips for making the best decision for your beekeeping goals
- The impact of feeding, hive sustainability, and colony health
🔗 Join the Community & Support the Show
🌐 Website: BeekeepingForNewbees.com
🎙️ Podcast Directory: linktr.ee/beekeepingfornewbees
🗨️ Discord: Join the Conversation
☕ Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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Beekeepers across the U.S. are reporting massive honey bee colony losses—some exceeding 50%. What’s behind this sudden crisis? In this episode, we break down the facts, discuss possible causes, and explore what it means for new and experienced beekeepers alike.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Shocking colony loss statistics and financial impact
- How this crisis compares to Colony Collapse Disorder
- The role of Varroa mites, pesticides, and unknown factors
- What researchers are doing to uncover the cause
- Practical steps you can take to protect your bees
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you're a beekeeper or simply care about pollinators, this is a must-listen. Understanding the challenges facing honey bees today is key to making informed decisions about hive management.
🔗 More Resources & Show Notes:
- Project APIS-M: https://www.projectapism.org
- USDA ARS Bee Research Lab: https://www.ars.usda.gov
- Submit an ELAP Claim: https://www.fsa.usda.gov
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This week's Bees in the News is packed with fascinating research and unexpected discoveries! Penn State researchers explore how native bees recover when honeybees leave an area, scientists use QR codes to track bee movements, and a new study highlights the importance of varroa treatment timing. Plus, honeybees might have math skills—seriously! And finally, a fun piece breaking down Bee Movie inaccuracies. Tune in for all the latest buzz!
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Native bee populations rebound after honeybees move out.
- QR codes on bees?! Researchers track foraging behavior.
- Timing varroa mite treatments properly to reduce colony losses.
- A surprising study suggests honeybees prefer numbers arranged left to right.
- A Bee Movie critique—how accurate was Hollywood’s take on bees?
Why Listen to This Episode?
- Stay up to date with cutting-edge bee research.
- Learn about beekeeping best practices and what science says about varroa control.
- Enjoy a lighthearted breakdown of bee-related pop culture.
Support the Show:
- Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- Subscribe to the podcast: https://beekeepingfornewbees.buzzsprout.com
- Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
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Why do I only talk about the Langstroth hive? While there are many hive styles out there, I almost exclusively focus on this one. In this episode, I explain why it is my go-to choice for new beekeepers and why I rarely highlight alternatives.
But today’s episode also takes a serious turn. At the end, I open up about a difficult topic—mental health and the recent loss of someone who took their own life. If this is a sensitive subject for you, please listen with discretion.
What’s Inside This Episode:* Why I primarily discuss the Langstroth hive and its advantages for new beekeepers. * Brief thoughts on top bar, Warre, and horizontal hives. * The importance of keeping beekeeping simple and accessible. * A serious discussion about mental health and suicide in the veteran and first responder community.
Why Listen to This Episode?Have you ever wondered why I always focus on the Langstroth hive? In this episode, I explain why it is the most practical choice for most beekeepers and why I rarely highlight other hive types. This episode also takes a more serious turn as I discuss an important topic—mental health and suicide awareness.
Support the Show:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
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About the Podcast:Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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What’s Inside This EpisodeHave you ever opened your hive and suddenly thought, I lost my queen!? You’re not alone! Many beekeepers, especially in their first few years, experience this moment of panic. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s talk about the real reasons why your queen might seem to disappear—especially during seasonal brood breaks. In this episode, we explore:
- Why worker bees sometimes consume eggs laid by the queen.
- How seasonal dearth affects brood production.
- The role of nurse bees in regulating egg-laying.
- How a queen’s size and activity change based on environmental factors.
- What to look for before assuming your queen is missing or dead.
If you’ve ever worried about queen loss, this episode is a must-listen!
Why Listen to This Episode?Understanding the natural rhythms of a colony can prevent unnecessary interventions and help you make informed decisions as a beekeeper. Whether you’re new to beekeeping or a seasoned pro, knowing when (and if) to take action is crucial for hive health.
Support the Show & Stay Connected📢 Join our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
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About the PodcastBeekeeping for Newbees is your go-to resource for practical, experience-based beekeeping knowledge. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, we cover everything from hive management to seasonal beekeeping challenges. Tune in and grow with us!
