Beekeeping For Newbees®

Are package bees or nucleus colonies (nucs) the better choice for starting a new hive? In this episode, I break down the key differences, pros, and cons of both options. From installation to colony growth, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to make the best choice for your beekeeping goals. What’s Inside This Episode: What are package bees and nucleus colonies? Pros and cons of each optio...

Can you have it all in beekeeping—big honey harvests, low costs, and strong overwintering colonies? In this episode, we explore the Beekeeping Triangle: the three key priorities every beekeeper must balance—honey, money, or life. Whether you want a thriving apiary or a booming honey business, you’ll have to make choices! 💡 What’s Inside This Episode: How honey production, overwintering, and cost...

Beekeepers across the U.S. are reporting massive honey bee colony losses,some exceeding 50%. What’s behind this sudden crisis? In this episode, we break down the facts, discuss possible causes, and explore what it means for new and experienced beekeepers alike. What’s Inside This Episode: Shocking colony loss statistics and financial impact How this crisis compares to Colony Collapse Disorder The...

This week's  Bees in the News  is packed with fascinating research and unexpected discoveries! Penn State researchers explore how native bees recover when honeybees leave an area, scientists use QR codes to track bee movements, and a new study highlights the importance of varroa treatment timing. Plus, honeybees might have math skills—seriously! And finally, a fun piece breaking down  Bee Movi...

Why do I only talk about the Langstroth hive? While there are many hive styles out there, I almost exclusively focus on this one. In this episode, I explain why it is my go-to choice for new beekeepers and why I rarely highlight alternatives. But today’s episode also takes a serious turn. At the end, I open up about a difficult topic—mental health and the recent loss of someone who took their own...

What’s Inside This Episode Have you ever opened your hive and suddenly thought,  I lost my queen! ? You’re not alone! Many beekeepers, especially in their first few years, experience this moment of panic. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s talk about the real reasons why your queen might seem to disappear—especially during seasonal brood breaks. In this episode, we explore: Why worker bees...

In this episode, I tackle a common question from the beekeeping community—should you buy your bees from the same supplier every year? We explore key factors to consider when purchasing bees, including genetics, supplier reliability, and local adaptation. Whether you're a new beekeeper or a seasoned pro, understanding the benefits and potential pitfalls of sticking with one supplier is crucial...

In this episode, I dive deep into the biology and behavior of Varroa mites and why they’re often compared to HIV in their devastating impact on honeybee colonies. Learn how these parasites spread viruses, weaken colonies, and leave bees vulnerable to secondary infections. I also explore effective management strategies to keep these relentless pests under control. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a sea...

In this episode, I walk you through my updated 2025 strategy for tackling the persistent challenge of Varroa mites. We’ll explore my go-to treatment methods, the reasoning behind them, and new techniques I plan to implement this year. From managing mite resistance to integrating sacrificial drone brood, I share actionable steps to keep your colonies healthy and thriving. Whether you’re a new beeke...

In this special episode of  Beekeeping For Newbees , we address the pressing concerns beekeepers face during a polar vortex. As cold air sweeps across regions, questions pour in about how these extreme conditions impact honeybee colonies. If you’re worried about your bees, this episode is for you! What’s Inside This Episode: What is a polar vortex, and how does it affect hive temperatures? The fas...

In this episode, we continue our journey to help new beekeepers get started on the right foot! 🐝 This episode focuses on one of the most important decisions you'll make: where to place your hives. We dive into the key considerations for choosing the perfect hive location and share practical tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you're a backyard beekeeper or managing a larger apiary, thi...

Before setting up your first hive, there are important rules and regulations to understand to avoid fines, complaints, or moving your bees. Beekeeping is an incredible journey, but it comes with responsibilities. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the research you need to conduct to ensure you’re starting the right way. What’s Inside This Episode Understanding Zoning Laws : Resident...

In this episode, we share valuable tips and tricks for finding a beekeeping mentor who can guide you on your journey. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills, a great mentor makes all the difference! 🐝✨ What’s Inside This Episode : How to connect with local bee clubs and online communities. Tips for approaching potential mentors and building meaningful relationships. W...

In this episode, I dive into everything you need to know about  pollen traps : why you might want to use them, the tools and methods involved, and how to handle and store the pollen you collect. I also cover some of the potential downsides to using pollen traps and share tips on how to package pollen for sale. Whether you’re curious about supplementing your colonies or looking for another way to s...

In this episode, I’m diving into some common winter beekeeping myths and practical feeding strategies. From fondant and granulated sugar to quilt boxes and hive wraps, we’ll cover how to keep your hives healthy through the colder months. Plus, I’ll share insights on genetics, local mentorship, and tips for adapting your approach to your climate. Happy Beekeeping! ❄️🐝 What’s Inside This Episode :...

Special Guest Edition: A Family Buzz! For the first time, two of my daughters join me on Bees in the News to read the latest articles and share some laughs. From a bumblebee boom in Scotland to a Florida man’s wild bee swarm survival tale, we’re buzzing with excitement! Here’s what’s inside: Scotland’s Bumblebee Boom 🐝: A rewilding project transforms farmland into diverse habitats, boosting bumbl...

Happy Thanksgiving! In this special episode, we take a moment to express gratitude for our incredible community of listeners and beekeeping enthusiasts. After some holiday cheer, I dive into your questions from the Discord room, tackling key topics for beekeepers at all levels: Should you invest in “fancy” bee packages from top-tier suppliers like Randy Oliver and Michael Palmer? When starting a n...

Welcome to Beekeeping for Newbees ! In this episode, we’re diving back into the world of splits and nucs. Whether you’re revisiting these topics or hearing about them for the first time, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you succeed in managing your hives. What’s Inside This Episode: What Are Splits and Nucs? A breakdown of these essential terms and their importance...

This week’s episode of Bees in the News brings you some fascinating and surprising stories from the world of bees: Unbelievable teamwork: Two bees work together to open a soda bottle, showcasing incredible problem-solving skills. Economic challenges: New infectious diseases among bees threaten global agricultural economies. Beekeeper devastation: A wildfire in California destroys millions of bees,...

In this episode, I’m sharing a few general updates and then diving into an important question from our Discord room: How can new beekeepers prepare for their second year? Tune in for tips and insights to set yourself up for success. Happy Beekeeping! 🍯🐝 What’s Inside This Episode: General Updates: A quick rundown of what’s been happening lately. Second-Year Prep: Practical advice for first-year...

]This week on Bees in the News , we’re covering stories that highlight the resilience and challenges faced by bees and beekeepers, from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to innovations in winter hive care. What’s Inside This Episode: North Carolina: After Hurricane Helene, the state braces for a rise in bee stings as displaced colonies become more aggressive. Read more Global Research: Stressed be...

This week on Bees in the News , we’re exploring a variety of stories, from an unusual highway “bee-mergency” to inspiring stories of veterans in beekeeping and even some victories on the field from a high school team named the Bees. Dive in! What’s Inside This Episode: California: A red pepper spill on Highway 101 turns into a “bee-mergency,” attracting swarms of bees. Read more South Dakota: Vete...

This week on Bees in the News , we’re covering a variety of stories, from bee swarm attacks and promising pesticide antidotes to a heartfelt farewell to Salt Lake City’s baseball team, the Bees. Tune in for this week’s buzzworthy updates! What’s Inside This Episode: Texas: Two North Texans are hospitalized after a bee swarm attack in North Richland Hills. Read more Cornell Research: A new bee anti...

Today, we continue our engaging conversation with beekeeper, teacher, and author Tara Chapman. From her childhood and journey into beekeeping to her business, Two Hives Honey, and more, Tara shares incredible insights and stories. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this second part of our discussion as much as I did. Happy Beekeeping! 🍯🐝 What’s Inside This Episode: Tara’s Journey Continued: More about her ex...

This week on Bees in the News , we’re exploring a variety of stories, from the rediscovery of a rare bee species to disputes over hive regulations and alarming losses in Ontario. Tune in for the latest updates and insights. What’s Inside This Episode: Global: Conservationists rediscover a rare bee species that had been missing for decades, bringing hope to pollinator conservation efforts. Read mor...