Bee Love Beekeeping... presented by Mann Lake

Bob Ford of Sticky Bee Honey Farm in southern Minnesota is living proof that beekeepers never do anything halfway. What started as two hives quickly ballooned to 65–80 before his back had other ideas. Now running 40–45 hives, Bob shares the joys and heartbreaks of Minnesota beekeeping — where you can survive a brutal winter only to watch colonies mysteriously collapse during a "false spring" a few weeks later. He also gets real about varroa mite management, wind exposure, and the sad reality of neighboring beekeepers who just let their bees die every year and buy new packages in the spring.But the real fun is in Bob's beekeeping business side hustles. Not content to just sell jars of honey at farmers markets, he designed a centrifugal honey straw filler (which once redecorated his entire open-concept kitchen in a fine mist of honey), built a food trailer selling honey lemonade and honey kettle corn, and 3D printed custom honey dippers with his logo on top. Oh, and during nine months of post-surgery bed rest, he wrote 25–30 children's books starring a little bee named Sticky. Because apparently when Bob can't work, he still can't stop working. Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ • Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Ford/Sticky Bee Honey Farms: https://sites.google.com/ibinc.us/sticky-bee-honey-farms/home http://amazon.com/author/stickybeehoneyfarms

Brian Schmitz keeps bees on Orcas Island in Washington's San Juan Islands — a place so peaceful and remote that residents refer to trips to the mainland as "going to America." A pandemic-era beekeeper turned 30-colony operator, Brian navigates a uniquely temperate maritime climate where the ocean acts as a natural air conditioner. He's also the reigning salmon derby champion at his local American Legion post, a title unchallenged since 2019 — and yes, he's proud of it.The real action comes when yellow jackets enter the picture. Brian and host Eric Bennett dig into one of the Pacific Northwest's most brutal beekeeping challenges — a pest so aggressive it can take down even a thriving, booming colony. From hardware cloth entrance reducers to decoy wasp nests to the wildly effective "raw chicken over soapy water" trap, Brian shares every trick in his arsenal. He also opens up about beekeeping ethics, responsible swarm management, and why working his hives brings him the same calm focus he relies on as a professional ship's navigator. This one's a great listen.Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ • Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]: [email protected]

Beekeeping Advice from Dr. Sammy Ramsey!In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett welcomes Dr. Samuel (Sammy) Ramsey — PhD entomologist, National Geographic Explorer, and producer of the new Disney+ and Hulu documentary series Secrets of the Bees. Dr. Ramsey shares what it was like collaborating with James Cameron and National Geographic, how filmmakers captured never-before-seen footage inside a beehive using endoscopy cameras and high-speed rigs, and what it meant to contribute both as a scientist and a vocalist to the project. The conversation then dives deep into honey bee health: the looming threat of Tropilaelaps mites, the true mechanics of Varroa damage, and the great sugar roll vs. alcohol wash debate — with Dr. Ramsey offering a nuanced, research-backed take on why the sugar roll still has a legitimate place in a beekeeper's toolkit.The episode closes with Dr. Ramsey's top advice for new and experienced beekeepers alike — including a reminder that beekeeping is a team sport — and a hilarious (and instructive) wild beekeeping story involving a bee, an ear canal, and an emergency room visit that ends with a bee named Beyoncé.Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/• Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Secrets of the Bees: https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-059dc4ee-f790-476d-82b3-e418c1f96780Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]

How do you reach out to local beekeepers to help save millions of bees after their transport truck jackknifes?In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett welcomes Tristen Tartaglia, a Southern Oregon beekeeper and owner of Southern Oregon Swarms, to share her remarkable story of saving millions of bees after a major truck accident.Tristen is deeply embedded in the local beekeeping community, performing 60–120 cutouts per year — including chemical-free removals of yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets.The episode also features a fascinating science segment on the waggle dance, revealing that bees actually communicate more precisely when a larger audience is watching — they literally dance better when they know someone is paying attention.The heart of the episode centers on Tristen's extraordinary effort at saving bees after a semi-truck jackknifed in Oregon in March 2026, dumping over 400 hives down a steep 30-degree ravine.Rather than stand by, beekeeper Tristan jumped into action, filmed the scene, and began physically moving broken hives and scattered frames to give the bees a fighting chance against the cold.After posting a raw video that reached 1.8 million Facebook views overnight, over 50 volunteers showed up to help with the rescue — daisy-chaining equipment up the hillside in a powerful display of beekeeping community spirit. Thanks to their tireless work, millions of individual bees were saved.Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/• Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]'s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tristens-mission-to-save-the-bees?attribution_id=sl:8b4451bf-e9c5-4031-86f3-104cbd967cc1&lang=en_US&ts=1774745656&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_ta-amp20_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook