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In this episode, I tackle a common question from the beekeeping community—should you buy your bees from the same supplier every year? We explore key factors to consider when purchasing bees, including genetics, supplier reliability, and local adaptation. Whether you're a new beekeeper or a seasoned pro, understanding the benefits and potential pitfalls of sticking with one supplier is crucial for the success of your apiary.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Supplier Reliability: Key signs of a trustworthy source.
- Genetic Diversity: The importance of introducing new genetics to your apiary.
- Local Adaptation: Why bees raised locally may outperform others.
- Overwintered Nucs vs. Packages: Understanding your options.
- Red Flags to Watch For: Avoiding common mistakes when sourcing bees.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you're wondering whether sticking with the same bee supplier is the right move or if it's time to explore new options, this episode will give you valuable insights to make an informed decision.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
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☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this episode, I dive deep into the biology and behavior of Varroa mites and why they’re often compared to HIV in their devastating impact on honeybee colonies. Learn how these parasites spread viruses, weaken colonies, and leave bees vulnerable to secondary infections. I also explore effective management strategies to keep these relentless pests under control. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned beekeeper, this episode is packed with crucial insights and actionable advice to protect your bees. 🐝✨
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Varroa Mites Unveiled: Why they’re compared to HIV and the havoc they wreak.
- Virus Vectors: How Varroa mites spread deadly viruses through hemolymph.
- Management Strategies: Proven treatments and techniques to reduce mite populations.
- The Role of Genetics: How bee breeds impact susceptibility to Varroa.
- Common Missteps: Avoiding pitfalls in Varroa management.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you want to deepen your understanding of Varroa mites and gain confidence in tackling them effectively, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with practical tips and knowledge to protect your colonies from this pervasive threat.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
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About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this episode, I walk you through my updated 2025 strategy for tackling the persistent challenge of Varroa mites. We’ll explore my go-to treatment methods, the reasoning behind them, and new techniques I plan to implement this year. From managing mite resistance to integrating sacrificial drone brood, I share actionable steps to keep your colonies healthy and thriving. Whether you’re a new beekeeper or an experienced pro, this episode is full of practical insights you can apply to your apiary! 🐝✨
What’s Inside This Episode: Why Varroa Management Matters: The critical impact of mites on colony health. * Updated Treatments for 2025: Oxalic acid, Randy Oliver’s OA pads, and more. * Timing Is Everything: The best times to treat your colonies for maximum efficacy. * Sacrificial Drone Brood: A simple and natural way to reduce mite populations. * Misinformation in Beekeeping*: How to sort through conflicting advice and find what works for you.
Why Listen to This Episode?If you’re committed to keeping your colonies healthy, this episode offers a detailed breakdown of strategies to tackle Varroa mites effectively. You’ll walk away with clear guidance and confidence to implement a sustainable mite management plan.
Support the Show:🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
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About the Podcast:Beekeeping for Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this special episode of Beekeeping For Newbees, we address the pressing concerns beekeepers face during a polar vortex. As cold air sweeps across regions, questions pour in about how these extreme conditions impact honeybee colonies. If you’re worried about your bees, this episode is for you!
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What is a polar vortex, and how does it affect hive temperatures?
- The fascinating way bees generate and retain heat within the cluster.
- How extreme cold increases honey consumption and what it means for your winter stores.
- Practical tips for protecting hives from harsh winds and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Insight into preparing for unusual cold spells and why bees are better equipped for survival than we think.
Why Listen to This Episode: Discover how bees manage to stay warm even in sub-zero conditions and what steps you can take to give them the best chance of survival. With simple, actionable advice, this episode helps both new and experienced beekeepers stay calm and proactive during harsh winter weather.
Support the Show: Find more tips, videos, and community discussions at beekeepingfornewbees.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow beekeepers!
About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and maintaining thriving beehives. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, our episodes provide step-by-step advice, tips, and insights from an experienced beekeeper.
