Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Jeff Ott (from Beekeeping Today Podcast) wrestle with the idea of bare bones beekeeping. After a few false starts with recording equipment, the two dive into what it really means to keep bees with minimal effort, tools, and energy—especially as age, time, or physical limits change how one approaches the craft. Jim reflects on his desire to simplify: watching the landing boards, reading seasonal cues, and conserving his energy while still staying actively engaged with his colonies. He emphasizes that bees remain “masters of their fate,” and that beekeepers must constantly ask: when are we helping, and when are we hurting? Jeff adds perspective, noting the balance between using technology like hive scales and sensors to reduce intrusion, and the need—especially for new beekeepers—to still open hives, make mistakes, and learn directly from the bees. The conversation highlights the art of observation, the role of experience in cutting corners safely, and the tension between traditional management and modern minimalist approaches. Whether it’s relying on sensors, using observation hives for a quick “bee fix,” or simply lifting less by changing equipment choices, Jim and Jeff show that bare bones beekeeping isn’t about neglect—it’s about adaptation, efficiency, and finding joy in bees at every stage of life. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew recounts an unexpected August swarm that turned a normal day into a beekeeping puzzle. What began as a routine check for a groundhog problem quickly spiraled into a surprise discovery: a swarm squeezed into the narrow space beneath his barn. Jim shares the challenges of coaxing the bees out of an impossible location, from using honey as bait to trying smoke and even recalling Tom Seeley’s research on swarm behavior. Along the way, he reflects on yellowjackets, skunks, and the odd timing of a late-summer swarm. Despite his best efforts, the bees had other plans—reminding us that beekeepers can suggest, but never require. This candid story is full of practical lessons, humor, and humility, as Jim admits that sometimes bees simply do their own thing. It’s a reminder of the unpredictability of beekeeping and the patience it often demands. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

As summer winds down, Jim Tew sits down with fellow beekeeper Anne Frey to talk through what August reveals about colonies heading into winter. Their conversation explores the signs that point to how well bees are prepared, from brood nest patterns and queen performance to food reserves and mite levels. Anne and Jim discuss how local conditions shape management decisions and how preparation in late summer sets colonies up for survival and spring success. They also reflect on finding the balance between beekeeper intervention and letting bees adapt naturally. This candid exchange provides both practical steps and thoughtful reminders for anyone managing hives as the seasons turn. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Late season swarms can puzzle even experienced beekeepers. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore why colonies sometimes issue swarms in August—or even September—long after the spring swarming season has passed. Are these “suicidal swarms” driven by genetics, overcrowded brood nests, or something else entirely? Jim and Anne share stories of catching these late swarms, debate the rhyme “A swarm in July is not worth a fly,” and discuss whether such colonies are doomed—or simply in need of the right help. They offer practical tips for giving these latecomers a fighting chance, from providing comb and honey to creative solutions like using double screen boards to share warmth with stronger colonies. Whether you see them as an oddity or an opportunity, this conversation offers practical strategies and a bit of humor to help you decide if—and how—you should try to carry a late swarm through winter. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

When it comes time to remove honey from your colonies, the job can feel like one of the most physically demanding tasks of the beekeeping season. In this Honey Bee Obscura archive special from September 2022, hosts Kim Flottum and Jim Tew revisit their practical—and often humorous—discussion about getting honey supers off the hives without losing your mind, your back, or your bees. Kim describes his backyard setup, complete with wagons, covers, and a trusty leaf blower, while Jim details his more “insane” approach with multiple colonies, tall grass, and the inevitable swarm of unhappy bees. Together, they walk through methods for clearing bees from supers, dealing with the stragglers that follow you back to the garage or honey house, and strategies to minimize chaos for both beekeeper and colony. Whether you’re working with three hives or twelve, this episode offers relatable insights and down-to-earth solutions that make the big job of honey removal just a little more manageable. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew explores what it really means to call ourselves “beekeepers.” After more than fifty years with bees, Jim questions whether we truly “keep” them—or if we’re simply borrowing space in their world. He draws comparisons to birdhouses, backyard chickens, and monarch butterflies, observing that bees remain fundamentally wild, even when living in our boxes. Jim shares personal experiences of stepping back from active management for several years, allowing colonies to survive—or not—on their own terms. This shift prompts him to consider the limits of human control in beekeeping, especially in the face of challenges like Varroa mites. Are we managing bees, or just tweaking their natural behaviors to fit our needs for honey, pollination, and wax? This plain talk conversation invites listeners to rethink their relationship with honey bees and reflect on where “keeping” ends and nature begins. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes a thoughtful walk through history, sparked by a humble but enduring piece of equipment found in nearly every beekeeper’s supply box—the Boardman feeder. What begins as a practical look at feeding honey bee colonies becomes a fascinating exploration of beekeeping lore, forgotten innovators, and personal reflections on how ideas shape generations. Jim traces the origins of the Boardman feeder to its namesake, Hiram R. Boardman of East Townsend, Ohio, reflecting on how many of beekeeping’s most enduring tools were crafted by observant tinkerers in their own bee yards. He draws parallels to the lesser-known Alexander feeder and veil, celebrating the inventive minds behind beekeeping’s early advancements. Through the lens of E.E. Root’s 1923 booklet Feeds and Feeding, Jim examines how feeding practices—and the philosophies behind them—have evolved. He shares his own changing perspective on feeding colonies, offering a candid view that challenges the notion of stimulative feeding as a default practice. Along the way, Jim considers how the field has shifted from individual innovation to data-driven science, and what we might be losing in the process. This episode isn’t just about feeders. It’s about history, humility, and honoring the legacy of those who laid the foundation for what we do today—one rabbit hole at a time. _____ Jim Thompsons Article about the history of Honey Bee Feeders in Bee Culture: https://beeculture.com/a-history-of-feeders/ ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this reflective and personal episode, Jim Tew explores a question many beekeepers may not think much about—why are so many bee yards hidden from view? Fresh off a long solo road trip, Jim shares how, despite driving over 2,000 miles, he didn’t spot a single beehive. This observation launches a deeper discussion about the reasons beekeepers often keep their hives out of sight: privacy, safety, neighbor concerns, theft prevention—and perhaps even a bit of tradition. From stories of problematic neighbors to camouflaged hive setups, Jim offers a candid look at the social and logistical realities of managing bees near people. He also revisits his longtime plan to keep bees in a custom-built barn—a plan that, like many in beekeeping, didn’t quite work out. The episode ends with a call to listeners: do you hide your hives? Have you ever tried keeping bees inside a building? And how do you balance visibility, access, and protection in your own beekeeping practice? ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes back Anne Frey of Betterbee to unpack the troubling die-offs many beekeepers experienced this past winter and spring. From unexplained colony declines to puzzling symptoms that didn’t respond to brood boosts or pollen patties, Jim and Anne share firsthand observations of a season marked by confusion, frustration, and difficult decisions. Anne describes colonies that made it through winter only to slowly spiral down, despite repeated efforts to revive them. The conversation touches on suspected varroa mite damage, potential amitraz resistance, and the challenge of diagnosing problems when traditional treatments and responses don’t seem to work. Together, they reflect on the toll that repeated losses take—not just on operations, but on beekeepers’ morale. The discussion also transitions into Anne’s mentorship of a new beekeeper at Betterbee. With warmth and honesty, she highlights the challenges of training someone new in a dynamic, seasonal environment where yesterday’s good practice may not apply tomorrow. Jim and Anne reflect on the evolving nature of beekeeping, the importance of teaching at the right pace, and why no year—no hive—is ever the same. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, Jim Tew shares a messy and mysterious beekeeping challenge that begins with two unrelated problems—a failing observation hive and a suspected drone-laying queen. The result is a tangle of questions, classic troubleshooting, and a fair bit of head scratching. Jim walks listeners through his efforts to identify whether he’s dealing with a drone-laying queen, laying workers, or a queenless colony with atypical brood patterns. As he methodically shakes out bees, uses a long-retired queen and drone trap, and searches for elusive signs of a queen, the deeper story unfolds: what happens when the standard beekeeping “rules” don’t seem to apply? The saga continues as he attempts to recapture a swarm queen, reassess a failed observation hive setup, and carefully plan the combination of two problematic colonies—all while trying not to irritate a close neighbor allergic to bee stings. This episode offers an honest, real-world look at the unpredictable nature of beekeeping, especially when multiple problems collide. It’s a reminder that, despite years of experience, bees don’t always follow the book—and sometimes, neither can we. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to talk locust flows—and the puzzling question of why these spectacular blooms don’t always result in a honey crop. From the sweet scent of black locust trees to the realities of nectar availability, Jim and Anne explore the unpredictable connection between what we see in the landscape and what actually ends up in the supers. They swap observations on nectar flow patterns, weather and soil influences, and how different regions experience blooms. Anne highlights the importance of preparation and timing, while Jim reflects on the hard-earned lessons of missed harvests and misread cues. The conversation shifts to honey harvesting strategies for sideliners, including the pros and cons of triangle escapes, fume boards, and bee blowers. They even touch on sticky floors, steam uncappers, and creative ways to rescue lost bees in the extraction room. If you’ve ever been puzzled by empty supers during a full bloom or are planning your next harvest, this candid and practical discussion will help you be ready—because, as Anne says, “Mother Nature doesn’t wait.” ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew recounts an unexpected turn during what was supposed to be a simple walk through his bee yard. When a hive erupts in swarm-like intensity, Jim finds himself in the middle of a classic beekeeping challenge—spotting and catching a queen mid-swarm. What follows is a fast-paced reflection on instincts, experience, and an old piece of equipment: the queen and drone trap. Jim revisits a mostly forgotten tool of the trade and tests its function in real time. Does it stop the swarm? Not quite. But it does raise questions about how much we really know about our bees and their behavior. Why was the queen outside the hive? Were those young bees left behind confused or just waiting? Did the swarm even come from his own apiary? This episode is a perfect listen for beekeepers who appreciate the unpredictable, curious moments that remind us why we fell in love with bees in the first place. It’s also a good reminder that, sometimes, the tools we put aside might still have a use—just maybe not the one we expected. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On this rainy and unseasonably chilly spring day, Jim Tew heads out to his bee yard with longtime friend and former lab assistant Jason Ferrell. While the original plan was to inspect a package colony, the weather—and some unexpected bee behavior—had other ideas. What began as a routine day in the yard quickly turned into a puzzling observation. Why were a dozen bees congregating on a white hive cover in 51°F drizzle? Their tongues extended, their abdomens pulsating—Jim and Jason speculate: Are they foraging? Are they confused? Is there something special about that surface? It’s another one of those small but intriguing mysteries that beekeepers often encounter. The episode also touches on the ebb and flow of spring colony energy, why some hives fly in the rain while others stay dormant, and how Jim experiments with brood transfers to test for queen presence. Sometimes in beekeeping, the biggest lessons come from days when things don’t go as planned. Join Jim and Jason for this spontaneous, thought-provoking walk through a quiet bee yard, filled with questions and quiet observations. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew shares the frustration and lessons learned from losing a swarm — a reminder that even seasoned beekeepers face humbling moments. Jim recounts how an unusually strong colony, coupled with a busy spring and personal distractions, set the stage for a swarm escape despite his best efforts. From initial excitement at spotting the swarm nestled low on a hibiscus branch to the scramble for equipment and the disappointment as the bees slipped away, Jim walks listeners through the emotional highs and lows of the day. Along the way, he shares candid thoughts on swarm management, the unpredictable nature of bees, and the importance of humility in beekeeping. Jim’s firsthand account captures both the technical and personal sides of losing a swarm, offering listeners a chance to reflect on their own beekeeping experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hand, this episode is a sobering reminder: sometimes, despite preparation and good intentions, the bees have their own plans. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes Eugene and Diane Makovec to his sunny Ohio bee yard for a rare in-person conversation. Eugene, editor of American Bee Journal, shares the winding path that led him from journalism school to the printing industry and ultimately to the editor’s chair of one of beekeeping’s oldest and most respected publications. Alongside him, Diane reflects on her own introduction to beekeeping and how their shared passion for bees has grown over time. Together, they explore the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers, navigating misinformation in the digital age, and the vital role that reputable sources like ABJ and local bee clubs play in fostering sound beekeeping practices. Eugene offers candid insights into the pressures of producing a monthly magazine, from tight deadlines to sourcing quality photos, while Diane adds warmth and perspective as a beekeeping enthusiast and advocate. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or simply curious about what it takes to keep a historic publication humming, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the people and passion behind the pages of American Bee Journal. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard with a keen eye on an abandoned hive setup—watching and wondering if it might be chosen by a swarm. What starts as a quiet observation of scout bee behavior turns into a real-time case study in swarm prediction. Jim shares how to distinguish scouting from robbing, discusses the importance of scent and hive condition, and reflects on whether to clean out dead bees to make the equipment more attractive. A week later, he’s proven right: a swarm moves in, occupying the old inner cover and making the stack of neglected boxes their new home. Jim talks listeners through the clues that suggested a swarm was imminent and offers advice on how to passively attract swarms with minimal effort—no ladders, no traps, just wisely placed empty equipment. It’s a rewarding reminder that sometimes, doing nothing can be a beekeeper’s best move. This episode is both a meditation on patience and a masterclass in reading bee behavior. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this hands-on episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard and walks listeners through a personal and sometimes risky process: directly releasing queens into newly installed packages. As he narrates the steps in real-time, he reflects on past successes—and hard-learned lessons—of skipping the traditional candy plug method. Jim explains his reasons for preferring direct release and shares observations about bee behavior, queen acceptance, and the potential dangers involved. He details his cautious approach, including how he assesses queen health, minimizes colony disruption, and avoids smoke to reduce stress. Listeners get a real-time feel for the subtle dynamics between bees and their newly introduced queens. From carpenter ants to cage-clinging bees, Jim encounters surprises and offers practical tips along the way—like why he uses towels to shield queens and why he marks queens with colors he can actually see. He even recounts a memorable mishap involving a lost queen during a rainy release and the unexpected recovery that followed. Whether you’re considering releasing queens directly or prefer the traditional slow-release method, this episode is packed with plain talk, seasoned insight, and a deep respect for the bees. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes listeners into the bee yard to share his experience installing two packages of bees. He discusses the realities of package season, including unexpected challenges like ants, and reflects on why starting with two colonies is often better than one. Jim compares two common package installation techniques: the fast “shake and dump” method and a slower, less disruptive approach where bees migrate into the hive on their own. He explains why he’s favoring the slower method this year and offers practical advice on preparing equipment, managing the queen, and minimizing stress on the bees. Beyond the technical details, Jim shares personal reflections on the start of a new beekeeping season, the connections beekeepers build with their bees, and the small joys and challenges that come with working in the bee yard. Whether you’re installing your first package or your fiftieth, Jim’s insights and candid storytelling offer valuable lessons for every beekeeper. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes special guests Rosario Candelero, a veterinary student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Jason Ferrell, a beekeeper and IT specialist. Together, they explore how beekeeping in Mexico differs from practices in the United States. Rosario shares insights from her veterinary training, where bee health is treated as part of veterinary medicine, not entomology. She describes common honey bee diseases in Mexico, including Varroa, American foulbrood, chalkbrood, and the rarer stonebrood. Jim and Rosario discuss how Mexican beekeepers adapt to managing defensive bees descended from Africanized honey bees, balancing challenges with the country’s strong honey production industry. The conversation also touches on the traditional Melipona stingless bees, their cultural importance, and their distinct honey properties. With Rosario preparing for advanced bee health courses, Jim looks forward to following her journey toward becoming a veterinary advocate for honey bees. It’s a fascinating look at beekeeping across borders and the critical role veterinarians play in supporting healthy colonies. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew revisits a seemingly simple question that sparked a surprisingly passionate response from readers and listeners alike: Do beekeepers still wire and embed their own wax foundation? After a passing remark in a recent article suggesting that the practice might be fading into history, Jim was met with a steady stream of replies from beekeepers who are very much keeping the tradition alive. Jim explores the reasons why many still choose to wire frames, reflecting on both the craftsmanship and the sense of satisfaction that come with building comb the old-fashioned way. He shares the evolution of foundation—wax, plastic, aluminum—and the many experimental paths that brought us to today’s foundation inserts. With thoughtful insight, he considers the benefits and drawbacks of each method, from concerns about microplastics in honey to the question of how foundation thickness might affect colony communication or wintering behavior. Whether you favor the simplicity of modern snap-in inserts or the tactile, meditative process of wiring and embedding beeswax foundation, Jim reminds listeners that both methods have their place in today’s diverse beekeeping landscape. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC