Bee Love Beekeeping... presented by Mann Lake

Beekeeping Winterization, Mentors, Varroa, Single Brood Management, Swarms, Advice for New Beekeepers... This episode is packed!In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we dive deep into the world of honeybees and the humans who care for them. From a poetic opening that celebrates the harmony of the hive to practical, boots-on-the-ground advice, this episode blends wonder with real-world beekeeping wisdom.We kick off a new weekly segment, Inside the Hive, exploring how bees survive winter by clustering, vibrating to generate heat, and carefully managing their honey stores. Then, recorded live from the North American Honey Bee Expo, we sit down with beekeeper, educator, and YouTuber Josh Scott of Bees in the Weeds.Josh shares his journey into beekeeping during the pandemic, how to navigate the overwhelming flood of online advice, and why mentorship and local bee clubs matter more than ever.The conversation goes deep into winter preparation, mite management, feeding strategies, and Josh’s preferred method of single brood management—including its advantages, challenges, and how to manage swarming behavior.Whether you’re brand new to beekeeping or a seasoned beekeeper refining your management style, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and a reminder that there’s more than one right way to keep bees.VIDEO VERSION________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://primalbee.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comJosh Scott: https://www.youtube.com/@beesintheweeds

In this information-packed episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we welcome master beekeeper Deborah Klughers for a rapid-fire deep dive into practical, real-world beekeeping. Building off her legendary “100+ tips” for beekeepers presentation, Deb shares hard-earned lessons on feeding strategies, hive stands, smoker safety, mite monitoring, drone brood management, and even the controversial—but fascinating—role of bee venom in beekeeper health.From her favorite baggie feeder system and why warm syrup matters, to a cautionary tale about toxic cinder blocks and treated pallets, Deb emphasizes that small management decisions can have life-or-death consequences for honey bee colonies. She also challenges conventional mite-testing wisdom, explaining why drone brood inspection and culling gives her clearer insight than alcohol washes alone.The conversation closes with a thought-provoking discussion on bee venom exposure, apitherapy, and why Deb believes beekeepers should rethink their relationship with stings—followed by her most important advice of all: listen to the bees. This episode is equal parts practical instruction, cautionary storytelling, and deep respect for the wisdom of the beehive.Video Version________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comDeb Klughers: https://bonacbees.com/index.html https://www.instagram.com/bonacbees

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of honey bees, looking at how bees communicate, work together, and inspire humans—from scientists to everyday beekeepers. The show opens with a brief reflection on honey bees as masters of collective intelligence, followed by intriguing research suggesting that bees and their mathematical communication may even offer insights for extraterrestrial intelligence studies.The conversation then turns to Sung Lee, a passionate beekeeper whose backyard experiment in beekeeping grew into a full-blown obsession. What began as a way to help garden pollination evolved into managing more than 100 hives and producing thousands of pounds of honey. Sung shares how education, genetics, and community shaped his beekeeping journey, along with unforgettable stories—from breeding gentler honey bees to rescuing swarms, teaching new beekeepers, and unexpectedly becoming a viral social media sensation. This episode blends science, storytelling, and humor while celebrating bees, honey bees, and the joy (and chaos) of modern beekeeping.Video Version________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comSung Lee: https://www.tiktok.com/@sungleethebeecharmerhttps://www.youtube.com/@beecharmersung

Conversation with Dr. Jason Graham, Ph.D. Questions asked and answered.In this episode, we kick off our coverage from the North American Honey Bee Expo with an in-depth and surprisingly entertaining conversation with entomologist and beekeeper Dr. Jason “Dr. J” Graham. Recorded live on the bustling expo floor, this episode blends science, storytelling, and practical beekeeping insight.Dr. Graham shares his unconventional journey from high school dropout to PhD, and how a single beekeeping class sparked a lifelong passion for honey bees. From there, the discussion dives deep into the inner workings of the hive—exploring bee lifespans, age-based job roles, pheromone-driven decision-making, and why a colony functions more like a single “superorganism” than a collection of individuals.We also explore fascinating topics like swarming as colony reproduction, how queens are “put on a diet” before a swarm, the misunderstood role of drones, and why bees are far more flexible and adaptive than we often give them credit for. The conversation wraps with a look at modern innovations in beekeeping, including insulated and thermodynamic hive designs, sensors, AI-driven hive monitoring, and how new technology may be helping us better mimic the bees’ natural tree-hollow homes.Whether you’re a backyard beekeeper, a seasoned professional, or just bee-curious, this episode offers a fresh appreciation for the complexity, resilience, and mystery of honey bees.Video Version________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comPrimal BeeBee Wise