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In this episode, we continue our journey to help new beekeepers get started on the right foot! 🐝 This episode focuses on one of the most important decisions you'll make: where to place your hives. We dive into the key considerations for choosing the perfect hive location and share practical tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you're a backyard beekeeper or managing a larger apiary, this episode has invaluable advice to set your bees up for success! 🌻🏡
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Importance of hive placement and its impact on bee health and productivity.
- Factors to consider: sunlight, wind breaks, water sources, and neighbors.
- Common mistakes to avoid when selecting your hive's location.
- Real-world examples and practical tips to make the best decision.
Why Listen to This Episode?
Choosing the right spot for your hives is crucial for your beekeeping success. This episode offers step-by-step guidance and tips to help you make an informed choice. Learn how to optimize your hive’s location for the health and happiness of your bees.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
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About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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Before setting up your first hive, there are important rules and regulations to understand to avoid fines, complaints, or moving your bees. Beekeeping is an incredible journey, but it comes with responsibilities. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the research you need to conduct to ensure you’re starting the right way.
What’s Inside This Episode
- Understanding Zoning Laws: Residential, rural, or urban restrictions.
- Hive Limits and Setbacks: How many hives you can keep and where they should go.
- Registration and Inspections: Requirements for registering hives and compliance checks.
- Liability and Neighbor Relations: Why keeping neighbors informed matters.
- Resources to Get Started: Where to find reliable legal and regulatory information.
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode provides critical insights for aspiring beekeepers who want to ensure their hives are both legal and safe. With practical advice and easy-to-follow tips, this is your roadmap to staying on the right side of the law while nurturing a thriving apiary.
Support the Show
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
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About the Podcast
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this episode, we share valuable tips and tricks for finding a beekeeping mentor who can guide you on your journey. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills, a great mentor makes all the difference! 🐝✨
What’s Inside This Episode:
- How to connect with local bee clubs and online communities.
- Tips for approaching potential mentors and building meaningful relationships.
- Why mentorship is a game-changer for new beekeepers.
Why Listen to This Episode:
Discover how mentorship can fast-track your learning, help you avoid common pitfalls, and deepen your understanding of beekeeping. We also share practical resources and personal anecdotes to inspire you to find the perfect guide on your beekeeping adventure.
Listen now and take the first step toward building a successful partnership with an experienced beekeeper! 🌼🐝
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about pollen traps: why you might want to use them, the tools and methods involved, and how to handle and store the pollen you collect. I also cover some of the potential downsides to using pollen traps and share tips on how to package pollen for sale. Whether you’re curious about supplementing your colonies or looking for another way to support your beekeeping journey, this episode has you covered! 🐝💛
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Why Harvest Pollen? The importance of pollen for brood development, worker health, and colony strength.
- Tools and Methods: Front-mounted vs. bottom-mounted traps.
- Storing Pollen: Best practices for drying, freezing, and preventing spoilage.
- Downsides and Cautions: How to avoid weakening your colony.
- Selling Pollen: Tips for packaging and marketing your pollen safely.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you're considering using pollen traps or just want to understand the role of pollen in your bees’ health, this episode provides practical advice and insights to guide you.
Support the Show:
🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com
💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast helps you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this episode, I’m diving into some common winter beekeeping myths and practical feeding strategies. From fondant and granulated sugar to quilt boxes and hive wraps, we’ll cover how to keep your hives healthy through the colder months. Plus, I’ll share insights on genetics, local mentorship, and tips for adapting your approach to your climate. Happy Beekeeping! ❄️🐝
What’s Inside This Episode:
- Winter Feeding Myths: Debunking misconceptions about feeding bees during the winter months.
- Feeding Strategies: Practical advice on using fondant, granulated sugar, and when to feed on warm winter days.
- Hive Insulation: Tips on quilt boxes, hive wraps, and how to keep colonies warm.
- Genetics and Mentorship: Why good genetics and local mentors are key to successful overwintering.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’re preparing your hives for winter or want to ensure your bees make it through the cold season, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you succeed. Avoid common pitfalls and keep your colonies strong!
Support the Show:
Your support helps keep the podcast going! If you find value in the content, consider supporting the show:
Join the Conversation:
Have questions, insights, or stories to share? Connect with the Beekeeping for Newbees community:
🌐 Website: https://BeekeepingForNewbees.com
💬 Discord Community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast is here to help you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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Special Guest Edition: A Family Buzz!