"There is no such thing as ORGANIC U.S. honey!" Honey Dumping. Fake Honey & Much more with ABF President, Debbie Seib.The episode features beekeeper, Debbie Seib, president of the American Beekeeping Federation, who shares her decades-long journey from beginner to industry leader, offering insight into running a large-scale beekeeping operation and the realities of working closely with honey bees.Throughout the conversation, Debbie emphasizes that successful beekeeping relies heavily on education, mentorship, and adaptability. She discusses common challenges beekeepers face, such as seasonal food shortages, parasite management like varroa mites, and unpredictable environmental conditions that impact bees’ survival. The episode underscores that there is no single solution to keeping healthy bees—beekeepers must continually learn, rotate treatments, and stay attentive to hive conditions. Ultimately, the discussion reveals that while beekeeping can be demanding, it is deeply rewarding, especially when colonies survive winter and thrive in the spring. Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Beekeeping Federation: ABFnet.org

Making money selling honey takes business smarts! Catch all the Do's and Don'ts this week as we wrap up a two-part conversation with beekeeper, Danielle Brooks, founder of Honey Truck in St. Augustine, Florida. Danielle is a former family photographer turned full-time honey entrepreneur who runs a brick-and-mortar shop, farmers market operation, and wholesale distribution business. All while taking care of two children and 10 beehives.In this episode, she covers the practical side of selling honey — from packaging and customer retention to knowing when to say no to a big opportunity — plus shares some hard-won wisdom about balancing a growing honey business with life as a mom of two young kids. Plus of course, her TWO wild & crazy beekeeping stories that you won't want to miss!Missed Part 1? Check out Episode 312. https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/pro-secrets-how-to-make-money-selling-honey/Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]: https://www.honeytruck.com/

What does it take to make money selling honey? It's Marketing 101 for beekeepers! This episode of Bee Love Beekeeping features an interview with Danielle Brooks, whose experience turning a small beekeeping hobby into a real honey business, is full of invaluable information for all beekeepers. Most beekeepers undervalue their product and underestimate the importance of knowing who they're selling to. Brooke draws on her background in photography and communications to talk about storytelling as a sales tool: knowing your honey's origin, its seasonal character, and the beekeepers behind it gives you something to say that a generic jar simply can't. Her advice applies whether you have two hives or twenty — start with your audience, build a brand that speaks to them, price your product honestly from the start, and treat every sales interaction as a chance to educate. Video Version of This Episode________________10% Discount on Color Collection hive kits. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Discount Code: SHOWMETHECOLOR_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]: https://www.honeytruck.com/

Host Eric Bennett reaches out all the way to Gloucestershire, England to have a discussion with Stuart Roweth, beekeeper and inventor of Bee Gym and Bee Gym Slim. Stuart is on a mission to help bees fight back against varroa without chemicals. He walks us through his beekeeping journey, from receiving his first swarm in a cardboard box to developing the Bee Gym, a mechanical device that encourages bees to groom varroa mites off themselves using small flippers, spikes, and wires. The episode also features an Inside the Hive segment exploring how bees regulate summer heat through evaporative cooling, collecting water and fanning it across the comb in a system that predates human air conditioning by millions of years.Whether you're new to beekeeping or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Stuart and Eric discuss the importance of staying open-minded when it comes to varroa management — testing before and after any treatment, combining mechanical tools like the Bee Gym with other IPM practices, and knowing when a chemical miticide may still be the right call. Stuart also shares a memorable story about performing a massive bee cutout from a Bristol rooftop, where bees had built rafter after rafter of comb over several years — a humbling experience that gave him an even deeper appreciation for the bees themselves and the dedicated beekeeping community that works tirelessly to protect them.Video Version of This Episode________________5% Discount on Live Bees, Beginner Essentials, and Bee-Friendly Plant Seeds at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Gym

