Beekeeping For Newbees®

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 expectWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAdditional Resources:📺 Digitizing Hive Inspection Notes: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-wAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Swarm trapping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to grow your apiary, and in this second part of the discussion we move from theory to real-world execution. In this episode we talk about where to place your traps, when they should go up in different regions, and what to do after you successfully catch a swarm. From planning your removal process to installing the bees into a hive, this episode walks through the practical steps that turn a swarm trap into a thriving new colony.What’s Inside This Episode:• Planning ahead for swarm trap removal and why thinking through the process before you catch bees makes everything easier• Ideal swarm trap placement including edges of fields, road borders, and other transitional areas bees naturally travel• Why densely wooded areas often perform worse for swarm traps due to predators and poor flight access• Regional timing guidance for placing swarm traps across the southern United States, Mid-Atlantic, and northern states• What to do once a swarm moves into your trap and why many beekeepers leave them undisturbed for several days• How to safely close and remove a swarm trap at night and relocate it to your apiary• Installing captured swarm frames into a full hive and helping the colony build quickly with feeding and comb drawing• Techniques some beekeepers use to anchor a swarm to the hive including adding a frame of broodWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAdditional Resources:Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0Swarm Trap Assembly: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE60 Second Swarm Trap Build: https://youtu.be/Wfy3ybL3PJMSwarm Trap Plans: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/resourcesSwarm Trap & Nuc Entrance Wheels: https://amzn.to/3FzSMAnAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Swarm season is one of the most exciting times of the year for beekeepers. In this episode we begin a two-part discussion about swarm traps, what they are, why they work, and how you can use them to capture free bees during the spring swarm season. We walk through the biology of swarming, why scout bees search for new cavities, and how a simple swarm trap can turn that natural behavior into a powerful tool for growing your apiary.What’s Inside This Episode:• What swarming actually is and why honeybee colonies naturally divide during spring buildup• Why swarm traps allow beekeepers to capture large colonies of free bees during swarm season• The advantages and potential risks of bringing wild swarm genetics into your apiary• The cavity size honeybees prefer when selecting a new home and how swarm traps mimic it• Materials commonly used when building swarm traps and why durability matters outdoors• Using drawn comb and lemongrass oil to attract scout bees searching for a new colony site• Practical guidance on where to place swarm traps and how to do it safelyWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAdditional Resources:Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0Swarm Trap Assembly: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE60 Second Swarm Trap Build: https://youtu.be/Wfy3ybL3PJMSwarm Trap Plans: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/resourcesSwarm Trap & Nuc Entrance Wheels: https://amzn.to/3FzSMAnAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Spring is getting closer, which means the questions from beekeepers are starting to pour in again. In this Bee Buzz episode, I work through a lightning round of listener questions covering late winter hive activity, feeding decisions, early inspections, and what normal colony behavior looks like as temperatures begin to warm. If you're seeing bees flying on warm days, noticing dead bees in front of the hive, or wondering if it's time to check food stores or add space, this episode walks through the most common questions beekeepers are asking right now.What’s Inside This Episode:• Why bees suddenly start flying during warm winter days and what cleansing flights actually mean• What a pile of dead bees in front of the hive usually indicates during late winter cleanup• When it makes sense to check food stores and how to do a quick cold weather hive check• Why one hive may appear active while another seems quiet coming out of winter• How to estimate food stores and determine if a colony may be running low without pulling frames• Whether bees bringing in pollen means the queen has already started laying again• When to perform your first full spring inspection and what to focus on early in the seasonWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesBeekeeping 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

March is one of the most critical transition points in the beekeeping year. Colonies are expanding, winter bees are aging off, brood production is ramping up, and nectar flows are just beginning. In this episode, I walk through the key management decisions that can determine whether your colonies thrive, swarm, or collapse in the weeks ahead.What’s Inside This Episode:Why March is the most dangerous transition period for overwintered coloniesThe balance between declining winter bees and rising brood productionWhen to feed, how to feed, and what not to stimulate too earlyBox management, reversing hive bodies, and when to add spaceWhy I do not equalize weak colonies at the expense of strong geneticsEarly swarm pressure, queen cups, and how quickly things can escalateInspection timing and how missing one queen cell can cost you half a colonyWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cold weather has a way of making even experienced beekeepers second guess everything. With unusually low temperatures showing up across large parts of the country, I wanted to take some time to walk through what cold actually means for overwintering colonies, how much additional honey they may consume, and when intervention does or does not make sense.This episode is a general update covering several seasonal topics, including winter feeding philosophy, evaluating colony stores, progress on ongoing projects, and getting ready for spring.What’s Inside This Episode:Why extended cold spells increase honey consumption and how much more bees may actually useRealistic weekly honey usage at different winter temperaturesWhy panic inspections often cause more harm than goodHow to assess colony weight and food stores without opening the hiveDifferent feeding strategies and why context and goals matterUpdates on the hive monitoring project and why it is temporarily pausedProgress on the Master Beekeeper Program and what is coming nextSwarm trap preparation and placement timing for the upcoming seasonWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Laying workers are one of those beekeeping problems that feel intimidating until you understand what is actually happening inside the hive. After a listener reached out asking where to find guidance on laying workers and realizing it deserved its own episode, I finally sat down to break the topic down from the ground up.In this episode, we walk through the pheromonal mechanics behind laying workers, what causes the condition, how to recognize it early, and several proven ways to correct it depending on your resources and goals.What’s Inside This Episode:Why queen mandibular pheromone and brood pheromone are central to colony stabilityHow prolonged queenlessness leads to ovary development in worker beesClear visual signs that indicate a laying worker conditionWhy laying workers can involve multiple workers, not just oneThe role of brood pheromone, open brood frames, and synthetic QMPPractical options for fixing a laying worker colony, including splits, shake-outs, and recombiningCommon mistakes that cause queen introductions to fail in laying worker hivesWhy 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/UbJRAhoCD9QMore Info:🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Africanized honeybees are one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, I cut through the fear driven headlines and talk honestly about what Africanized bees are, where they actually pose a risk, and how much of what we hear is grounded in biology versus social media panic. We also dig into real behavior differences, why identification is not as simple as people think, and how beekeepers should realistically manage risk.What’s Inside This Episode:Where Africanized honeybees came from and how they spread through the AmericasWhy Africanized bees are not a separate species and cannot be identified by looks aloneThe real behavioral differences that matter, including defensiveness, pursuit distance, and response thresholdsWhich parts of the United States have established populations and why cold climates limit their spreadWhy most serious incidents involve unmanaged or feral colonies, not maintained apiariesHow Africanized colonies differ in defensive behavior compared to hot European stockUsurpation behavior and how one colony can take over another in minutesWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesBeekeeping 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

American foulbrood gets a lot of attention in beekeeping circles, often accompanied by fear and worst-case scenarios. In this episode, I walk through what AFB and EFB actually are, how they differ, how they spread, and why severity does not always equal likelihood. We also talk about realistic risk, common misdiagnoses, used equipment, open feeding, and whether the new AFB vaccine makes sense for most beekeepers.What’s Inside This Episode:Why American foulbrood is high severity but low likelihoodHow AFB and EFB differ in cause, symptoms, and outcomesWhat sunken cappings, patchy brood, and larval death really indicateHow spores spread through honey, equipment, robbing, and driftWhy most beekeepers will never see a confirmed case of AFBWhen fear-based messaging does more harm than goodThe limits and realities of the new AFB vaccine for queensWhy mites, nutrition, and basic management still matter moreWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Bees in the News edition covers