For the first time, two of my daughters join me on Bees in the News to read the latest articles and share some laughs. From a bumblebee boom in Scotland to a Florida man’s wild bee swarm survival tale, we’re buzzing with excitement!
Here’s what’s inside:
- Scotland’s Bumblebee Boom 🐝: A rewilding project transforms farmland into diverse habitats, boosting bumblebee numbers by 11,500% and doubling species diversity.
- The Waggle Dance Decoded 💃🐝: Scientists unravel the mysteries behind honeybee communication.
- Surviving the Swarm 😱: A Florida tree trimmer’s miraculous recovery after over 100 bee stings.
- Saving Urban Bees 🌇🐝: Tel Aviv’s innovative efforts to relocate pollinators to safer homes.
- Pests Turned Heroes 🌻🐞: Gardeners are shifting their views on insects, embracing their vital roles in ecosystems.
Why Listen to This Episode?
This special edition blends insightful stories with laughter and a touch of sibling rivalry. Whether you’re a beekeeper, a pollinator advocate, or just love a good laugh, this episode has something for everyone.
Support the show
Join the Conversation:
Have questions, insights, or stories to share? Connect with the Beekeeping for Newbees community:
- 🌐 Visit our website: https://BeekeepingForNewbees.com
- 💬 Join the Discord community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast is here to help you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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Happy Thanksgiving! In this special episode, we take a moment to express gratitude for our incredible community of listeners and beekeeping enthusiasts. After some holiday cheer, I dive into your questions from the Discord room, tackling key topics for beekeepers at all levels:
- Should you invest in “fancy” bee packages from top-tier suppliers like Randy Oliver and Michael Palmer?
- When starting a new hive, is it better to buy a queen in early spring or let your bees do the work?
- What happens when you put swarm cells in a nuc? Will the queens fight it out, and how can you manage mated queens until you're ready to use or sell them?
Why Listen to This Episode
Whether you’re wondering about the best way to source your bees, planning your next queen rearing project, or just looking for some beekeeping inspiration this holiday season, this episode has you covered. It’s a mix of practical advice and fun discussions to keep your beekeeping journey buzzing along.
Support the show
Join the Conversation:
Have questions, insights, or stories to share? Connect with the Beekeeping for Newbees community:
- 🌐 Visit our website: https://BeekeepingForNewbees.com
- 💬 Join the Discord community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast is here to help you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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Welcome to Beekeeping for Newbees! In this episode, we’re diving back into the world of splits and nucs. Whether you’re revisiting these topics or hearing about them for the first time, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you succeed in managing your hives.
What’s Inside This Episode:
- What Are Splits and Nucs? A breakdown of these essential terms and their importance to beekeepers.
- Why Do Splits? Discover how splits can prevent swarming, strengthen your apiary, and promote healthy hive growth.
- All About Nucs: Learn the critical role nucleus colonies play in expanding operations or recovering from hive losses.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: Practical tips for making splits or managing nucs, including timing, equipment, and common pitfalls.
- Your Questions Answered: Burning questions about splits or nucs? This episode delivers the answers you need to take the next step confidently.
Why Listen to This Episode?
Managing splits and nucs are foundational skills for every beekeeper, whether managing one hive or many. These techniques are not just about growth—they’re about resilience. By mastering them, you’ll be better equipped to adapt to challenges, prevent setbacks, and support the health of your bees.
Join the Conversation:
Have questions, insights, or stories to share? Connect with the Beekeeping for Newbees community:
- 🌐 Visit our website: https://BeekeepingForNewbees.com
- 💬 Join the Discord community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast is here to help you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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This week’s episode of Bees in the News brings you some fascinating and surprising stories from the world of bees:
- Unbelievable teamwork: Two bees work together to open a soda bottle, showcasing incredible problem-solving skills.
- Economic challenges: New infectious diseases among bees threaten global agricultural economies.
- Beekeeper devastation: A wildfire in California destroys millions of bees, leaving local beekeepers mourning.
- Wildlife preservation: Over 70 species of wild bees face dire threats from pesticides, highlighting the urgency of ecological action.
