In this episode, Jim revisits a small swarm he first discussed in June. As he inspects the colony, Jim shares his observations and strategies for nurturing this struggling swarm. Despite initial doubts, the colony has grown significantly, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges such as wax moth infestations and minimal nectar flow. Jim h…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Jim Tew to discuss the little nagging issues every beekeeper face, humorously termed "bee peeves." Jim, a seasoned beekeeper and co-host of the Honey Bee Obscura podcast, brings his extensive experience and wit to the conversation, making this episode both enlightening and entertaining. Jim shares h…

In this engaging episode, Jim welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss a variety of timely beekeeping topics. They delve into the challenges of early mite infestations, highlighting the importance of proactive treatments. Jim and Anne also explore the curious case of neon green queen markers that fade quickly, the perplexing phenomenon of hyper…

In this engaging episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Frank Linton, a seasoned beekeeper and author with a deep passion for observation hives. Frank shares his unique journey into beekeeping, sparked by his grandfather's influence and reignited years later with his first observation hive. Listeners will be captivated by Frank's enthusiasm and extensive …

In this episode, Jim delves into the curious behavior known as washboarding. As he observes his bees engaging in this rhythmic activity, Jim explores various hypotheses and shares insights from both personal observations and scientific studies. He discusses the possible reasons behind washboarding, including pheromone laying, boredom, and propolizi…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Andy Pedley, a retired Environmental Health Officer and experienced beekeeper from the UK. Andy shares his extensive knowledge on food safety in the context of honey production, an often overlooked but critical aspect of beekeeping. With over 30 years of beekeeping experience, Andy provides invaluable i…

In this episode, Jim explores the fascinating concept of bee personalities and how they change throughout the seasons. On a scorching hot day, Jim reflects on how bees adapt their behavior to cope with the heat, the challenges of finding water, and the shifting dynamics within the hive. He shares his observations on how bees' temperaments can vary …

In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Dr. Anke Dietzsch from the Institute for Bee Protection at the Julius Kühn Institute, Germany's Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants. Anke discusses her extensive research on the effects of pesticides on bee health, focusing on both honey bees and native wild be…

In this episode, hosts Jeff and Becky chat with Brooke Decker and Natasha Garcia-Anderson from the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA). Brooke and Natasha share their extensive knowledge and experiences as regulatory officials dedicated to supporting beekeepers and maintaining bee health across North America. Brooke, the Pollinator Health Specialist…

In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an adventurous journey to inspect a fallen hive. Accompanied by his friend Bob Romick, Jim travels through rural Ohio to assess the damage and potential causes of the hive's collapse. He shares the challenges of working with a toppled hive, including the use of smoke and the surprising resilience of the bees.…

In this episode, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman sit down with John Hill, the innovative force behind HillCo Bees, a quickly emerging player in the beekeeping equipment industry. John shares his inspiring journey from a young enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, offering listeners a unique insight into the rapid growth and development of his…

In this episode, Jim Tew shares valuable lessons learned from his early days in beekeeping, focusing on the challenges of removing bees from old structures. Reflecting on his 50 years of beekeeping experience, Jim recounts humorous and insightful stories of his first attempts at bee removals. Listeners will gain an understanding of the complexities…

In this insightful episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Master Beekeeper David Burns. David, a well-known figure in the beekeeping community, shares his extensive knowledge and experiences, offering invaluable advice for beekeepers of all levels. From his early, adventurous beginnings to becoming an EA…

In this episode, Jim Tew delves into the fascinating world of swarming behavior. Jim shares his experiences with swarms moving into winter-killed colonies, highlighting how these free bees can effectively clean up and rejuvenate old equipment. He discusses his observations on swarm preferences, the unpredictability of swarm arrivals, and the intrig…

During this seventh year anniversary week of the podcast, we bring you this special memorial episode honoring our former co-host, colleague, and dear friend, Kim Flottum, who passed away in December 10, 2023. This episode is dedicated to celebrating Kim’s remarkable life and his immense contributions to the beekeeping community. Join hosts Jeff Ott…

Welcome to a special episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, presented by Betterbee. As we kick off our seventh year and celebrate the first day of Pollinator Week, we are thrilled to bring you a conversation filled with insights and stories that highlight the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems. In this episode, Jeff and Becky delve into …

Join Jim Tew as he recounts the captivating story of the “Survivor Hive” — an incredible beehive that endured decades without human intervention. In this episode, Jim shares a remarkable story from his early beekeeping days, illustrating the resilient and adaptive nature of honeybees. Learn how this hive, abandoned in a remote location, used propol…

(281) Join us in this episode as we delve into the sophisticated world of beekeeping record management, focusing on the innovative platform, HiveTracks! Explore the capabilities of HiveTracks—a mobile app and cloud-based system designed to streamline beekeeping management. Our dialogue with James Wilkes and Max Rünzel, the visionaries behind HiveTr…

In this episode, Jim Tew dives into the humorous and often frustrating situations beekeepers face when neighbors expect them to handle all sorts of "bee" problems. Jim shares personal stories of dealing with carpenter bees, yellowjackets, and hornets—none of which are honey bees. He explains the misconceptions non-beekeepers have and the unexpected…

In this episode, Jeff and Becky delve into the groundbreaking development of the first American Foulbrood (AFB) vaccine for honeybees with Annette Kleiser, co-founder of Dalan Animal Health, and Tim Ferris, a commercial beekeeper based in Pennsylvania and New Zealand. Annette shares her journey from concept to market, highlighting the challenges fa…

In this episode, Jim Tew shares his tried-and-true methods for lighting and using a smoker, essential tools for any beekeeper. He delves into the evolution of his technique; from the fuel he prefers to the simple but effective system he's developed over the years. Jim discusses the convenience and potential drawbacks of using cedar shavings, the im…

In this episode, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor welcomes bee scientist Dr. Mazi Sanda from Cameroon. Dr. Sanda, who currently resides in Germany as part of the PLAN4BEE project, shares his journey into the world of bees, starting from his childhood fascination with insects to his professional research at the University of Ngaoundere. He provides a captiv…

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Christina Grozinger, a distinguished researcher from Penn State University, who delves into her extensive work on bee behavior, genetics, and the vital role of nutrition in bee health. As the director of the Center for Pollinator Research, Dr. Grozinger offers invaluable insights into the complexit…

In this stinging episode, Jim recounts an unexpected encounter with unusually aggressive bees in his apiary. While mowing near his hives, Jim experienced an unprovoked attack from bees that had previously shown no signs of hostility. He delves into potential reasons for this sudden change, exploring factors such as the absence of a nectar flow, vib…

In this fun episode of our podcast, we're diving deep into the topics of bee health and maximizing honey production with insights from Steve Donohoe and Paul Horton, seasoned beekeepers from the UK. These experts share their pioneering strategies detailed in their new book, Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives, aimed at enhancing hive productivity and bee wel…

In this thoughtful episode, Jim dives into the often-overlooked aspects of beekeeping that extend beyond the bees themselves. He reflects on the countless hours spent on tasks that, while essential, don't directly involve handling bees—like managing equipment, mowing grass, and maintaining bee yard cleanliness. This episode offers a holistic view o…

(#277) In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of honey bee virology with Dr. Michelle Flenniken from Montana State University. As a seasoned researcher specializing in honey bee viruses, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge that's both enlightening and essential for understanding the health challenges our bees face. This episode is pac…

In this episode, Jim introduces listeners to the world of beekeeping through the experiences of a new beekeeper, his grandson Will. As a high school junior with a budding interest in bees, Will's initial steps into beekeeping offer a fresh perspective and relatable insights for anyone curious about starting this fulfilling hobby. Throughout the epi…

(#276) In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Kaira Wagoner of Optera, who introduces us to groundbreaking research in bee hygiene. Kaira shares her extensive study on hygienic behavior in honey bees, a critical trait that helps colonies combat pathogens like varroa mites and various bee diseases. This episode not only dives deep into t…

In this episode, Jim takes listeners on an auditory stroll through his bee yard during a recent vibrant spring day. As the bees buzz energetically around him, Jim shares his personal reflections and insights on the bustling life of the hive. With the backdrop of blooming fruit trees and a flurry of bee activity, he paints a vivid picture of a beeke…

In this latest episode, we dive deep into our seasonal segment, "Regional Beekeeper Updates." This episode offers a rich compilation of insights as beekeepers from various U.S. regions share the unique challenges and triumphs of their beekeeping experiences. Our hosts, Jeff and Becky, guide listeners through a series of engaging discussions with be…

In this enlightening episode, Jim takes listeners on a historical journey through the evolution of beekeeping hives. Delving into the storied past of traditional box hives, Jim reflects on a unique box hive he acquired, which was originally built in 1853—the same year L.L. Langstroth revolutionized beekeeping with his patented removable frame hive.…

In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor is joined by Dr. Marla Spivak, a renowned bee scientist and MacArthur Genius Award recipient. Together, they delve into the pivotal changes in beekeeping ushered in by the Varroa mite's arrival and explore the ongoing challenges it poses. Dr. Spivak shares insights from her decades of …

(#274) Welcome to this informative episode of the "Beekeeping Today Podcast," featuring a detailed discussion with Christy Payne from Collinsville, Oklahoma. This episode is designed to provide both new and experienced beekeepers with insights into advanced beekeeping practices and the integration of beekeeping within corporate environments. In our…

In this episode, Jim explores the practical aspects of dealing with "less-than-pristine" honey, an inevitable challenge for many beekeepers. Throughout the discussion, Jim shares personal anecdotes and insights from his extensive experience, providing a nuanced look at what beekeepers can do with honey that doesn't meet the highest quality standard…

(#273) In this enlightening episode, we delve into the complex world of Varroa management with the insightful Dr. Kirsty Stainton. As beekeepers eagerly set up their new colonies, the specter of Varroa destructor looms large, threatening the health and productivity of hives across the globe. Kirsty, armed with her profound expertise and passion for…

In this episode, hosts Jim Tew and guest Anne Frey, delve into the intriguing and sometimes baffling phenomenon of beekeepers being unable to locate their hive's queen. Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or just starting, losing sight of your queen can stir a mix of mystery and panic. But as Jim and Anne discuss, this situation is more common …

(#272) In the latest episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, we dive into the pressing issues facing beekeepers today with our guest, Dr. Erika Plettner from Simon Fraser University. As beekeepers, we are all too familiar with the challenge of managing Varroa mites, a pervasive threat to our hives and the global bee population. Dr. Plettner brings…

In this episode, Jim Tew takes listeners on an intricate journey into the life of a honey bee egg, uncovering its quiet but highly active existence. Despite the challenge of discussing such a microcosmic topic, Jim eloquently demystifies the complexities surrounding the initial stage of a bee's life cycle. From the difficulties beekeepers face in s…

(#271) In this enlightening episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Thomas Seeley, a celebrated biologist and author, to discuss his latest book, "Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz Runners: 20 Mysteries of Honey Bees Solved." Dr. Seeley shares his deep fascination with the individual behaviors of work…

In this intriguing episode, Jim Tew and Anne Frey delve into the unexpected and often perplexing world of queen bee behavior and physiology that diverges from the norm. This episode explores the rare but fascinating occurrences that beekeepers might encounter with their queens, ranging from fainting queens during marking to queens with anatomical a…

(#271) In this captivating episode, Jeff and Becky chat with Bo Sterk, the visionary founder of Bees Beyond Borders, an organization dedicated to uplifting communities through beekeeping in the Caribbean. This episode delves into Bo's three decades of beekeeping experience, highlighting his profound impact on economically challenged regions by usin…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim takes beekeepers through the critical period of late winter and early spring, emphasizing the delicate balance between intervening in the hive and letting bees be. Drawing from his observations during an unseasonably warm day in Northeast Ohio, Jim shares his insights into the significance of weather for be…

(#269) In this episode, Becky and her guest cohost and Bee Culture writing partner, Bridget Mendel, take you on a journey with Liz Frost, an American beekeeper turned technical specialist in honeybees for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries in Australia. Frost shares her transition from the U.S. to Australia, offering a unique pers…

In this captivating episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Dr. David Peck, Director of Research and Education at Betterbee, to explore the intricate world of bees and the persistent challenge posed by varroa mites. Peck shares insights from his groundbreaking research, including his astonishing discovery of varroa mi…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, we dive into the intricacies of nurturing nucleus colonies (nucs) with beekeeping expert Anne Frey from Better Bee. Jim and Anne discuss the benefits and methods of working with nucs, emphasizing their role in sustainable beekeeping practices. Anne shares her extensive experience, focusing on the use of double …

(#268) In the concluding episode of our four-part series on "How To Get Started With Bees," we explore the crucial topics of parasites, pathogens, predators, and pesticides—from this point on, to be collectively known as the “four Ps of beekeeping”. Our hosts, along with guest, Jim Tew and David Peck, tackle these challenges with optimism, aiming t…

In this episode Jim discusses the obscure world of division board feeders, exploring their history, evolution, and practical use in beekeeping. These feeders, which replace a frame inside the hive, have undergone significant changes over the years, from simple molded plastics to modern versions with top doors, gates, and valves. Jim shares his pers…

(#267) In "How To Get Started With Bees," part three of our four-part series, we delve deeper into the essential steps for budding beekeepers. This episode focuses on equipment selection, emphasizing the critical decision between new and used gear, and the potential risks associated with each. Our experts, including Honey Bee Obscura's Jim Tew and …

In this enlightening episode, Jim invites American Bee Journal editor, Eugene Makovec, to the podcast to chat about their experiences and insights on how to engage young minds with the fascinating world of beekeeping. They delve into the joys and challenges of presenting beekeeping to children, from kindergarteners' innocent inquiries to the more s…