Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Repetition Beekeeping (158) Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Practice makes perfect, as the old adage says. This really rings true in the bee yard and working with honey bees. This week, Jim invites Betterbee's EAS Master Beekeeper, Anne Frey, to the podcast to discuss how experience, gained by doing something over and over, is the basis of becoming a better beekeeper.

Experience is needed for confidence. Lighting and maintaining a smoker, finding a queen and even managing stings become more intuitive with each repetition. Experience isn't just about doing; it's about learning and adapting with each action.

However, experience and repetition do not equate to mastery in beekeeping. It's about understanding the nuanced art behind each task and the ecosystem you're engaging with.

Beekeeping transcends being a mere skill; it's an art form that demands observation, adaptation, and continuous learning. It's about challenging the status quo, embracing change, and mastering a variety of skills to truly excel in the bee yard.

Join Jim and Anne as they illustrate how the path from novice to master beekeeping excellence is layered with diverse learning experiences. Whether you're new to beekeeping or a seasoned veteran, this episode is for you.

What are your most valuable, repeated skills in beekeeping. Let us know!

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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

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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)

Downsizing Your Bee Operation (157) Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

There comes a time for many beekeepers when they realize they have more colonies than time to properly work them - with "work" being the operative word. If they've been keeping bees long enough, they may decide that hefting ten-frame hive bodies full or honey or bees just too difficult. The beekeeper decides to downsize. In today's episode, Kim and Jim discuss the considerations and options available to the beekeeper when dealing with unwanted hive bodies and frames.

Beekeepers do all sorts of things with old hive bodies. From transforming old hive bodies into unique bookshelves to the responsible disposal of irreparable equipment, Kim and Jim discuss the various fates of retired beekeeping gear. Ultimately though, it is a decision that requires careful evaluation of the equipment, it's age, condition, disease history and even the experience of the beekeeper who accepts the 'gift' of inexpensive (or free) used bee equipment.

We invite you to join us in this engaging discussion. Share your experiences and creative ideas about what you do with old bee equipment. Your insights could greatly benefit fellow beekeepers facing similar decisions.

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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)

Queen Isolation Cages (156) Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, Jim and David Peck, PhD, delve into a fascinating topic that rarely gets any 'air time' unless you are interested specifically in raising queens: Queen Isolation Cages.

For beekeepers, the queen bee is the heart of the hive, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining hive order. Queen Isolation Cages are ingenious tools that allow beekeepers to temporarily isolate the queen from the rest of the colony. This technique can be applied in various scenarios, from performing selective breeding to managing swarm prevention and introducing new queens.

But what are the science and research-based insights behind the use of Queen Isolation Cages? How can these devices help us improve our beekeeping practices and overall hive management? In this episode, Jim and David explore the intricacies of Queen Isolation Cages, discussing their purpose, benefits, and potential challenges.

Join Jim and David as they discuss the ins and outs, the pros and cons of using this specialized piece of beekeeping equipment and how it can be used in your bee operation!

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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)

Winter Chores: Culling Combs (155) Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Kim and Jim delve into several important maintenance tasks that beekeepers can undertake during the winter season to ensure the health and productivity of their hives. Winter might seem like a downtime, but it's a critical period for preparing your hives for the upcoming spring.

One key task they discuss is culling old comb. This task is near and dear to Kim. It involves removing combs that are over three years old or show signs of disease, pest infestation, or excessive use. By doing this, you reduce the risk of diseases, pests, contaminants and residual pesticides, and enhance the hive's overall cleanliness. It's a vital step in maintaining hive health and vigor.

Other essential winter chores, include checking and repairing hive equipment, cleaning and storing unused equipment, and planning for the upcoming season. Monitoring food stores and ensuring adequate insulation are also discussed, ensuring your bees stay healthy and well-fed throughout the colder months.

Listen today and gain valuable insights and tips on winter maintenance. It's a vital aspect of beekeeping that sets the stage for a successful and bountiful year ahead.

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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)

Archive Special - Preparing Your Hives for Winter! (154) Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Join Kim and Jim in this special archive episode from late October 2021, where they delve into the critical task of preparing your hives for the winter season. This episode is particularly crucial for beekeepers in colder climates.

Are you comfortable in shorts outdoors during this time of year? If yes, then wrapping your colonies for winter might not be a necessity. However, if a brisk step outside in shorts sends shivers down your spine, this episode is tailored for you!

Key discussions include:

1. Windbreaks: An effective, economical solution to shield your hives from harsh winds. Easy to set up and highly beneficial.

2. Insulation Options: Explore various insulation methods, including traditional tar paper, roofing, or HVAC insulation. For convenience, there are also ready-made hive wraps available in the market.

3. Insulated Hive Tops: Groundbreaking research into natural beehives in hollow cavities has led to a significant insight - insulating the top of the hive is more crucial than the sides. Replacing wooden hive covers with insulated tops can be a game-changer, offering dual benefits of keeping the hive warm in winter and cool in summer.

4. Advanced Hive Bodies: The episode also touches on innovative hive bodies made from materials like polystyrene, designed for enhanced temperature regulation.

Wind protection, moisture control, hive wrapping, and advanced hive body options are all explored. Tune in to this episode for a comprehensive guide on how to best prepare your hives for the winter season, ensuring the health and productivity of your colonies

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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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Browsing Bee Books (153) Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

As the leaves fall and the bees nestle in for winter, many beekeepers find themselves next to a warm fire, a cup of tea in hand, flipping through the pages of their cherished bee books. Have you ever looked at your shelf brimming with bee books and wondered, 'Will I ever read all of these?' You're not alone.

In this cozy episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Kim rejoins Jim in the studio to delve into the fascinating world of beekeeping literature. They explore the shelves of their personal libraries, sharing insights about what makes a bee book invaluable. From favorite authors to timeless publishers, they discuss the evolution of beekeeping knowledge and how the information in these books stands the test of time.

But beware, not all beekeeping techniques age like fine wine! Kim and Jim unravel how to discern timeless wisdom from outdated practices.

So, as you settle in for the evening, let your gaze wander over to your bee book collection. What hidden treasures do you own? Join us as Kim and Jim reveal their most treasured bee books and offer tips on building a meaningful library.

We can't wait to hear about the bee books that have inspired your beekeeping journey. Share your top picks with us after the episode!

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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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Rothenbuhler's Legacy (152) Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode Jim invites Becky Masterman to discuss the lasting impact of Dr. Walter Rothenbuhler's seminal research on honey bee hygienic behavior. His work, which has been a bedrock in the field of apiculture, sheds light on the genetic foundations of disease resistance among honey bees, particularly against threats like American Foulbrood.

Jim provides a unique inside perspective to Dr. Rothenbuhler as Jim personally knew and worked with him at The Ohio State University bee lab.

Today's discussion centers around the critical behavior of bees known as 'hygienic behavior,' where bees detect and eliminate diseased or parasitized brood from the hive, thereby protecting the colony from outbreaks. This behavior, identified and explored by Dr. Rothenbuhler, is a key trait that bee breeders prioritize to foster robust colonies.

Jim and Becky navigate the connections between Dr. Rothenbuhler's, and that of other early researchers' findings and their practical applications in contemporary beekeeping. The insights from their research are essential for selective breeding programs that aim to enhance colony health and disease resistance.

Concluding the episode, Jim and Becky reflect on the enduring relevance of Dr. Rothenbuhler's contributions to apiculture. His legacy not only informs our current practices but also continues to guide research and advancements in the field of beekeeping.

Tune in for this fascinating journey through bee behavior research and its profound implications for beekeepers around the world.

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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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Transfers and Cutouts (151) Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Beekeeping is not always as straightforward as hive inspections and honey extraction. When bees decide to set up shop in places beyond the traditional hive box, it requires specialized techniques and knowledge to safely and ethically relocate them.

When beekeepers set up plain boxes (not the standard Langstroth hive with moveable frames) then move them to a standard hive, it is often called a 'transfer'. When honey bees are removed from a structure, such as the wall of a house, it is called a 'cutout'.

In today's episode, Jim talks about how transfers are not that common these days, and how cutouts are. These are specialized activities that require more than beekeeping skills.

Listen today as Jim tackles the topic of Transfers and Cutouts.

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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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Dealing With Quirky Queens (150) Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

In the intricate realm of beekeeping, the queen bee reigns supreme, yet she remains a mysterious figure for many beekeepers. Join Jim as he welcomes Anne Frey, the head beekeeper of Betterbee, to delve into the fascinating world of Queen Quirks: Unusual Phenomena in Queen Bees.

Jim and Anne share their wealth of experiences raising queens, offering invaluable insights into the enigmatic quirks that queens can exhibit. Together, they explore a variety of intriguing situations, including dealing with injured and disabled queens, queens that seem to faint (yes, even queens can have their "off" days), the puzzle of multiple eggs in a single cell (Is it a young queen or a laying worker?), perplexing spotty brood patterns, and even instances of clumsily marked queens.

For every beekeeper, encountering these quirks is not a matter of "if" but "when." So, what should a beekeeper do when faced with these quirks? How can you distinguish between a benign quirk and a potentially problematic queen? Tune in to this episode as Jim and Anne engage in an informative and engaging discussion, shedding light on these Royalties of the hive. Discover how you can discern the subtleties of queen behavior and make informed decisions about the well-being of your bee colony.

Join Jim and Anne for a captivating exploration of some of the quirks seen in queens, and blend science and experience to help demystify this aspect of beekeeping.

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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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Honey Bees and Native Bees (149) Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Jim, is joined by guest, Eugene Makovec, the editor of The American Bee Journal, to dissect the emotionally charged debate that's capturing the attention of beekeepers everywhere: Do honey bees harm native bees? This intriguing question unfolds as a complex ecological issue, lacking a clear-cut victor or vanquished party. The verdict depends on a multitude of factors, including the context, location, and intricate dynamics of ecosystems. Recent research underscores the importance of recognizing that outcomes can differ significantly based on specific regions and circumstances.

Once considered saviors of pollination, honey bees now find themselves under scrutiny by certain conservation groups, labeled as 'invasive' and potentially 'harmful' to native pollinators. This shift in perspective has even led some to view beekeepers as unintentional contributors to this challenge.

During the episode, Jim and Eugene provide their invaluable insights, rooted in their extensive experience and expertise, allowing our listeners to navigate through the complexity of this issue. Join us as we work together to decipher the nuances and separate fact from the surrounding noise.

Join the discussion by sending us your questions and comments here!

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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, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

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