- Asian hornet invasion: A beekeeper’s life’s work in Switzerland is decimated by invasive hornets.
These stories highlight the resilience of bees and the ongoing challenges they face in today’s rapidly changing world. Tune in for a mix of inspiring, educational, and thought-provoking news from the hive! 🐝
Join the Conversation:
Have questions, insights, or stories to share? Connect with the Beekeeping for Newbees community:
- 🌐 Visit our website: https://BeekeepingForNewbees.com
- 💬 Join the Discord community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast is here to help you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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In this episode, I’m sharing a few general updates and then diving into an important question from our Discord room: How can new beekeepers prepare for their second year? Tune in for tips and insights to set yourself up for success. Happy Beekeeping! 🍯🐝
What’s Inside This Episode:
- General Updates: A quick rundown of what’s been happening lately.
- Second-Year Prep: Practical advice for first-year beekeepers gearing up for their second season.
- Community Q&A: A thoughtful question from our Discord room and actionable answers.
Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you’re in your first year of beekeeping or supporting others on their journey, this episode is packed with tips and advice to help ensure year two is a success.
Join the Conversation:
Have questions, insights, or stories to share? Connect with the Beekeeping for Newbees community:
- 🌐 Visit our website: https://BeekeepingForNewbees.com
- 💬 Join the Discord community: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
- ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping for Newbees is your ultimate guide to starting and thriving in the world of beekeeping. Packed with practical advice and personal stories, this podcast is here to help you make the most of your beekeeping journey.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
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This week we have articles from the UK, North Dakota, Texas, North Carolina, and Alaska.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/exclusive-content
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This week we have stories coming to us from New York, South Dakota, California, and Tennessee. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week we have articles from Texas, New York, Maine, and Utah.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/exclusive-content
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Today we had a chance to catch up with beekeeper, teacher, and author Tara Chapman to discuss everything from her childhood and how she got into beekeeping, to her business Two Hives Honey, and everything in between. I am sure you will enjoy our discussion as much as I did. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week's articles are from Texas, Illinois, Montana, California, and Ontario Canada. Happy Beekeeping!
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Today we had a chance to catch up with beekeeper, teacher, and author Tara Chapman to discuss everything from her childhood and how she got into beekeeping, to her business Two Hives Honey, and everything in between. I am sure you will enjoy our discussion as much as I did. Happy Beekeeping!
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In this week's episode we have a long discussion with Randy Oliver on a variety of beekeeping topics. Randy is a lot of fun and a true expert in the beekeeping community. This is part 2 of 2.
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This week we have news articles from: Minnesota, New Mexico, Georgia, Virginia, and Germany. Happy Beekeeping!
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In this week's episode we have a long discussion with Randy Oliver on a variety of beekeeping topics. Randy is a lot of fun and a true expert in the beekeeping community. This is part 1 of 2.
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This week we're answering emails and questions from our Discord room, giving a lot of updates on me and the YouTube channel, and going over the lineup of the upcoming interviews this month. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week we have articles from Canada, Australia, the UK, Malta, and Pennsylvania. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week we have articles coming to us from the UK, France, Montana, Pennsylvania, and the west coast.
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This week we have articles from Canada, the UK, Penn State (Pennsylvania - US), Iran, and Minnesota. Happy Beekeeping!
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Met up with Benny while traveling in Sandy, UT. He is a local beekeeper out there and I have had many great discussions with him. Here is a clip from one of our chats.
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This week we have articles from Canada, Sweden, PA (Penn State), and US FDA. Happy Beekeeping!
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In today's Bee Buzz I give a few life updates then we dive in to questions on varroa treatments, SHB, hive bodies, oxalic acid, and more.
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Today we have articles from: Nature.com, Alaska, Colorado, and Israel. Happy Beekeeping!
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I wanted to check in with everyone and offer up a suggestion for the best approach to listening to this podcast. It is designed with a building block approach in mind, so we strongly encourage getting through the first several episodes before jumping ahead.
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This week we have articles from Nicaragua, Israel, Washington D.C., California, and Wisconsin. Happy Beekeeping!