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett wraps up a three-part conversation with Mann Lake's Kim and Steph — two experienced and enthusiastic beekeepers — covering the final entries on their top 10 list of decisions to make before getting into beekeeping. The discussion covers mindset, fear of stings, how many hives to start with, long-term goal setting, predator protection, and what to do with your honey. The episode also features an "Inside the Hive" segment on beeswax, plus Kim and Steph's hilarious — and slightly harrowing — story about a live TikTok inspection gone wrong.VIDEO VERSION________________5% Discount on Live Bees, Beginner Essentials, and Bee-Friendly Plant Seeds at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] & Steph: https://linktr.ee/MannLakeBeekeepingCommunity

What gear do beginning beekeepers need? What PPE do you need? Where do you place your hives? Where do you buy your bees? Smokers? Hive tools? All of these questions, and more, are answered here in Part 2 of our discussion with beekeepers, Kim & Steph. The "Inside the Hive" segment highlights the honey bee waggle dance, including new research showing individual bees navigate far more precisely than the dance itself can communicate.The episode concludes with a candid look at beekeeping philosophy, from treatment-free approaches to conventional varroa management. Steph shares a hard-learned lesson from losing a colony by avoiding treatment, and both hosts encourage rookie beekeepers to reflect on their own values, connect with local clubs or online communities, and stay open to evolving their approach over time.VIDEO VERSION________________5% Discount on Live Bees, Beginner Essentials, and Bee-Friendly Plant Seeds at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order. Follow Us: https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/follow/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] & Steph: https://linktr.ee/MannLakeBeekeepingCommunity

Don't Start Beekeeping Until You Have Made These 10 Decisions (Part 1)Host Eric Bennett sits down with Kim and Steph — seasoned beekeepers and popular TikTok content creators — to kick off an exciting multi-episode series covering the 10 most important decisions aspiring beekeepers need to make before taking the leap into beekeeping. Kim and Steph bring years of hands-on experience working with honey bees, and their enthusiasm and practical wisdom make this an essential listen for anyone considering starting their beekeeping journey. The episode also features a fascinating "Inside the Hive" educational segment on swarming behavior, that gives both new and experienced beekeepers a deeper appreciation for just how remarkable honey bees truly are.Whether you're a total beginner who has never been within ten feet of a hive, or a seasoned beekeeper looking to fill in a few gaps in your knowledge, this episode is packed with actionable insights, honest real-world advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. Eric, Kim, and Steph cover everything from the philosophical ("why do you even want to do this?") to the practical ("what kind of box should I buy?"), making this one of the most comprehensive beginner-focused beekeeping conversations you'll find anywhere. VIDEO VERSION________________5% Discount on Live Bees, Beginner Essentials, and Bee-Friendly Plant Seeds at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVEDiscount Code: BEELOVE ________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] & Steph: https://linktr.ee/MannLakeBeekeepingCommunity

In this heartfelt and information-packed episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we begin with an important update on new research revealing that neonicotinoid pesticides are even more harmful to honeybees than previously understood. Every beekeeper needs this information. From there, we head “Inside the Hive” to explore one of nature’s most fascinating transformations: how a queen bee and a worker bee start as identical eggs, and how just three days of royal jelly determines a worker bee's destiny. We also dive into the dramatic piping and dueling of emerging queen bees.Then, in a special Valentine’s-inspired discussion, host Eric welcomes his niece Juniper Bennett—a first-year beekeeper in rural Montana—for a candid and joyful conversation about starting her own apiary. From picking up her bees in an Applebee’s parking lot to homeschooling her kids through hive-building, Juniper shares what it’s like to begin beekeeping with intuition, love, and zero prior experience.This episode is about more than honey bees and beekeeping. It’s about stewardship, courage, family, and creating a sanctuary—both for pollinators and for ourselves. VIDEO VERSION________________5% Discount on Live Bees, Beginner Essentials, and Bee-Friendly Plant Seeds at Mann Lake: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES_________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.Primal Bee: https://primalbee.com/https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Bennett: https://www.onleorganics.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It was sheer panic!" That's how Amber explains her wild & crazy beekeeping story.In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we open with a poetic ode to honeybees and a couple of “beekeeper bloopers,” then sit down with Amber Leach, North American Sales Manager at Veto-Pharma.We dig into Varroa Integrated Pest Management (IPM): why testing before and after treating matters, how to avoid resistance through rotation and correct use, and what’s new in Apivar 2.0.Amber breaks down Varroa EasyCheck (alcohol wash, sugar roll, CO₂), shares high-altitude lessons from 7,500 ft, and explains why commercial beekeepers treat mite management like a business decision.We wrap with winter-prep priorities, a humbling bee sting story, and practical, step-by-step fall beekeeping checklists.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!Chapters00:00 – Cold open: a honeybee’s harmony01:22 – Welcome + fall Varroa reality check01:56 – Beekeeper bloopers: honey-soaked suit & the hose trap; “bees sense fear”03:57 – Guest intro: Amber Leach06:32 – Veto Pharma’s focus: testing → treatment for Varroa07:48 – Varroa EasyCheck: alcohol, sugar, CO₂—how/why to use each09:39 – Habits, misuse, and how resistance happens (human factors)12:16 – Amitraz & Apivar: role, history, and resistance nuance14:24 – Apivar 2.0: formulation changes, faster profile, handling, no withholding15:46 – Storage & correct application basics16:04 – Ad break: Mann Lake honey harvest essentials17:09 – Packages/nucs: don’t assume mite-free; questions to ask20:28 – High-altitude beekeeping & the power of journaling22:02 – Winter prep priorities: mites first; food & windbreaks24:24 – Amber’s “hot hive” sting story (panic isn’t a plan)28:58 – What hobbyists can borrow from commercial keepers: treat it like a business31:53 – Case study: high counts + slow-release treatment expectations34:56 – Start early (July!), be consistent, and retest35:49 – Wrap-up, contacts, and sponsor thanksVideo Version: https://youtu.be/dG35F1qUDDg__________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]: [email protected] https://www.veto-pharma.com/

How many sources of income do your beehives produce? If it's just honey sales and a few wax products, you will want to listen to this episode!In this week's Bee-Love Beekeeping, we explore the magic of honeybee navigation and take a trip to Hawaii’s North Shore to meet beekeeper Katie Metzger, founder of Hanai Hives.We kick off with a look at groundbreaking research on honeybee eyesight, revealing how these incredible insects read the polarized sky to travel miles and return home without losing their way—even on cloudy days. Then, we dive into Katie’s inspiring beekeeping journey, from her start in California school gardens to leading apiaries in Hawaii.She shares how she built Hanai Hives, a community-driven beekeeping venture that blends education, agritourism, and honey production.Together we discuss:• Beekeeping in Hawaii’s unique microclimates• The challenges and opportunities of turning beekeeping into a business• Her hive adoption and hosting programs• Agritourism experiences like bee farm tours and honey tastings• Pest management strategies for varroa mites, small hive beetles, and antsThe Hawaiian concepts of Hanai (adoption/nurturing) and Kuleana (deep responsibility), and how they guide her approach to bees and community.Katie also shares a really unusual wild beekeeping story, her philosophy on mentoring, and how love and responsibility—not just honey or money—drive her work. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woCzQlxypRU__________________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ MannLake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]://hanaihives.com/https://royalsocietypublishing.org/do...

This episode features a beekeeper-engineer’s quest to copy what a honey bee colony does naturally in a hollow tree—and to put that into a production hive. Alex Gamberoni of Primal Bee, shares how repeated winter losses drove him and his co-founder to model nest shape, airflow, and dew point, ultimately designing the insulated, trapezoidal “Primal Bee” nest that aims to reduce winter losses (reported <10%, sometimes ~5%) and increase honey yields—without changing your honey supers or extractors. Along the way, we cover forage in the Italian Alps, chestnut honey’s “sweet-then-spicy” flavor, and a delightfully chaotic bee-in-the-Jeep 'Wild & Crazy' beekeeping story. Beekeeping takeaways abound for every beekeeper, from winter management and feeding density to why nest shape may matter more than insulation thickness for honey bee thermoregulation. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!__________________Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/taiIW_XpcrkSpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]://primalbee.com/https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09431-y

Working With Bees instead of Managing Bees. In this episode, Eric takes us across the pond to southwest Scotland for a heartfelt conversation with Titanilla Kiss, a natural beekeeper originally from Budapest, Hungary.Tita shares her journey from hospitality to beekeeping, the mentorship that shaped her early days, and how she now tends her colonies in the challenging, ever-changing Scottish climate. With a philosophy rooted in observation, respect, and balance, she blends natural remedies, herbal tonics, and even mushroom extracts into her beekeeping practice—all while honoring the bees’ resilience and life cycles.🌼 What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe unique challenges (and beauty) of keeping bees near the Atlantic coast in Scotland.Native dark honeybees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and why they thrive in stormy, wet climates.Why Tita phased out wooden hives in favor of insulated poly hives.Her approach to natural beekeeping: observation over intervention, and support with herbal teas instead of harsh chemicals.The role of propolis tinctures, herbs, and mushroom extracts in bee health.Reflections on loss, resilience, and the parallels between her work as a beekeeper and a death doula.The ceremonial aspects of beekeeping—from smoke rituals to honoring the natural cycles of life and death.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!__________________Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/026aYtckv_MSpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]'s Herbal Bee Tea Recipe: https://ko-fi.com/s/3604006d32

This episode of Bee Love Beekeeping takes listeners on a journey from the ancient art of beekeeping to the frontiers of agricultural technology. Host Eric Bennett sits down with Eliyah Radzyner of Beewise to discuss the urgent need for innovation in hive care—especially as North America faces devastating colony losses.Eliyah shares his personal journey into beekeeping, the “aha moment” that computers could manage hives better than he could, and the creation of Beewise’s BeeHome— "Half Hive, Half Robot," that can monitor, diagnose, and treat colonies remotely. By tackling the three biggest beekeeper challenges—distance, timing, and expertise—BeeHome enables per-hive interventions rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.Listeners will learn how robotics handle everything from feeding and brood balancing to mite control, why adaptive hive entrances matter, and how AI is beginning to make hive management decisions autonomously. With over 1,200 units already in use, Beewise demonstrates how marrying tradition with technology could save millions of bee colonies and reshape the future of food systems worldwide.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!__________________Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/o_TFiQMoEisSpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]://beewise.ag/home

Featured Guest: Dr. Tom Seeley – Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, renowned honey bee researcher, and author of six influential books including Honeybee Democracy and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners. In this fascinating conclusion to our conversation with renowned honeybee biologist Dr. Tom Seeley, we journey deep into the intricate world of honey bee behavior, decision-making, and hive life. Every beekeeper needs to hear this!From the poetic dance of foraging to the precise mechanics of swarming, Dr. Seeley reveals what decades of research have uncovered about one of nature’s most sophisticated societies.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Tremble Dance Decoded – How a long-standing honey bee mystery was finally solved.Swarming Secrets – Experiments on a remote island that revealed how bees measure nest size, organize takeoff, and navigate to a new home.Democracy in the Hive – How collective decision-making among nest site scouts mirrors—and differs from—human systems.The Unsung Resin Collectors – Why a few dedicated bees make all the difference in hive health.Specialization & Genetics – How bee “career paths” may be influenced by lineage and environment.Drone Congregation Mysteries – The little-known aerial courtship rituals of queen bees and drone bees.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!__________________Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/CHHkMffkUbASpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]

Featured Guest: Dr. Tom Seeley – Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, renowned honey bee researcher, and author of six influential books including Honeybee Democracy and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners.🐝 Topics Covered:The difference between Langstroth hives and natural bee homesCollective intelligence in bees and parallels to the human brainWorker bee piping: how to know when a swarm is about to launchBee lining/Bee hunting: how to track wild honey bee colonies using this ancient techniqueNatural hive insulation and its benefits for overwinteringEarly experiments with dissecting bee treesVarroa control and genetics-based resistance methodsThe behavioral genius of honey bees and what it teaches us as beekeepers🐾 Bonus Story: Meet Maple, the energetic springer spaniel helping detect hive diseases at Michigan State University, sporting a custom-made dog-sized beekeeper suit!EPILOG FROM DR. SEELEY: I wrote Honeybee Democracy, The Lives of Bees, and Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz-Runners to make it easy for beekeepers to learn about what has been discovered in recent decades about the amazing behaviors of worker honey bees. (No sense in leaving these findings hidden away in the scientific journals!) Moreover, I worked with a publisher that sells these beautiful books at reasonable prices. __________________Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/wpjLC9ZpbZkSpecial thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]’t Miss Part Two! This is only part one of our discussion with Dr. Seeley. Subscribe to Bee Love Beekeeping so you don’t miss next week’s episode where Tom shares even more behavioral insights and his wildest beekeeping story yet!

In this delightfully global episode, host Eric Bennett heads to Denmark (virtually!) to meet Lars Fischer and Sophus Knusen — two passionate hobby beekeepers with world-class honey and hearts full of beekeeping joy. From getting stung below the eye to winning the award for best honey in the world, these friends share their love of bees, their Danish-style queen rearing techniques, and their winning formula for perfectly creamy spring honey. We also dive into the incredible story of Apimondia, the world’s largest beekeeping congress — coming to Copenhagen this September — and get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store for thousands of international beekeepers. And when it comes to wild & crazy beekeeping stories in Denmark, what could go wrong when you don't fully extinguish your smoker and leave it in a hotel elevator shaft! It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!__________________Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/DWDQ9XniWB4Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] & Zofus' YouTube: https://youtube.com/@larsogzofuz?si=HtrRReJApexl5ur8Apimondia: https://apimondia2025.com/

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett sits down with Joshua Diggins, a Florida beekeeper, Navy veteran, and branch manager for Mann Lake. Josh shares fascinating insights on how submarines and beehives are surprisingly similar. Before the interview, Eric highlights the mental health benefits of beekeeping, from reducing stress and anxiety to helping veterans and those with PTSD find mindfulness, connection, and purpose. Beekeeping programs have been used successfully in prisons, youth initiatives, and even healthcare as “green therapy.” Josh then discusses the unique challenges of beekeeping in Florida, including how to manage small hive beetles during the rainy season and best practices for hurricane-proofing your hives. He explains why frequent hive checks, beetle traps, and strategic yard prep can save your colonies from infestations and storm damage. We also explore Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit connecting veterans and first responders with experienced beekeepers for mentorship. Josh explains how this work helps veterans transition to civilian life, combat isolation, and even reduce suicide rates. Of course, no episode is complete without a few wild & crazy beekeeping stories! Josh shares the painful tale of getting stung on the wrist after a long hot day—his hand swelling up “like a catcher’s mitt”—and the nerve-wracking experience of finding a bee inside his veil while surrounded by a swarm. Finally, Josh talks about his favorite beekeeping gadgets and he reflects on what he loves most about bees: how they make you more aware of nature’s rhythms, blooms, and the environment around you. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! __________________ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/jHuM2aljlFU Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order. https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/ [email protected]

Welcome to the first full video episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, presented by Mann Lake! If you prefer to consume video versions of podcasts, you'll find us our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@BeeLoveBeekeeping and video of this episode at https://youtu.be/lgdeWybgefk In this special debut, host Eric Bennett chats with one of the most beloved figures in the beekeeping community, Jeff Horchoff, better known as Mr. Ed. Jeff is a Louisiana beekeeper, YouTube personality with over 150,000 subscribers, and the caretaker of bees for a Benedictine monastery. Above all, he believes beekeeping should be fun first, and that philosophy shines through in every story he shares. This episode isn’t just about tips—it’s about rediscovering the joy, wonder, and even spirituality of working with honeybees. Jeff explains why many new beekeepers start with excitement but lose sight of the fun when they get too caught up in technical details. Beekeeping, he says, isn’t about perfection—it’s about the simple pleasure of caring for bees and living in the moment. You’ll also learn why beekeeping is deeply local, shaped by geography and climate. Jeff describes why his hands-off approach works in Louisiana’s mild, forage-rich environment but wouldn’t work in colder northern climates with Varroa pressures and harsh winters. For new beekeepers, he emphasizes learning bee biology, local nectar flows, and timing, explaining how the lengthening days after the winter solstice set the entire hive in motion. The conversation also touches on the spiritual side of beekeeping. For Jeff, keeping bees is a form of prayer and gratitude—a way to see the hand of God in creation. Along the way, he shares a fascinating story about the first time he found a marked queen during a colony removal and why he usually avoids marking queens. Whether you’re new to beekeeping or a seasoned pro, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and heart. It’s a reminder that beekeeping isn’t just about honey or money—it’s about curiosity, connection, and love for the bees. ______________ Love what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at [email protected] Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order. https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@JeffHorchoff

In this special episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we take a step away from our usual beekeeper interviews to explore an important and sometimes misunderstood topic: the relationship between honeybees and native bees. With headlines circulating like “Americans Are Saving the Wrong Bees” and “Honeybee Invasion,” it’s time to dig deeper into the science and separate fact from fear. Are honeybees really hurting native bees, or is the truth more nuanced?To help us answer that, we’re joined by Jennifer Michelle, a sustainable health strategist with a background in public health, epidemiology, and medical entomology. Jennifer offers a broad and informed perspective on pollinator health, emphasizing how ecological systems, human planning, and individual actions all contribute to the wellbeing of both honeybees and native species. She outlines the key differences between them—solitary vs. social, seasonal vs. year-round activity, generalists vs. specialists—and explains how those differences can create unintended consequences when habitat is scarce.Rather than painting honeybees as villains, Jennifer stresses that lack of habitat, pesticides, and overdevelopment are the real threats. Honeybees may intensify competition, but they’re not the root problem. Instead, she urges beekeepers to become part of the solution: planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and encouraging cities to rethink how they landscape public spaces. Jennifer shares success stories and cautionary tales, from London's overcrowded apiaries to the benefits of native pussy willow trees as early spring forage.The episode closes with practical tools for identifying native plants in your region, ways to advocate for pollinator-friendly policies in your community, and a reminder that education—not outrage—is the path forward. With warmth and humor, Jennifer makes the case for coexistence and cooperation. Beekeepers, gardeners, and nature lovers alike will find this episode both eye-opening and empowering.There's even a wild & crazy story that involves a renaissance fair, big skirts, and bee stings.Love what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]______________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Michelle: https://greentownconsulting.com/

"Bees in the pants is never fun!" You'll find this, and other fun & enlightening quotes, in this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping.Host, Eric Bennett, welcomes experienced beekeeper John Stephens for a deep dive into a simplified, yet highly effective, approach to hive management—the single deep brood box system.But before we get to the honey and science, the show kicks off with a chuckle-worthy parody segment: “You Might Be a Beekeeper,” a hilarious twist on Jeff Foxworthy’s classic routine. With lines like “If you’ve apologized to a bee for getting stung… you might be a beekeeper,” the episode sets a fun and relatable tone for hobbyists and pros alike.As the show transitions into the main topic, John shares his years of experience managing colonies in single deep boxes, making a compelling case for why less really can be more in beekeeping. He breaks down the practical benefits—including easier inspections, reduced weight, simplified swarm control, better scalability for small apiaries, and more honey production.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!_______________⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Cold Open & Beekeeper Humor A playful parody segment inspired by Jeff Foxworthy to warm up the audience with relatable beekeeper quirks.01:45 – Welcome & Guest Intro: John Stevens Host introduces today’s topic and expert guest, who specializes in single deep brood box hive management.03:10 – Why Single Deep Boxes? John breaks down the logic behind using a single deep brood box, and how it benefits both bees and beekeepers.08:20 – Hive Health & Overwintering Discussion on pest control, seasonal management, and the realities of overwintering in a single deep setup.13:30 – Lessons Learned & Bee-Friendly Practices Real-world experiences, common mistakes, and landscaping choices (like clover lawns) that help bees thrive.20:30 – Resources, Takeaways & Outro Final advice from John, links to gear and guides, sponsor thanks, and a reminder to subscribe and stay connected.👍 Support the PodcastLove what you’re learning? Help us grow by subscribing, rating, and sharing the show with your fellow bee lovers. Got a burning question for a future episode? Reach out at [email protected]______________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Stephens: https://www.youtube.com/@FarmerJohnStephens

Where does the world's best tasting honey come from? How is it made?In this episode of Be Love Beekeeping, we kick it all off with another round of "why you might be a beekeeper," followed by a strange story about purple honey.Our guest is Virginia Webb, renowned for producing the world's best tasting honey. Virginia shares her insights on honey production, highlighting the significance of nectar sources like sourwood trees, and her multiple certifications in beekeeping.We discuss her winning entries in the Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest and her role in various educational and prison beekeeping programs. Tips for new beekeepers facing challenges are also covered. The episode is filled with engaging stories, practical advice, and a passion for beekeeping.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Jeff Foxworthy Parody00:52 Welcome to Be Love Beekeeping01:15 The Mystery of Purple Honey03:46 Interview with Virginia Webb: World's Best Tasting Honey04:19 The Black Jar Contest and Honey Judging05:52 Virginia Webb's Beekeeping Practices06:47 Sourwood Honey and Beekeeping in Georgia10:25 Virginia Webb's Credentials and Achievements18:06 Beekeeping Education and Community Programs24:37 Advice for New Beekeepers29:01 Wild Beekeeping Stories31:26 Conclusion and Farewell_____________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] For Honeybee ResearchVirginia's Videos:Preparing Honey Show Entries -- Strained Honeywww.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg2H2weZeto&t=39sPreparing Honey Show Entries -- Chunk Honeywww.youtube.com/watch?v=4SEFcUjiKtA&t=37sPreparing Honey Show Entries -- Beeswax Candleswww.youtube.com/watch?v=G8OOoqZKJUY&t=407sPreparing Honey Show Entries -- Beeswax Blockwww.youtube.com/watch?v=VsoQWCiLdtk&t=32s

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping we have the pleasure of going all the way to New Zealand to have a discussion with a beekeeper who doesn't like honey! What?! Sarah Cross lives and takes care of her honey bees in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand. She actually started her career managing 250 hives, but now is more into education, hive management, consulting, and writing about bees. We discuss Manuka honey, varroa, IPM, and Sarah's favorite wild & crazy beekeeping moments. Above all else, she recommends the Three C's of beekeeping: Stay COOL, CALM & COLLECTED. In beekeeping headlines we learn about beekeepers in Spain demonstrating by pouring honey on themselves, Africanized bees killing chickens in Texas, and the EPA approving new varroa treatments. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!_____________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Cross: https://www.sarahcsbees.co.nz/

What happens when a truck, carrying 300 beehives, rolls off the side of the road? Mass chaos, bewildered law enforcement, stings... and a few heroic beekeepers. This is what happened recently in norther Washington State. Our guest on this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping is Derek Condit, just one of the rescuers who helped save those millions of honey bees, and restore some order to the scene. The details are fascinating! In this episode, we also get a brief synopsis of the great bee die-off of 2025, complete with what you should be doing to protect your hives. We hear wild & crazy beekeeping stories and learn about 'Shungite' beehives. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!_____________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Videos of bee recovery effort after accident: https://youtu.be/MkG-wAoribs https://youtu.be/Jv34xidOlTs

NEWS FLASH: Research results on the 2025 American honey bee die off! The results can help every beekeeper.Then we go to the great white north for a discussion with Raylynn White from Bee Haven to discuss beekeeping in Newfoundland - the unique challenges posed by the local climate and the successful avoidance of Varroa mites.She highlights her innovative work in correctional facilities, where she teaches inmates about beekeeping, fostering mindfulness and respect. Rae Lynn also emphasizes the importance of community and kindness in beekeeping clubs, sharing her experiences that led to the creation of Bee Haven, a supportive online community for beekeepers.She also shares her insights on beekeeping and her love of honey bees, emphasizing the importance of understanding bee behavior, the differences between queen cups and queen cells, and the necessity of protective gear. She recounts a memorable beekeeping adventure and offers valuable advice for beginners, including the significance of mentorship in the beekeeping community.It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!_____________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] - Bee Haven: https://www.facebook.com/Beehaven2022USDA-ARS Research: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1.full

What is beekeeping like in Nigeria? It must be different, and certainly there are some similarities and much to be learned. Our guest in this episode is Mr. Osita Anumene who runs Slasita Farm and apiary near Abuja, Nigeria. We will talk about their aggressive bees, the types of hive designs they use, bee forage, and honey production. We learn their techniques for catching swarms, and of course top it all of with a wild & crazy beekeeping story or two. Why harvest honey at night? Find out in this truly unique episode. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! _____________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected] Slasita Farm: https://www.facebook.com/Slasitafarmsltd/

Beekeeping with the kids; it can be fun and safe! Our guest on this episode is hobby beekeeper, Cindy Elsenbeck from New York, USA. She loves her honey bees and loves sharing her passion with her grandchildren.She discusses the importance of overcoming fears associated with bees, the role of protective gear, and the educational value of observation hives. Cindy also highlights the special bond she has developed with her granddaughters through beekeeping, sharing fun stories and valuable lessons learned along the way. The discussion emphasizes the incredible nature of honeybees and the joy of inspiring the next generation to appreciate these vital insects. Of course, the episode kicks off with the "not real" Jeff Foxworthy in rare form, and some interesting worldwide news stories of honey bees. Plus Cindy's wild & crazy beekeeping stories!It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!______________Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off a $100 order.https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/[email protected]