Beekeeping Today Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[Bonus] Short: Varroa Treatment Options - Formic Acid Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

In this Varroa Treatments short, Jeff Ott and co-host Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Dr. David Peck from Betterbee to discuss formic acid—a powerful tool in the fight against varroa mites. David explains how Formic Pro, the most common formic acid product now available in the U.S., is formulated to safely release vapors that penetrate capped brood cells, killing mites both on adult bees and developing brood.

David and Becky highlight both the strengths and cautions: formic acid's ability to deliver a fast, thorough mite knockdown, its temperature sensitivity, and its potential to cause temporary brood loss or even queen replacement in stressed colonies. They emphasize protective gear, ventilation requirements, and why strong colonies benefit most from treatment.

From freezer tricks to reduce fumes, to understanding normal bee behaviors like bearding after application, this episode gives beekeepers the knowledge to use formic acid effectively and safely—making it a valuable addition to a year-round mite management plan.

Links & Resources:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/
Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp

Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

______________

Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

John Miller - Swimming with Piranha (346) Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back fourth-generation commercial beekeeper John Miller for a candid conversation about the challenges—and potential—facing the beekeeping industry today. With his decades of experience and generational insight, John doesn't hold back on concerns about low honey prices, rising input costs, invasive pests like tropilaelaps, and the closure of critical research facilities like USDA's Beltsville Bee Lab.

John offers a front-line view of what it means to be a commercial beekeeper in 2025 and why he describes the current moment as "swimming with piranha." He also speaks passionately about the importance of collaboration across beekeeper "silos"—commercial, sideliner, and hobbyist alike—and about the hope he sees in new leadership, community engagement, and research-backed innovation through organizations like Project Apis m.

Whether you manage a few colonies or a few thousand, this episode offers a sobering but motivating reminder of the shared challenges beekeepers face—and why now is the time to come together and act.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Miller Honey Farms: https://www.millerhoneyfarms.com
Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

______________

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

Thanks toStrong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

_______________

We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

[Bonus] Short: Dr. Dewey Caron - Mite Management and Bee Learning Breakthroughs Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his monthly audio postcard—this time focused on August mite management and a remarkable discovery about honey bee learning. Dewey reminds beekeepers that August is a critical month to monitor and treat for varroa mites before their populations explode. He shares updates on new and emerging treatments, including Norroa (a dsRNA-based biopesticide), Mite Bee Gone (L-glutamic acid strips), and Apivar 2.0, as well as best practices for applying oxalic acid extended release strips like VarroxSan.

Dewey shifts from mites to mind-blowing research on bee communication. Drawing on the work of Dr. James Nieh, he explains how the waggle dance—used by bees to communicate foraging locations—is learned through social exposure, similar to how birds and humans acquire language. This study, featured in Science, marks the first demonstration of social learning in insect spatial communication.

This episode blends practical mite management insights with inspiring science, all in under 20 minutes. Stay proactive. Plan your treatments. And appreciate the depth of honey bee intelligence.

Links & Resources:

Overviews of mite control:

Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts on Varroa Treatments: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/varroa/
University of Massachusetts Extension Flyer on Varroa: https://www.mass.gov/doc/varroa-mite-ipm-brochure-english/download
NY Bee Wellness presentation of Dr David Peck of BetterBee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4ALfqq3GT8

Veto Pharma (makers fo Apivar 2.0 and Apiguard and Varroa Easy Check sampling device) has 2 informative, nicely illustrated flyers:

Integrated varroa mite management throughout the seasons - https://forms.newsletter.veto-pharma.com/5eff419fb85b5317165fde16/yBL1IKRLTxShk0jw3QcfXw/7eYSzqY0RyqLN5ngRfmpDw/form.html
Varroa Mite Biology - https://forms.newsletter.veto-pharma.com/5eff419fb85b5317165fde16/O7Cp5mGSSpmFPTRAUADdmA/0DTVnqNkR32oXrlA35HsEA/form.html
VitaBee Health products (makers of VarroxSan, VARROCheck sampling jar and Vita feed supplements) - https://www.vita-europe.com/beehealth/wp-content/uploads/vita-beekeeping-guide.pdf

MiteBeeGone: https://mitebeegone.com/

Additional Resouces

Thomas A. O'Shea-Wheller, Asia Hall, Kirsty Stainton, Victoria Tomkies, Giles E. Budge, Selwyn Wilkins and Ben Jones. 2025. A large-scale study of Varroa destructor treatment adherence in apiculture. Entomologia Generalis.DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2024/2758
Reports on oxalic acid effectiveness from Canada Quebec: https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/24/3/14/7683875 and Ontario:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/8/724
Science article on social learning in Dance Language https://labs.biology.ucsd.edu/nieh/papers/DongScience.pdf
YouTube presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elWNc_1qm60

Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

______________

Yellow Jackets with Dr. Richard Zack (345) Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Late summer brings not just honey harvests but also the return of yellow jackets. For many beekeepers, their sudden appearance can spark concern—or outright dread—around the bee yard. In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Richard Zack, professor of entomology at Washington State University, to unpack the truth about these misunderstood wasps.