In this episode, we reconnect with Chris Hyatt, past president of the American Honey Producers Association and a lifelong commercial beekeeper managing 18,000 colonies across North Dakota, California, and Washington. Chris returns to give an unfiltered look at the state of commercial beekeeping after one of the most challenging years on record.The conversation opens with a reflection on devastating winter losses, where even the most experienced operators saw colonies wiped out despite best management practices. Chris explains why there is no single cause—amitraz resistance, viral loads, pesticide exposure, weather, and management variables all intertwine to create what he calls a “complex mess.”From there, the discussion broadens to economics: low honey prices, rising labor and input costs, consolidation within the industry, and cautious optimism around pollination markets—particularly almonds. Chris also dives deep into policy and advocacy efforts, including the Honey Integrity Act, FDA oversight, honey fraud, and the push to promote American honey to consumers who often don’t realize what’s actually in the bottle on grocery store shelves.The episode wraps with reflections on the art and labor of commercial beekeeping, advice for hobbyists, and a powerful story linking beekeeping, land use, and the disappearance of sage grouse in the northern plains—underscoring how closely pollinators, wildlife, and agriculture are connected.Video Version: https://youtu.be/gLsiYWfrY4k________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this episode, we kick off Season 3 by diving deep into the North American Bee Strategy with special guest Matt Mulica of the Honey Bee Health Coalition. Together, we explore the biggest challenges facing honey bees and beekeepers today—and what’s being done across the U.S. and Canada to address them.From Varroa mites and emerging threats like Tropilaelaps, to honey fraud, beekeeping economics, pesticides, forage, and applied research, this is a wide-ranging and practical conversation for beekeepers of all experience levels.Along the way, we discuss why “live and let die” is not a Varroa management strategy, how agriculture and beekeepers can (and must) work together, and why protecting honey authenticity matters for both consumers and beekeepers. Plus, a reminder that beekeeping is officially cool—with a long list of celebrity beekeepers to prove it.Video Version: https://youtu.be/tEZqo01uSrI________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Matt Mulica: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/ Full Report: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nabs/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

"Desensitization" is the key, but how is it applied?In this final installment of the Apitherapy series, we return to Romania to sit down once more with Dr. Stefan Stangaciu, MD, beekeeper and one of the world’s leading authorities on apitherapy. Building on the foundation laid in episodes 250 and 251, this conversation takes a deep dive into how bee products can be used to support the body in cases of seasonal allergies and hay fever.Dr. Stangaciu explains the science behind pollen allergies, distinguishing between airborne anemophilous pollen and the heavier pollen collected by honey bees. He outlines traditional and modern desensitization strategies using local honey, bee pollen, propolis, and the increasingly popular beehive air therapy practiced throughout Europe.The episode also explores how beehive air works on a physiological level, including the role of trace allergens, anti-inflammatory pheromones, and volatile compounds from beeswax and propolis. Along the way, listeners learn what practices are safe to try on their own, when to involve medical professionals, and how beekeepers can responsibly expand into apitherapy services.Wrapping things up, Dr. Stangaciu shares a memorable and humorous beekeeping story, offers practical advice on combining bee products for health support, and leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: understanding the composition of bee products unlocks their true potential.Video Version: https://youtu.be/jyqPCgnv5X8________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Stefan Stangaciu:In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we discuss the step-by-step approach to treating burns with honey. Then we shift to bee venom therapy to treat all kinds of illnesses, including Lyme Disease, Cancer, Chronic Pain, and more.TakeawaysHoney has hygroscopic properties that aid in wound healing.Drinking water before consuming honey prevents stomach irritation.Honey can block free radicals and reduce burn pain.Proper application of honey can lead to minimal scarring.Bee venom therapy can stimulate the nervous system and improve blood flow.A holistic approach is essential in treating chronic diseases.Detoxification is a critical first step in healing.Bee venom can be effective against various neurological conditions.Cancer treatment should address multiple underlying causes.Nutrition and lifestyle changes are vital for effective healing.Video Version: https://youtu.be/RP4ZpLi1IZs________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Join host Eric Bennett and Dr. Ștefan Stangaciu, MD from Romania. Dr. Stangaciu is the world’s leading authority on apitherapy, as well as being a beekeeper, medical doctor, and president of the International Federation of Apitherapy. In part 1 of this series, we learn why propolis, pollen and bee-derived extracts often outperform honey for healing, how to extract and handle honey for medicinal use, and practical ways beekeepers and families can use propolis safely. The conversation delves into the medicinal uses of these products, their extraction methods, and practical applications for everyday health issues. Dr. Stangaciu emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of bee products and their potential in natural healing.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ham0UXAoUZE________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Dr. Stangaciu: https://apitherapy.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, host Eric Bennett, welcomes Rob Wright, CEO of Mann Lake, for an honest and surprisingly personal look at the current state of the beekeeping industry. From swarm-catching mishaps and hive cutouts to global honey tastings and the future of bee health, this episode blends practical insights, industry updates, and stories that every beekeeper—from hobbyist to commercial operator—will relate to.Rob shares what he’s learned from four years of active beekeeping, how Mann Lake has transformed under new family ownership, and why bee nutrition is becoming one of the most important levers in improving colony survival. The two also dive into new industry technologies, the newly released North American Honey Bee Strategy, and why staying connected to your bees is still more powerful than any gadget, social media, AI, or automation.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ZzTSveQxUSs________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.North American Bee Strategy Report: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/nabs/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this episode of Be Love Beekeeping, Eric and Bee Culture editor Jerry Hayes break down the aftermath of the 2024–25 winter honey bee die-off, where roughly 1.6 million colonies were lost. They discuss how Varroa-spread viruses, weak mite management, nutrition challenges, climate stress, and migratory pollination all converged to push colonies past their limits. A central message emerges: beekeepers at every level must sample for Varroa, treat based on data, rotate treatments to avoid resistance, and sample again. The conversation expands to new pressures on beekeeping, including yellow-legged hornets, the lingering threat of Asian giant hornets, and the growing spread of Africanized genetics—with Jerry sharing firsthand experiences from his work in Florida. They also touch on emerging hive designs, insulation, and other equipment aimed at helping bees cope with harsh weather and environmental stress. Despite the challenges, the episode highlights reasons for optimism: strong support from scientific organizations, state inspectors, and reputable beekeeping groups, along with better tools and research than ever before. The takeaway? Beekeeping is demanding, but with reliable information and committed management, there’s still plenty of hope—and love—in the apiary.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/PzqT5yIzU34________________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Jerry-Bee Culture Magazine: https://beeculture.com/Almond Milk Article: https://farmonaut.com/usa/almond-milk-kills-bees-5-shocking-ca-impactshttps://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

In this deeply moving episode of Be Love Beekeeping, we meet Utah commercial beekeeper Prenten Frazier of Beehive State Honey, whose 5-generation family operation was recently devastated by a catastrophic warehouse fire. Prenten shares the gut-wrenching 4:30 a.m. phone call no beekeeper ever wants, the shock of watching 37,000 square feet of buildings, wax, equipment, and a year’s honey harvest go up in flames—and the incredible story of how firefighters, fellow beekeepers, and strangers stepped in to help save his bees and his business. Along the way, we hear about his passion for cold-extracted honey, bee-based wellness, and why he still loves Mondays, even while rebuilding from the ashes.Here's how you can help - https://gofund.me/ad1033394___________Discount on Live Bees & Beginner Essentials at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES__________Video Version: https://youtu.be/imoAT2Opvf8Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Prenten Frazier: https://beehivestatehoney.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Learn How to Lift a Heavy Honey Super With ONE Hand.This episode of Be Love Beekeeping opens with a poetic reflection on honeybees and the sometimes-clumsy humans who care for them, then pivots into a very real problem most beekeepers know too well: heavy lifting and exhausting honey harvests. After a sobering Arizona news story about a tragic bee-transport accident and a look at emerging research on the mental health benefits of beekeeping, the conversation “heads down under” to Byron Bay, Australia.Host Eric Bennett sits down with Cedar Anderson, co-founder of Flow Hive, to talk about how he and his father spent a decade turning the dream of “honey on tap” into reality. Cedar explains how Flow Hive works, who it’s best suited for, why education is essential for new beekeepers, and how their global community has grown to over 150,000 hives in 130+ countries. They also dive into seasonal management with Flow Hives, the brand-new Superlifter that tackles heavy boxes, and a wild prototyping story involving a runaway hive rolling down a hill. Cedar closes by reflecting on the never-ending learning journey of beekeeping and the critical role honey bees play in global pollination and the “matrix of life” we all depend on.It's all about the love of honey bees and the humans who care for them!VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ZLqNd9dIvqEMann Lake's New Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mannlakeSpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Cedar Anderson: https://www.honeyflow.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comEpisode Chapters00:00:00 – A World of Bees & Beekeepers 00:01:27 – The Heavy-Lifting Problem in Beekeeping 00:02:00 – Tragic Bee Transport Accident in Arizona 00:03:12 – Bees, Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being 00:05:02 – Welcome Cedar Anderson, Co-Founder of Flow Hive 00:08:12 – From Sticky Sheds to Honey on Tap: Inventing Flow Hive 00:11:11 – Flavor, Terroir & Single-Frame Honey 00:13:11 – Crowdfunding, Global Reach & Who Buys Flow Hives 00:16:26 – Flow Hive Doesn’t Do the Beekeeping for You 00:18:35 – Education, Community & TheBeekeeper.org 00:20:16 – The Hive: Man Lake’s Beekeeping Community 00:21:50 – Aesthetics & Seasonality with Flow Hives 00:24:01 – Introducing the Superlifter 00:26:34 – How the Superlifter Works 00:29:58 – Wild Story: The Runaway Hive 00:31:36 – Why Cedar Loves Honey Bees 00:32:20 – Closing & Sign-Off

GENETICS MATTER! Host, Eric Bennett takes us from poetic honeybee musings straight into the practical world of queen bee production on Hawaiʻi Island. After a heartwarming news segment about 9-year-old beekeeper Nicholas Bard and the Santa Rosa community pushing back on an outdated city ordinance, Eric sits down with Rebeca Krones of Hawaiian Queen Company in Captain Cook. Rebecca explains why Hawaiʻi is one of the best places on the planet to raise queen bees, how controlled genetics (via Dr. Joe Latshaw) produce gentle but hard-working stock, what their year-round queen breeding business calendar looks like, and how to successfully introduce a new queen into your beehive so you don’t lose your investment. They also detour into Hawaiian honey flows (mac nut, lehua, and Christmas berry 😋) and shipping mishaps — including the time a carrier bagged 150 queens and…well…suffocated them. The episode closes with Rebecca’s best piece of beekeeping advice: don’t assume this year will be like last year. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/UfIU0kzelKAMann Lake's New Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mannlakeRebeca Krones: https://hawaiianqueen.com/Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Host Eric welcomes Kevin O’Connor of Bee Boys Apiary from Waiohinu on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi to talk about what many consider one of the spiciest topics in beekeeping: treatment-free, regenerative beekeeping. Before the interview, Eric shares a fascinating new study on the waggle dance, showing that bees don’t just pass on direction and distance—they actually integrate dance information with their own cognitive map of the landscape to anticipate landmarks and fly more efficiently.Kevin walks us through the philosophy behind his 100% treatment-free beekeeping business: no plastic, no feeding, no foundation, no pollination services, bees allowed to swarm, and an 8-year closed line of genetics stemming from a single colony. He explains why this slow, sometimes painful path (you will lose colonies at first) can produce very resilient “landrace” honey bees when you pair it with abundant, diverse forage and a clean environment.They also tackle the big objections—“you’re sending me mite bombs,” “you can’t do that where winters are hard,” “I can’t do that with 2,000 colonies”—and Kevin gives the nuanced answer: you can move toward it, but it’s a multi-year, location-aware transition and you can’t shortcut the genetics of your bees. Finally, Kevin shares how farmers markets became his best business channel—because people will happily pay top dollar (yes, $45–$50/pint!) when they can look the beekeeper in the eye, hear how the bees are kept, and see all the value-added products (salves, balms, honey vinegars) that come from clean wax and honey. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/TEvKZuO2d8kMann Lake's New Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mannlakeKevin O'Connor: https://beeboys.org/Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