four fascinating stories from around the world, from new species discoveries to the first honeybee vaccine. We look at how research and innovation continue to change our understanding of bees, their intelligence, and the threats they face.What’s Inside This Episode:Discovery of the horned “Lucifer” bee in Western Australia’s goldfieldsHow small hive beetle larvae convert excess pollen into usable foodNew research showing that bees can perceive and measure timeThe first successful vaccine for American foulbrood diseaseA misleading viral post about queen bee insemination and why it’s wrongHow social media often distorts beekeeping practices for clicksFinal reflections on seasonal slowdown and winter beekeeping prepWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesReferenced 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about Pennsylvania’s proposed bee legislation. We move from the 2024 Senate Bill 1198 to the newly filed 2025 House Bill 1277, breaking down what changed, why it matters, and how the bill expands the state’s authority over beekeepers.What’s Inside This Episode:What happened to the 2024 Senate Bill and why it expiredHow HB 1277 was reintroduced with stronger enforcement languageExpanded licensing that now includes hobbyist beekeepersWhat “risk-based inspections” really mean and why they are undefinedThe department’s new powers to enter property and destroy hivesHow fines, fees, and licensing revenue now fund enforcement directlyWhy “exclusive jurisdiction” language limits local flexibilityWhat small-scale beekeepers can do before this moves forwardWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode takes a closer look at Pennsylvania’s proposed Plant and Pollinator Protection Act (SB 1198) and why it’s raising concerns among beekeepers across the country. I break down how it rewrites the long-standing Bee Law, what new powers it gives the Department of Agriculture, and why even backyard beekeepers could be affected.What’s Inside This Episode:What SB 1198 actually proposes and why it mattersHow it expands licensing and inspection powersWhat “risk-based inspections” could mean for hobbyistsHow unregistered hives could be seized or destroyedThe shift from a $10 registration to open-ended licensing feesNew record-keeping and reporting requirementsWhy this legislation could set a national precedentWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Bee Buzz episode I tackle common late-season questions about treating Varroa mites before winter, dealing with moisture and ventilation, replacing old comb, wrapping hives, and whether it’s safe to move colonies near a windbreak this time of year. We also look at what “too much insulation” really means, how to manage condensation safely, and why mite counts in early spring matter more than any single fall treatment.What’s Inside This Episode:How late you can safely treat for Varroa before winterWhy most mite treatments don’t work well during clusteringWhether to treat for Nosema or other diseases in fallHow to tell if mite levels are low enough to survive winterWhen and how to replace dark, old comb safelyWhether tilting the hive helps manage condensationHow much ventilation is too much in cold climatesWhen to wrap hives, move colonies, or open them midwinterWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Bee Buzz episode I answer listener questions about using drone comb to reduce Varroa without chemicals, getting bees to accept plastic foundation, managing weak colonies before winter, handling late season queen loss, and how to think about brood frames, pollen patties, and uncapped nectar as the season winds down.What’s Inside This Episode:How drone comb helps pull Varroa mites out of the colonyWays to coat or prep plastic foundation for better acceptanceWhen to combine weak colonies before winter hitsWhat to do if your colony goes queenless late in the yearWhy removing unused brood boxes saves energy and stressWhen pollen patties hurt more than they helpHow to move honey frames safely between coloniesWhy genetics beat feeding when it comes to overwintering successWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In part two of my conversation with Minnesota beekeeper Peg DeSanto, we continue unpacking the science of overwintering and explore the research behind condensation, CO₂ balance, and hive insulation. Peg explains why matching hive size to colony strength matters, how smaller overwintering spaces improve survival, and how her Hive Hugger project was born from frustration, science, and a little bit of love.What’s Inside This Episode:Why bees can freeze even with honey inches awayThe real cause behind “starvation” deaths in winterHow matching hive space to colony size improves survivalWhat Seely’s natural cavity research reveals about hive volumeHow CO₂ and humidity help bees regulate metabolismHow the Hive Hugger insulation system was developed and testedWhy insulation values (R30 top, R10 sides) are critical for cold regionsWhy 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.orgAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode I talk with Minnesota beekeeper Peg DeSanto about one of the biggest challenges in beekeeping, getting colonies through winter. Peg explains how she became determined to stop winter losses and what she learned about insulation, moisture control, and the science behind the condensing hive approach.What’s Inside This Episode:Why 50 to 60 percent winter losses are not inevitableHow moisture and cold both threaten hive survivalWhat R values actually mean for top and side insulationHow bees manage condensation and why wet bees die fastWhat condensing hive design solves and how to build oneReal data from researchers like Tom Seeley and Etienne TardifHow proper insulation reduces honey use and stressWhy 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.orgAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bees In The News is back with a fresh format and more commentary. Instead of just reading headlines, I dive into what these stories really mean for beekeepers. In this episode, we explore the surprising discovery of natural bacteria in pollen that may protect bees, the growing concerns about native bee loss in Missouri and Kansas, and a Penn State study showing that organic beekeeping might actually improve honey yields and beekeeper safety. We wrap up with Alaska’s first small hive beetle detection and what it really means for northern beekeepers.What’s Inside This Episode:How natural endophytes in pollen could help fight hive pathogensThe reality of native bee decline and what beekeepers can do about itWhy honey bees can act like an invasive species in certain ecosystemsBreaking down “organic” beekeeping and why it does not mean “hands off”How organic acids and essential oils can rival conventional mite treatmentsWhy 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 panicPractical steps to reduce beetle pressure in your hives year-roundWhy 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.orgReferenced 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Every beekeeper wonders how their colonies are doing in the middle of winter. Are they clustered? Do they have enough food? Is it safe to open the hive? In this episode, I walk through the new project I have been teasing for months, a hive monitoring system that uses temperature probes, humidity sensors, and data collectors to create real-time heat maps of the winter cluster. This is a non-invasive way to track your bees and generate actionable data for better overwintering decisions.What’s Inside This Episode:Why traditional “knock tests” and quick hive peeks fall shortUsing 18–20 temperature probes per hive to locate the clusterESP32 boards, Raspberry Pi collectors, and open source toolsHow heat maps and playback show cluster movement over timeTesting phases: hardware build, power integration, garage trials, full yard deploymentAdding heat strips to simulate cluster movement for controlled experimentsIntegrating insulation tests and measuring power to honey conversionFuture expansions like weight sensors and even drone based data retrievalWhy 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.orgAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It is Bee Buzz time again, and in this Q&A session I answer listener questions on winter prep, feeding, and hive management. We talk about whether to reduce colonies from two brood boxes to one, how to handle screened bottom boards, what to know about moisture boards, and when to stop feeding syrup. I also cover queen excluders in winter, protecting against mice, and why upper entrances may cause more problems than they solve.What’s Inside This Episode:Best times and methods for moving a hive stand without stressing beesWhat moisture boards do and whether they are worth usingWhen and why to reduce from double deeps to a single brood boxThe truth about queen excluders in winter setupsEntrance reducers, mouse guards, and facing hives away from cold windsScreened bottom boards and whether to close them for cold weatherHow much honey a colony needs by region and climateFeeding decisions: syrup, sugar bricks, fondant, and candy boardsWhy 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.orgAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When temperatures drop, bees form the winter cluster to stay alive. In this episode, we dig into what triggers clustering, how bees rotate between the mantle and the core, and the muscle power that generates heat without flight. We also look at how the cluster moves as a unit to consume honey, why frame arrangement matters, and what not to do when preparing colonies for the cold months. Whether you are a first-year beekeeper or have decades of experience, this is a foundational topic you cannot overlook.What’s Inside This Episode:What the winter cluster is and why bees form itMantle bees vs core bees and how they rotate to stay aliveThe role of flight muscles in heat generationHow brood rearing changes cluster temperature demandsWhy colonies move together through honey stores instead of breaking clusterCommon myths about bees starving “inches away” from foodFrame arrangement mistakes that can hurt winter survivalVentilation, insulation, and protecting hives from pests like miceWhy 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.orgAbout 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy