Beekeeping For Newbees®

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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.

🌐 beekeepingfornewbees.com

📘 bestbeekeepinggear.com

🎥 youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

🌱 thehealinghiveproject.org

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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.

🌐 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

☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

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.

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.

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.