What can you learn from a 50 year beekeeper? Chuck Kutik opens up about everything he has learned about beekeeping and making money in the business of bees, over the years. In this engaging episode, host Eric Bennett welcomes Chuck, a 50-year veteran commercial beekeeper from New York. Chuck opens up about the fascinating life of bees, the business side of beekeeping, and what it takes to balance passion, profit, and pollination. From moving thousands of hives for blueberry pollination to dealing with bears, yellow jasmine, and lightning strikes, Chuck’s stories blend humor, humility, and decades of hard-earned wisdom. Episode Highlights The Wonder of the Hive: Chuck shares how each beehive feels like divine creation in motion — a glimpse of harmony between bees, flowers, and nature itself. Pollination Journeys: His favorite job? Pollinating blueberries in North Carolina. Chuck describes hauling 3,000 hives south, working with farmers he now calls friends, and how blueberries, almonds, and even weather patterns shape the bees’ health. Toxic Blooms & Bee Hazards: Learn why yellow jasmine, South Carolina’s state flower, is poisonous to bees — and how even his workers once found out the hard way. Trucking Bees Across America: Chuck details the challenges of transporting bees across long distances — from ventilation hacks on semis to surviving long nights and a near-miss lightning storm in Maine. The Business of Bees: From selling nucs and queens to running retail stores and pollination contracts, Chuck explains which parts of beekeeping actually make money — and how new beekeepers can start smart. Honey Varieties & Flavor Talk: Explore the unique tastes of clover, blueberry, sourwood, locust, and the rare Tupelo honey — which Chuck confesses is his favorite. Lessons in Loss & Survival: How Chuck’s colonies fared through cold winters, why new comb and young queens make a difference, and the constant battle with Varroa mites. Beekeeping Humor & Humanity: Chuck recalls youthful misadventures, from overworking himself to bringing a spare truck transmission on the road — “because you never know.” Advice for Beginners: Chuck reminds new beekeepers that bees aren’t for saving money — they’re for joy. “If you just want cheap honey, buy it. But if you love nature and God’s creation, then you’ll love keeping bees.” VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/2OPwBJqBZ1s____________________Mann Lake's New Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mannlake Chuck Kutik: https://www.kutiks.com/ Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order. https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/ Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Has Varroa met it's match? Is there really a birth control for mites?Beekeepers celebrate with this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping! We start with a love letter to honeybees and the beekeepers who tend them, then head to the Bee Love newsroom: small hive beetle turns up in southeast Alaska for the first time, and West Virginia considers a statewide Beekeeping Rights Bill that would centralize apiary regulations and protect beekeepers. Our main segment features Eric Walgren and Adam Pachl from GreenLight Biosciences on Narroa, a new RNA treatment that prevents Varroa mites from reproducing rather than poisoning them. We cover safety (no special PPE, broad working temps), application (a sugar-syrup pouch nurse bees convert into brood food), timing and strategy (best as a preventive when mite loads are low; pairs well after a knock-down), storage and shelf life, and availability following recent EPA registration. We wrap with stories from the field and a beginner’s primer on why Varroa control is non-negotiable for all beekeepers. It's all about the love of honey bees and the beekeepers!Video Version: https://youtu.be/l9LsBn6pXh0______________________Mann Lake's New Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mannlakeNorroa: https://norroa.com/Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Massachusetts beekeeper and entrepreneur Rick Reault (New England Beekeeping /The Colony) joins Eric for a deep, joyful dive into bees and business—from his first disastrous mead batch to an award-winning traditional made with Japanese knotweed honey and bourbon-barrel aging. Rick demystifies the mead making process (must temps around 60–65°F, 6–8 weeks of ferment, a year of patient aging), then maps how he turned a backyard beekeeping hobby into a diversified honey operation: honey wholesale and retail, classes, apothecary goods, candles, and seasonal pollination. You’ll hear a practical revenue framework (“five ways to make $20k”), the realities of transporting bee packages from Georgia with partner apiaries, and how Northeast nectar flows shape both honey and mead. In our “Invention Mention,” we test a beekeeping smoker starter, the Speed King hot uncapping knife, and a game-changing J-hook hive tool. Rick also offers a candid status report on colony health, early impressions of VarroxSan, and hard-won advice for beginners—plus a tender mentor story that captures why this craft keeps him coming back to the hives, year after year. Video Version: https://youtu.be/kjaMPT8qIYcMann Lake's New Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mannlakeRick's Website: https://thecolonyma.com/Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

From a Varroa-free outpost off Australia’s southern coast, beekeeper Shawn Hinves of Kangaroo Island shares how a family operation running 350 hives of pure Ligurian honey bees navigates biosecurity, fire recovery, and the realities of modern beekeeping. The episode opens with practical fall prep—feed heavy in cold climates, consider insulation, and always test and treat for mites—before diving into global news on the EPA’s approval of an RNA-based Varroa treatment. Then we travel to Kangaroo Island, where strict ferry inspections, proposed wash-down stations, and community vigilance aim to keep Varroa off the island, reminding every beekeepers that compliance is as vital as any tool in beekeeping.Shawn recounts how Ligurian honey bees, introduced in the 1880s and protected by a long-standing sanctuary designation, show exceptional hygienic behavior and thrive on native eucalypt and coastal flora that produce ambers, deep reds, and even mauve-tinged honeys. After catastrophic 2020 bushfires slashed honey yields from 20–25 tonnes to 5–9, his business survived by diversifying into tours —proof that resilient beekeeping pairs craft with entrepreneurship. Listeners step inside his hands-on experiences: suiting up, holding frames, spotting queens, and watching honey bees emerge—moments that turn fear into fascination and often inspire future beekeepers.Between small hive beetle scares, localized AFB management, and ongoing drought, Sean’s story shows how a beekeeper balances biosecurity, landscape, and community. Ultimately, it’s a love letter to honey bees, a testament to the lifestyle they enable, and a reminder that beyond honey and money, the heart of beekeeping is connection. Video Version: https://youtu.be/2sfG2QBzXQISpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comhttps://www.kilivinghoney.com.au/

Opening was recorded at Apimondia in Copenhagen. This episode blends field notes and a feel-good interview with Elsa Gallagher of the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. Practical beekeeping takeaways: habitat is the foundation for bees, and forage diversity consistently outperforms monocultures. Gallagher explains how her team equips landowners with locally adapted seed mixes: a native “picture” bordered by a clover-rich “bee mix,” free for 2–25 acre projects and cost-share above that. She outlines city and campus pathways, from park strips to roadside plantings, stressing the power of local champions. For small yards, the advice is simple: mow less, overseed Dutch white clover, reduce pesticides, and plant bloom succession—willows in spring, clovers and phacelia in summer, sunflowers and asters in fall. Monarch support is easy too: add common or swamp milkweed; the butterflies find it. We also discuss pesticide realities, mosquito spraying, and why building habitat reduces chemical dependence over time. Whether you run two hives or a commercial yard, this conversation centers love of bees, resilient beekeeping, and healthier landscapes for every honey bee. and beyond.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!Video Version: https://youtu.be/yE7KGAFg6IESpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.comhttps://www.beeandbutterflyfund.org/