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Today we are discussing everything we can think of on the small hive beetle. What it likes, the problems it presents for bees, it's lifecycle and how to get rid of it. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week we have articles from Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Australia. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week's bee buzz we're talking about splitting, queen excluders, Apivar vs Oxalic Acid, supering, and more. Happy Beekeeping!
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This week we have stories out of Arizona, Alberta, Idaho, New Brunswick, and North Dakota. Happy Beekeeping!
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Another episode of answering emails and messages from the Discord room. Also available on YouTube.
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This week's articles come to us from the UK, Canada, Australia, and Texas, with honorable mentions from Utah and North Dakota.
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This week we have news stories from Texas, the UK, Ontario, CA, PA, and North Dakota. Enjoy!
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In this week's Bee Buzz we are going through more listener emails, discord questions, and general topics that have been going on in the bee world. Feel free to check out the video version on YouTube.
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This week we have bee news from the UK, Utah, Central Asia, California, and North Dakota. Enjoy!
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This week we have part two of our interview with Charlotte Wiggins. If you missed part one, please go back and listen to last week's episode. In our first discussion it was all about honeybees, but this time we are talking about the garden. You will want to have a pen and paper handy during this discussion because it is loaded with great tips and tricks.
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I just wanted to take a quick minute to thank all of you for listening. I absolutely love the opportunity to serve you and I hope that you continue to enjoy our podcast and videos for many years to come. Thank you!
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This week we were able to have Charlotte Wiggins back again for another visit, but this time it was to talk about the garden. You will want to have a pen and paper handy during this discussion because it is loaded with great tips and tricks for the garden. Once again we had such a great discussion that we are breaking it into two episodes and will release part two next week.
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This week we have articles from Alabama, Vermont, Michigan, New York, and USDA.
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In this episode we are continuing where we left off on episode 18, answering questions from the huge list of emails, discord server questions, etc. Tons of great questions from people just like you!
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This week we have articles from the UK, Virginia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma.
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In this bee buzz episode we discuss everything that has been on the list from the "Bee Buzz" channel in the discord room, listener emails, and we discuss some exclusive content and other things we are rolling out. Tons of Q&A - so much so that we had to split it into two episodes.
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In this episode we have articles from Canada, Penn State - Home of The Nittany Lions, L.A. California, Georgia, and Texas.
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In this episode we sit down with Dr. Marion Pierson of Mo Hives KC and learn all about what her and the team there are doing around urban beekeeping in and around Kansas City, MO.
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This week, in the news, we will be highlighting news from the states we traversed on a recent road trip. We will cover the second half of the states in this episode. The first half was covered last week in Episode 3.
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This week, in the news, we will be highlighting news from the states we traversed on a recent road trip. We will cover the second half of the states in this episode. The first half was covered last week in Episode 3.
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In this Bee Buzz episode we go through some bee buzz questions from both emails and the discord room, as well as a few updates on other things that are going on.
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In this Bee Buzz episode we go through some bee buzz questions from both emails and the discord room, as well as a few updates on other things that are going on.
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This week, in the news, we will be highlighting news from the states we traversed on a recent road trip. We will cover the first half of the states in this episode and the second half in Episode 4 next week.
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In this episode we are going to dive a little deeper into hive placement and location considerations for your colonies.
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In this Bees In The News episode we cover news from Australia, Russia, Finland, and Canada as part of our International bee news episode.
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In this episode we run through a few different ways that new and experienced beekeepers can save money and make their own queens with the genetics that they want in their apiary.
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Today we're introducing a new segment to provide a few tidbits and stories of bees in the news worldwide. If you enjoy this, let us know and we will see if it makes sense to make it a regular segment.
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Checking in on a bunch of notes from emails and the discord room. Also a few other updates of interest. This was a lot longer than I expected, but it was a lot of fun too, so hopefully you will enjoy it too!
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In this episode we are going to dive a little deeper into the dynamics of the hive and how much the splitting process disrupts the source colony, as well as factors effecting the development of the new colonies.
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In this episode we will answer some pressing spring questions as well as provide everyone with a couple of updates.
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In this episode I am going to run down a list of definitions and explain what things are so that those who are jumping into the bee game do not necessarily have to go back to the beginning for all of the basics.
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In this episode we have an interview with a special guest from the University of Texas, San Antonio. Today we discuss the medicinal uses and benefits of honey, the upcoming eclipse and it's impact to the bees, and more!
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In this episode we will discuss some of the challenges and considerations around late season feeding in preparation for overwintering your colonies. Also a few updates around our spring plans for bringing in and documenting a bunch of new package bees.
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This week I am going over a lot of miscellaneous info and trying to get everyone updated on a few odds and ends. I also have a brief visit from a special guest.
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In this episode we will discuss some of the more popular options for varroa treatments.
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After a bit of an unplanned break, I wanted to check in with everyone, share a few notes and ideas, and talk about some upcoming plans. Good to be back!
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In this episode we continue our interview with Master Beekeeper and Master Gardner, Charlotte Wiggins.
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Today we are chatting with Charlotte Wiggins, Master Beekeeper, and Chairperson of the Great Plains Master Beekeeper Program. Lots of great info and Q&A. Part 1 of 2.
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In this episode we are going to discuss some important considerations and aspects to feeding, as well as a few pros and cons. Also some bonus content at the end.
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In this episode we will discuss the most common species of bees that are kept in North America today, which ones are best for new beekeepers, and the pros and cons of them.
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As usual for the bee buzz, today we are answering your questions and talking about bottom boards, earwigs, frames, foundation, virgin queens, and burr comb. Enjoy!
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Should you use the entrance reducer set at 3/4" to 1", the 3" entrance, or should you remove it all together? What about upper entrances? What direction should they face? Should I use a mouse guard? This episodes is all about entrances, how big they should be, and when to do what with them.
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In this episode we'll discuss a typical year in the apiary and what I do to keep things running as a hobbyist.
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In this episode I am fielding a bunch of questions from the discord room and emails from listeners.
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In this episode we will discuss laying workers, how to recognize that you have them, and how to address it.
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This is just a quick discussion on how we can get bees to make use of available space. Sometimes they'll swarm, but yet you'll have unused frames to the left and right, as well as entire unused supers up above that haven't been touched. With these tips, hopefully we can get them to drawn up that comb and put that space to work.
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In this episode we will discuss ways to grow your apiary with two frame nucs. These smaller nucs serve multiple side benefits to your apiary, which we will also cover today.
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This bee buzz is just a quick check in with everyone who has recently discovered that one or more of their colonies did not make it through the winter. We also have a special guest dropping by to say hello.
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In this episode we will discuss the tools, equipment, and considerations when deciding to capture wild honeybee swarms.
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Swarm traps are a great way to get some free bees for your apiary. Is catching swarms a good idea? In this episode, let's look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of swarm traps.
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Whether your bees survive the winter or not, you still have work to do. In this episode we cover everything that you need to do when you get into the hives for the first time this year.
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As a follow up to our recent splitting episode, I thought it might be fitting to have a more detailed swarming discussion and to provide everyone with a few options and strategies to consider.
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We have discussed splits before but in this episode, we are going to dive deeper. As your beekeeping game continues to elevate, so must your understanding of the "why" of what we do. Hopefully this episode will help you transition from doing things because you are told to, over to doing things because you understand the underlying needs of the bees. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you run into a roadblock.
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In this Bee Buzz we go over a few email topics and try out the new mobile recording setup.
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In this episode we will discuss the roles and responsibilities of both the mentor and mentee in teaching and learning how to keep bees.
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In this episode we will discuss some of the things that you should be doing in preparation for coming spring. Certainly not all inclusive. Also making mention of the new Discord server.
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This is part three of our three part Q&A. Great to finally be caught up on some of the more recent questions from all of you. Keep them coming!
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This is part two from our marathon Q&A. Part three will be released on October 6th.
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In this episode we are answering more questions that have come in over the past few weeks. Good to be chatting with everyone. Looking forward to getting back in the saddle as the season slows down.
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In this episode we answer a lot of listener questions and cover some things that might be useful to other beekeepers.
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In this episode we are going to talk about splitting hives, expanding existing hives, and the things to consider before you chose your approach.
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In this episode we will talk about some common things that can happen with your queen and why she may not be visible or laying eggs.
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In this episode we will discuss one of the old school ways of getting free honeybees - The Swarm Trap. We will also talk about the pros and cons of swarm captured bees.
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In this episode we will talk about all of the craziness that has gone on in the past few weeks from splits, to weather, to a few personal announcements. So much to talk about!
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Lots of Q&A and a visit from the Phoebeekeeper.
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Today we had a fantastic discussion with Brian Peterson of Bees In the D, based in Detroit, Michigan. I think we could have kept chatting for a few hours given the chance. He and his team are doing some great things with bees, pollination, and education in Michigan and I hope that you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did recording it.
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In this episode we will discuss why splits are a sound strategy of hive management, the pros and cons of splitting, and things to keep in mind when doing them this spring.
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Today we are talking about a few emails that have come in regarding space, layouts, getting workers to draw up comb, and a few more things.
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In this episode of The Bee Buzz we are discussing laws, ordinances, queens, and a few other misc topics.
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In this episode we discuss some things to look for and to do when opening those overwintered colonies for the first time.
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This is the first episode of a new thing that I am trying out to help separate Q&A, news, and random subjects, from task specific episodes. Let me know what you think.
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Here we talk about dusting off the beekeepers gear and getting things ready for your first inspection of the season. Spring is almost here!
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Today we had an awesome discussion with Ian Steppler of Steppler Farms. You can see more from Ian on YouTube at his channel: A Canadian Beekeeper's Blog.
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This week we will talk about some of the challenges faced by the suburban beekeeper.
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This week we have a special guest who will be introducing us to one of the most innovative approaches ever created to simply and non-disruptively extract honey from your hives.
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In this episode we will discuss some of the most critical things to consider when prepping your hives for the winter.
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This week we talk to Phoebe about what she's been up to in the apiary, some social updates, a program in VA for free bee hives, and much more.
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This week we will talk about combining weak hives, introducing queens in to new colonies, and go over a few updates and listener emails.
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In this episode we will discuss a few things to be looking for as the summer heat ramps up, and we'll go through a few listener emails.
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This is the continuation of Episode 17 where we cover listener emails and a few other topics relevant to the season. Enjoy the sounds of the birds in the background.
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In this episode I'll answer some honey questions that have been coming in lately and talk about what I usually do. Plus lots of listener emails to discuss and a few other odds and ends.
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In this episode I will discuss a few updates on the apiary and respond to some listener emails.
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In this episode we will focus on the common types of feeders you will use during a dearth or period where pollen and nectar are absent or scarce.
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In this episode we will discuss realistic expectations for your first year colonies and how this will vary based on packages vs nucs and your location. Also listener emails and inspections.
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In this episode we will provide social media updates and discuss a number of questions that have been sent in by listeners.
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In this episode I'll discuss a couple of my recent hive inspections. Some challenges and issues that presented themselves and how I am planning to deal with them, as well as a challenge that one of our listeners ran in to.
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Continuation of the discussion on expanding your hives and choosing the right hive components for your situation.
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In this episode we'll discuss methods and approaches to expanding your hives to prevent swarming and give the bees more breathing room.
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This is the second part of a two part session on hive inspections where we dive further in to swarming, types of queen cells, what to do after swarms, and more
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In this episode we detail everything you should be doing and looking for during your first hive inspection.
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Review of hive placement and installation of package bees and nucleus colonies.
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Final wrap of from part 1, special guest, and setting the stage for more detailed info moving forward. It's time to get busy!
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Are you ready? Don't worry. We'll cover the last of your tasks in this podcast and will have you ready to go in the next couple of weeks. Getting ready to transition from overview of things in to more detailed projects and tasks.
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In this episode we discuss all of the parts and pieces of the hive from the ground up, except the details on the frames. Episode 5 will be an all about frames discussion.
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In this episode we talk about the options available, which ones are better suited for you, and things to consider when ordering bees for the coming spring.
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In this podcast we review all of the protective gear that you need to get started in beekeeping and to do so with the confidence you need to focus on the bees and not worrying about being stung.
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In this podcast I provide more detailed info on me, my beekeeping background, and what we have on the agenda in the coming weeks.
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Basic introduction to the podcast and the information that I am hoping to provide to enable new beekeepers as they begin their journey in to the world of beekeeping.
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