Rich shares fascinating insights into yellow jacket biology, their annual colony cycle, and why they turn up at apiaries during nectar dearth. He explains the differences between yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and honey bees, and why their carnivorous diets can actually make them beneficial predators in many ecosystems. The conversation covers practical tips for beekeepers, including seasonal control strategies, entrance reduction, and why strong honey bee colonies can easily fend off these opportunistic scavengers.

By the end, you may look at yellow jackets a little differently—as part of the natural balance rather than the enemy of your hives.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Referenced BTP Episode with Yellow Jacket Collector Zach Techner: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/s4e13
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

______________

Thanks to Dalan who is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan's vaccination against American Foulbrood (AFB) is a game changer. Vaccinated queens protect newly hatched honeybee larvae against AFB using the new Dalan vaccine. Created for queen producers and other beekeepers wanting to produce AFB free queens.

Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages: https://dalan.com/order-vaccinated-queens/ More information on the vaccine: https://dalan.com/media-publications/

_______________

We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Oxalic Acid (OAV and Dribble) Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In this installment of the Varroa Treatment Series, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. David Peck of BetterBee to discuss oxalic acid treatments, one of the most widely used organic options for controlling Varroa mites. The conversation explores both oxalic acid vaporization (OAV) and the dribble method, breaking down how each is applied, safety considerations, and when they are most effective.

David explains the differences between registered products like Api-Bioxal and EZ-OX, recent label updates allowing higher dosages, and practical tips for using each method safely—particularly the critical need for proper respiratory and eye protection with vaporization. He also shares insights into when broodless periods provide the greatest impact, why oxalic acid poses minimal risk to bees but requires careful handling by beekeepers, and what research still doesn't know about how this acid kills mites.

This episode is an essential listen for beekeepers looking to add oxalic acid—whether dribble or vaporization—to their integrated mite management toolkit.

Links & Resources:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/
Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp

Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

______________

UK National Honey Show – History, Traditions & Global Impact (344) Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

The UK's National Honey Show is the world's largest and most prestigious honey show, drawing beekeepers and entries from across the globe. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Bob Mauer, current chairman of the show, about its remarkable 102-year history, its roots at the Crystal Palace, and the traditions that have helped it grow into an international event.

Bob shares how the show combines competitive honey judging with practical workshops, lectures from leading experts, and a vibrant trade hall. He explains what it takes to organize 2,500 entries across 240 honey, wax, and mead classes, along with photography, microscopy, and decorative displays. Listeners will also learn about the challenges of transporting honey from abroad, the rigorous standards judges apply, and the welcoming community that keeps the show thriving.

Whether you're curious about entering your first honey show or adding this renowned event to your beekeeping bucket list, this conversation offers an inside look at what makes the UK National Honey Show so unique. The 2025 show will be held October 23–25 at Sandown Park in Surrey.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

The National Honey Show website: https://honeyshow.co.uk
The Wax Chandlers: https://www.waxchandlers.org.uk/
Referenced BTP Episode with Stephanie Slater: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/videos/judging-honey-shows-with-stephanie-slater-328/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

______________

Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages: https://dalan.com/order-vaccinated-queens/ More information on the vaccine: https://dalan.com/media-publications/

_______________

We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Amitraz aka Apivar Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In this BTPS Varroa Treatments short, Jeff and Becky are joined again by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to explore amitraz—known commercially to most U.S. beekeepers as Apivar. As a synthetic miticide, Apivar has long been a cornerstone of mite control due to its effectiveness, wide temperature range, and bee-friendly properties. But as with many tools in the beekeeper's arsenal, its strength may also be its vulnerability.

David explains how amitraz works by overstimulating the varroa mite's nervous system, effectively paralyzing and killing the parasite while leaving bees largely unaffected. The treatment avoids comb contamination and breaks down quickly in the hive, making it an appealing option for many beekeepers—especially in late summer or early fall once honey supers are removed.

However, the discussion also delves into growing concerns about resistance. Increasing reports, particularly from commercial operations, suggest amitraz is not as effective as it once was. Resistance genes in varroa populations have been linked to recent large-scale colony losses, and misuse or overuse of the chemical—including unapproved, home-mixed applications—may be accelerating the issue.

The takeaway? Apivar can still be a reliable tool when used properly, but its effectiveness isn't guaranteed. Rotating treatments, testing for mites, and monitoring efficacy are essential. This episode highlights not only the promise of amitraz but also the need for responsible stewardship of every miticide in the beekeeper's toolbox.

Links & Resources:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/
Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp

Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

______________

[Bonus] Short - Honey with Dr. Dewey Caron Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with another insightful "audio postcard," this time exploring the marvel of honey—its meaning for honey bees, its significance for beekeepers, and its surprising impact on human health.

Dewey begins by examining how we define honey, touching on both scientific and regulatory perspectives, including recent efforts like the proposed Honey Integrity Act. He then dives into how honey is processed by bees—from nectar foraging to enzyme transformation and evaporation—highlighting the bee-to-bee communication system of trophallaxis that powers the hive's food-sharing network.

Beyond the hive, Dewey explores honey's powerful medicinal properties. Drawing from a comprehensive mega-review of over 100 studies, he outlines honey's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer effects, with a focus on manuka honey's growing use in clinical wound care.

Finally, he turns the spotlight on beekeeper-to-bee communication—urging beekeepers to proactively manage supers and recognize nectar flows to support colony health and maximize harvest. Whether you're fascinated by bee biology or interested in honey as a functional food, this episode is packed with sweet insight.

Links & Resources:

Saeed Samarghandian, Tahereh Farkhondeh and Fariborz Samini, 2017. Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research. Pharmacognosy Res. Apr-Jun;9(2):121– 27. doi: 10.4103/0974-8490.204647
Crailsheim, Craig, 1998. Trophallactic interactions in the adult honeybee (Apis mellifera L). https://www.apidologie.org/articles/apido/pdf/1998/01/Apidologie_0044-8435_1998_29_1-2_ART0006.pdf
Collison, Clarence 2017. Trophallaxis. Bee Culture https://beeculture.com/a-closer-look-12/
Tezze, A.A. and W.M. Farina 1999. Trophallaxis in the honeybee, Apis mellifera: the interactions between viscosity and sucrose concentration of the transferred solution. Anim. Behav. 57: 1319-1326.

Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.

______________

Dr. Steve Pernal: Varroa Mite Research (343) Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky speak with Dr. Steve Pernal, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, about his team's recent work monitoring Varroa destructor populations and treatment efficacy across Canada. As varroa continues to be the leading driver of colony mortality, Steve and his colleagues are collecting long-term data on mite levels, reinfestation rates, and treatment performance across a wide range of beekeeping operations.

Steve shares insights from national monitoring efforts, including surprising findings on how quickly mites can rebound after treatment and the complexities of interpreting mite counts in commercial yards. The conversation covers regional differences in resistance development, what's known (and unknown) about reinfestation, and why simply applying treatments may no longer be enough to manage mites sustainably.

This episode offers a grounded, research-informed look at varroa management—what's working, where the gaps are, and what Canadian researchers are doing to equip beekeepers with better tools and knowledge. Whether you run a few hives or a thousand, you'll walk away with fresh insights on what to watch for in your own operation.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Referenced BTP Episode with Dr. Erika Plettner: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/dr-erika-plettner-using-chemoreceptor-confusion-against-varroa-s6-e43/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

______________

Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages: https://dalan.com/order-vaccinated-queens/ More information on the vaccine: https://dalan.com/media-publications/

_______________

We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatments: Apistan & Checkmite+ Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In this Varroa Treatments Short, Jeff and Becky are once again joined by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to examine two early weapons in the war against varroa: Apistan and CheckMite+. These synthetic miticides—fluvalinate and coumaphos—once gave beekeepers a critical lifeline when varroa first emerged in U.S. apiaries in the late 1980s. But what started as a breakthrough quickly turned into a warning tale of overuse, resistance, and long-lasting chemical residues.

David walks us through the history of these treatments, how their effectiveness faded with repeated use, and what their legacy teaches us about the importance of rotating miticides in integrated pest management (IPM). Although still available, neither Apistan nor CheckMite+ are commonly recommended today due to widespread resistance and the risk of beeswax contamination. David also discusses their potential relevance in places like Madagascar—where resistance hasn't yet developed—and their limited role in research targeting future threats like Tropilaelaps mites.

This episode is a reminder that while tools may lose their edge, the lessons they leave behind are invaluable for today's beekeepers navigating the ever-evolving varroa landscape.

Links & Resources: