Beekeeping Today Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Queens, Drones and DCA's with Chip and Gard (342) Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome researchers Dr. Orley "Chip" Taylor and Dr. Gard Otis to discuss their fascinating work on drone congregation areas (DCAs)—the mysterious gathering points where honey bee drones meet virgin queens for mating. The conversation explores how DCAs are located, the behavioral cues that guide drones, and what these sites can tell us about colony genetics, health, and evolution.

Drawing from decades of fieldwork and scientific inquiry, Chip and Gard share insights into how these high-stakes mating events unfold, what makes a DCA stable over time, and why understanding these areas is important for breeders and beekeepers alike. They also reflect on the challenges of observing this elusive part of the honey bee life cycle and share stories from their field studies across North America and beyond.

This episode offers a rare window into a little-understood but critical aspect of honey bee biology. Whether you're a backyard beekeeper curious about queen mating or a researcher interested in honey bee genetics, this conversation deepens our understanding of what happens when drones take flight.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

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

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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

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 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/

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.

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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 - Varroa Treatment Options: Varroxsan Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of our BTP Shorts series on varroa treatments, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to explore VarroxSan—an extended-release oxalic acid strip used to manage varroa mites. David explains how this USDA-registered product works, its origins in South American formulations like Aluen CAP, and why its slow-release delivery makes it a valuable tool for maintaining mite levels throughout the brood cycle.

Oxalic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, is effective against varroa and safe for bees when used correctly. David walks through how the fiberboard strips are dosed, placed in the hive, and gradually deliver oxalic acid over a 42–56 day period. While the exact mechanism of mite mortality remains somewhat mysterious, VarroxSan's ability to hold down mite levels—especially during nectar flows—makes it a helpful part of an integrated mite management plan.

The team also discusses pros and cons: the product's compatibility with honey supers (with proper spacing), the need for good hive records to time strip removal, and the importance of following label instructions. They caution that VarroxSan may not be ideal as a first-response treatment for colonies already overwhelmed with mites, but it excels at keeping mite populations from rebounding.

If you're considering an organic acid treatment that doesn't interrupt honey production, this episode is a must-listen.

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.

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[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Series Introduction Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this first episode of our Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts series on varroa mites, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to lay the foundation for an important multi-part series. Varroa mites continue to be the most damaging pest to honey bee colonies worldwide. In this introduction, the trio covers the biology and lifecycle of varroa, the damage they inflict, and why routine monitoring and informed treatment choices are critical for beekeepers.

David explains how varroa mites reproduce inside brood cells and evade detection, riding under the bees' abdominal plates where they're nearly impossible to spot. They discuss effective monitoring methods—from sticky boards to alcohol washes—and highlight why consistent testing matters, especially before and after applying treatments.

The episode also previews what's ahead: bite-sized episodes focusing on each available varroa treatment—both chemical and nonchemical—including tips on timing, efficacy, and practical use. This series aims to provide an accessible, up-to-date, and evergreen reference guide for beekeepers managing mites throughout the year.

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.

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Jerry Hayes on Honey Bee Health, Science, and Industry Change (341) Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back Jerry Hayes, renowned honey bee advocate, author, and researcher, for a wide-ranging conversation on bee health, industry change, and the future of beekeeping. Drawing from decades of experience—from inspecting colonies in the field to influencing corporate and regulatory policy—Jerry shares what he's learned about building bridges between science, beekeepers, and the broader agricultural world.

The discussion touches on Jerry's roles across the beekeeping ecosystem—from his early days as Florida's Chief Apiary Inspector to leadership positions at Monsanto, Vita Bee Health and now, Bee Culture Magazine. He reflects on lessons learned while advocating for honey bees in spaces that didn't always understand their value, and how science communication and transparency have become central to his mission.

Jerry also shares insights into how beekeeping has changed, what's needed to better support bees in today's agricultural systems, and the role of products like oxalic acid and other treatment innovations. Whether you're a hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who's seen the industry evolve from every angle.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Bee Culture Magazine: https://beeculture.com
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

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

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

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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

Alan Wade, Dannielle Harden: Managing Two-Queen Hives (340) Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky dive into the fascinating world of two-queen hive systems with guests Alan Wade and Dannielle Harden. Alan, an Australian researcher and longtime contributor to The Australasian Beekeeper, brings deep technical expertise and historical context to the discussion. Dannielle, a beekeeper and educator, adds a hands-on perspective from the field.

Together, they explore what it takes to successfully manage colonies with two laying queens—why beekeepers attempt it, how it's traditionally done, and what innovations are reshaping the approach. Alan shares his work comparing various dual-queen configurations, including divided brood chambers and vertically stacked systems. Dannielle discusses her practical experience implementing and refining these techniques in real-world apiaries.

This episode unpacks the potential benefits of two-queen colonies—like increased brood and honey production—as well as the complexities and labor involved in managing them. It's an engaging conversation that blends research, experimentation, and lived experience.

If you've ever wondered about pushing your colonies' productivity or testing advanced management systems, this episode offers insight and inspiration from two thoughtful voices in modern beekeeping.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Alan's Book on Two Queen Hives: https://www.northernbeebooks.co.uk/products/a-history-of-keeping-and-managing-doubled-and-two-queen-hives-wade
Betterbee's Divided Deep: https://www.betterbee.com/nuc-boxes/dnbody-divided-deep-for-nuc.asp
An Explanation on the Demaree Method of Queen Management:https://thewalrusandthehoneybee.com/demaree/
Bill Hesbach's Mentioned Article in Bee Culture: https://beeculture.com/the-horizontal-two-queen-system/
Tom Theobald and 2-Queen Hives on Beekeeping Today: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/two-queen-honey-production-with-tom-theobald-s3-e32/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

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

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

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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

Regeneron STS Finalist, Atreya Manaswi - SHB (339) Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we welcome an inspiring young voice in honey bee research—Atreya Manaswi, a high school senior and top 40 finalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Atreya shares the fascinating journey that began with a fishing trip and led to a multi-year research project aimed at controlling one of the most damaging pests of honey bees: the small hive beetle.

Working under mentorship from the USDA and University of Florida, Atreya developed a new organic bait based on the volatile compounds found in beer. He didn't stop there—he designed a solar-powered, 3D-printed trap equipped with LED sensors and a Raspberry Pi to count beetles automatically and predict future infestations using artificial intelligence. His bait-and-trap system could offer a cleaner, more sustainable, and reusable alternative to traditional beetle traps.

Atreya also talks about his picture book The Bee Story, his outreach work with youth and beekeeping clubs, and his upcoming studies at Yale University. His dedication to pollinator health and science communication offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of bee research.

Whether you're a beekeeper dealing with small hive beetles or just curious about next-gen solutions, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Atreya on Regeneron-STS Website: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2025-student-finalists/atreya-manaswi/
Atreya's Website: https://www.atreyamanaswi.com
Atreya's Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bee-Story-Atreya-Manaswi/dp/B0BMSZSR2H
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

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

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

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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 - Summer in the Apiary with Dewey Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his latest "audio postcard," diving into summer apiary management. As the season heats up, Dewey asks: are we unknowingly stressing our bees through our supering choices?

Drawing from a recent Brazilian study led by Dr. David De Jong, Dewey explores the physiological impacts of over-supering on honey bee colonies. The research found that adding too many foundation supers at once can elevate stress markers in forager bees—potentially compromising immune response and productivity. Dewey explains how thoughtful supering—adding boxes as needed—yields more honey and less stress.

He also discusses mid-season mite management, reminding us that effective control now means healthier colonies heading into fall. Dewey reviews options like formic and oxalic acid treatments, as well as how summer's heavy populations influence product effectiveness.

Through it all, Dewey emphasizes the unique, personal nature of beekeeping, encouraging beekeepers to communicate intentionally with their bees—whether by managing mites, supering wisely, or preparing for harvest.

Links & Resources:

Ross Conrad April 2025. Supering. Bee Culture: https://beeculture.com/supering/
David de Jong's Research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357485479_Supering_Apis_mellifera_Hymenoptera_Apidae_beehives_impairs_honey_production_and_biomarker_genes
HBHC Tools for Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HBHC-Guide_Varroa-Mgmt_8thEd-082422.pdf
Communication in a Colony: https://www.beelistener.co.uk/biology-for-beekeepers/communication-in-a-colony-cues-and-signals/
Tom Seeley: HoneyBee Democracy 2010 and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners. 2024 Princeton University Press

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

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Pollinator Week 2025 with Pollinator Partnership (338) Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we launch our eighth season with a celebration of Pollinator Week and a conversation with Kelly Bills, Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership. Kelly returns to share exciting updates on their growing programs, from the BeeMD diagnostic tool relaunch to the expansion of Bee Friendly Farming and Gardening certifications. She also discusses the Pollinator Steward Certification, a program educating people across professions to become effective stewards of pollinators in their communities.

We explore the importance of native plants, new educational tools like Find Your Roots, and proactive efforts to prepare for the potential arrival of Tropilaelaps mites through the Tropi STOP initiative. Plus, Kelly highlights the landmark lighting of Niagara Falls in honor of Pollinator Week and the evolving Pollinator Power Party.

This episode is packed with practical ways beekeepers and land managers can get involved in pollinator conservation—from habitat planning and research grants to farmer certifications and community engagement. It's a great start to the season and a meaningful way to mark Pollinator Week 2025.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Pollinator Partnership: https://pollinator.org
The BeeMD: https://idtools.org/thebeemd/
North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC): https://www.pollinator.org/nappc
Bee Friendly Farming: https://www.pollinator.org/bff
Pollinator Steward Certification: https://www.pollinator.org/psc
TropiSTOP: https://www.pollinator.org/tropistop
Find Your Roots: https://www.pollinator.org/find-your-roots-tool
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

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

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

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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 - Jeometry Bee Wear Designed for Women! Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff sits down with Jenna York, founder of Jeometry Beewear, a new line of protective beekeeping clothing designed specifically for women. Combining her 10 years of beekeeping experience with two decades in fashion design, Jenna shares how frustration with ill-fitting gear inspired her to create a solution from the ground up.

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Jeometry Beewear uses eco-friendly materials—including a breathable, recycled honeycomb mesh—and thoughtful design elements like bust pleats, functional pockets, and single-zipper access. Jenna explains the challenges of domestic manufacturing, the importance of gear that fits real women, and her vision for expanding the line to separates and even men's sizes in the future.

This episode is a great listen for beekeepers who want gear that fits and functions—because good design shouldn't be gendered.

Learn more at jeometrybeewear.com.

Links & Resources:

Jeometry Beewear - https://jeometrybeewear.com

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

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Bee Business with Jim Hartman (337) Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Jim Hartman, the 2024 North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year and a dedicated honey producer. Jim shares his journey from military service and corporate life to becoming a full-time "honey farmer" and entrepreneur. His passion for beekeeping and veteran advocacy shines through as he discusses building a farm business from the ground up—debt-free and focused on sustainable growth.

Jim offers practical insights into treating a beekeeping operation as a serious business rather than a hobby. He breaks down essential strategies like proper bookkeeping, the importance of filing a Schedule F, and setting clear business goals. Jim also highlights programs and resources available to veterans and new farmers, including the underutilized Veteran Small Business Enhancement Act and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Whether you have 10 colonies or 200, Jim emphasizes the importance of mindset: stop thinking in terms of hobbyist or sideliner—if you're running your bees to make a profit, you're a farmer. His story and advice offer valuable lessons for any beekeeper looking to strengthen their operation and approach their bees with a business-first mentality.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Secret Garden Bees (Jim's Website): https://secretgardenbees.com
Kutik Queens: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/meet-your-kutik-queen.asp
Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act: https://www.sba.gov/document/information-notice-veterans-small-business-enhancement-act-2018-faq
USDA Farm Service Agency: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/
USDA Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP): https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/emergency-assistance-livestock-honeybees-farm-raised-fish-elap
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

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

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

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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

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