Beekeeping For Newbees

Beekeeping For Newbees

Here we will discuss everything needed for new beekeepers to learn to keep honeybees including: Beekeeping tools, hive components, what to do and when, and every trick of the trade that we can think of. If you are new to beekeeping, this podcast is for you.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 184 – Laying Workers: Why It Happens and How to Fix It 🐝🧠

    Laying workers are one of those beekeeping problems that feel intimidating until you understand what is actually happening inside the hive. After a listener reached out asking where to find guidance on laying workers and realizing it deserved its own episode, I finally sat down to break the topic down from the ground up. In this episode, we walk through the pheromonal mechanics behind laying workers, what causes the condition, how to recognize it early, and several proven ways to correct it depending on your resources and goals. What’s Inside This Episode: Why queen mandibular pheromone and brood pheromone are central to colony stabilityHow prolonged queenlessness leads to ovary development in worker beesClear visual signs that indicate a laying worker conditionWhy laying workers can involve multiple workers, not just oneThe role of brood pheromone, open brood frames, and synthetic QMPPractical options for fixing a laying worker colony, including splits, shake-outs, and recombiningCommon mistakes that cause queen introductions to fail in laying worker hives Why Listen to This Episode? This episode gives you the biological context and practical tools to diagnose and fix a laying worker situation with confidence. Referenced Video About Hive Site Selection: 📺 https://youtu.be/UbJRAhoCD9Q More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    30 min
  2. 22/12/2025

    Episode 183 – Africanized Honeybees: Are They Coming for You? 🐝⚠️

    Africanized honeybees are one of the most misunderstood topics in beekeeping. In this episode, I cut through the fear driven headlines and talk honestly about what Africanized bees are, where they actually pose a risk, and how much of what we hear is grounded in biology versus social media panic. We also dig into real behavior differences, why identification is not as simple as people think, and how beekeepers should realistically manage risk. What’s Inside This Episode: Where Africanized honeybees came from and how they spread through the AmericasWhy Africanized bees are not a separate species and cannot be identified by looks aloneThe real behavioral differences that matter, including defensiveness, pursuit distance, and response thresholdsWhich parts of the United States have established populations and why cold climates limit their spreadWhy most serious incidents involve unmanaged or feral colonies, not maintained apiariesHow Africanized colonies differ in defensive behavior compared to hot European stockUsurpation behavior and how one colony can take over another in minutes Why Listen to This Episode? You will walk away with a realistic understanding of Africanized honeybees, how real the risk actually is, and how to protect yourself without letting fear dictate your beekeeping decisions. Referenced Article: 🔬 Usurpation: When One Colony Takes Over Another (Honey Bee Suite) https://www.honeybeesuite.com/usurpation-when-one-colony-takes-over-another/ More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    35 min
  3. 16/12/2025

    Episode 182 – American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood, and the Fear Factor 🐝🧪

    American foulbrood gets a lot of attention in beekeeping circles, often accompanied by fear and worst-case scenarios. In this episode, I walk through what AFB and EFB actually are, how they differ, how they spread, and why severity does not always equal likelihood. We also talk about realistic risk, common misdiagnoses, used equipment, open feeding, and whether the new AFB vaccine makes sense for most beekeepers. What’s Inside This Episode: Why American foulbrood is high severity but low likelihoodHow AFB and EFB differ in cause, symptoms, and outcomesWhat sunken cappings, patchy brood, and larval death really indicateHow spores spread through honey, equipment, robbing, and driftWhy most beekeepers will never see a confirmed case of AFBWhen fear-based messaging does more harm than goodThe limits and realities of the new AFB vaccine for queensWhy mites, nutrition, and basic management still matter more Why Listen to This Episode? This episode helps cut through fear and misinformation so you can better understand foulbrood risks, recognize real warning signs, and focus your energy on the management practices that actually keep colonies healthy. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    43 min
  4. 01/12/2025

    Episode 181 – Bees in the News (29): Horned Devil Bees, Smart Bees & Vaccine Breakthroughs 🐝🗞️

    This Bees in the News edition covers four fascinating stories from around the world, from new species discoveries to the first honeybee vaccine. We look at how research and innovation continue to change our understanding of bees, their intelligence, and the threats they face. What’s Inside This Episode: Discovery of the horned “Lucifer” bee in Western Australia’s goldfieldsHow small hive beetle larvae convert excess pollen into usable foodNew research showing that bees can perceive and measure timeThe first successful vaccine for American foulbrood diseaseA misleading viral post about queen bee insemination and why it’s wrongHow social media often distorts beekeeping practices for clicksFinal reflections on seasonal slowdown and winter beekeeping prep Why Listen to This Episode? It’s an engaging round-up of bee science, discovery, and controversy, highlighting what’s real, what’s hype, and what it all means for everyday beekeepers. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Referenced Articles: 🌏 Horned “devil” bee found in remote Goldfields prompts call for further research (ABC News) 🍯 Circular Economics: Honey Bee Pest Turns Excess Pollen Into Food (Entomology Today) 🧠 Bees Can Tell Time: New Study Reveals Shockingly Advanced Insect Intelligence (The Debrief) 💉 Vaccine for Honeybees Successfully Completes Efficacy Trials (DVM 360) About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    26 min
  5. 10/11/2025

    Episode 180 – The Pennsylvania Bee Law (Part 2) HB 1277: Plant and Pollinator Protection Act 🐝⚖️

    This episode is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about Pennsylvania’s proposed bee legislation. We move from the 2024 Senate Bill 1198 to the newly filed 2025 House Bill 1277, breaking down what changed, why it matters, and how the bill expands the state’s authority over beekeepers. What’s Inside This Episode: What happened to the 2024 Senate Bill and why it expiredHow HB 1277 was reintroduced with stronger enforcement languageExpanded licensing that now includes hobbyist beekeepersWhat “risk-based inspections” really mean and why they are undefinedThe department’s new powers to enter property and destroy hivesHow fines, fees, and licensing revenue now fund enforcement directlyWhy “exclusive jurisdiction” language limits local flexibilityWhat small-scale beekeepers can do before this moves forward Why Listen to This Episode? You’ll get a clear explanation of how Pennsylvania’s new bill evolved, what it means for local beekeepers, and why it could set the tone for future pollinator legislation across the country. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33 min
  6. 03/11/2025

    Episode 179 – The Pennsylvania Bee Law: What Beekeepers Need to Know 🐝⚖️

    This episode takes a closer look at Pennsylvania’s proposed Plant and Pollinator Protection Act (SB 1198) and why it’s raising concerns among beekeepers across the country. I break down how it rewrites the long-standing Bee Law, what new powers it gives the Department of Agriculture, and why even backyard beekeepers could be affected. What’s Inside This Episode: What SB 1198 actually proposes and why it mattersHow it expands licensing and inspection powersWhat “risk-based inspections” could mean for hobbyistsHow unregistered hives could be seized or destroyedThe shift from a $10 registration to open-ended licensing feesNew record-keeping and reporting requirementsWhy this legislation could set a national precedent Why Listen to This Episode? You’ll learn what’s buried in the fine print of SB 1198, how it could reshape state-level beekeeping regulation, and what actions Pennsylvania beekeepers should take before this bill advances further. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    31 min
  7. 27/10/2025

    Episode 178 – The Bee Buzz (30): Winter Prep, Ventilation & Varroa Reality Check 🐝💭

    In this Bee Buzz episode I tackle common late-season questions about treating Varroa mites before winter, dealing with moisture and ventilation, replacing old comb, wrapping hives, and whether it’s safe to move colonies near a windbreak this time of year. We also look at what “too much insulation” really means, how to manage condensation safely, and why mite counts in early spring matter more than any single fall treatment. What’s Inside This Episode: How late you can safely treat for Varroa before winterWhy most mite treatments don’t work well during clusteringWhether to treat for Nosema or other diseases in fallHow to tell if mite levels are low enough to survive winterWhen and how to replace dark, old comb safelyWhether tilting the hive helps manage condensationHow much ventilation is too much in cold climatesWhen to wrap hives, move colonies, or open them midwinter Why Listen to This Episode? It’s a straight-talking Bee Buzz focused on the realities of overwintering, from managing mites and moisture to balancing insulation and airflow for stronger colonies next spring. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    34 min
  8. 23/10/2025

    Episode 177 – The Bee Buzz (29): Drone Comb, Plastic Foundation & Late-Season Hive Tips 🐝

    In this Bee Buzz episode I answer listener questions about using drone comb to reduce Varroa without chemicals, getting bees to accept plastic foundation, managing weak colonies before winter, handling late season queen loss, and how to think about brood frames, pollen patties, and uncapped nectar as the season winds down. What’s Inside This Episode: How drone comb helps pull Varroa mites out of the colonyWays to coat or prep plastic foundation for better acceptanceWhen to combine weak colonies before winter hitsWhat to do if your colony goes queenless late in the yearWhy removing unused brood boxes saves energy and stressWhen pollen patties hurt more than they helpHow to move honey frames safely between coloniesWhy genetics beat feeding when it comes to overwintering success Why Listen to This Episode? It’s a practical Bee Buzz packed with seasonal advice, field experience, and honest talk about what really works when prepping hives for winter. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    39 min

About

Here we will discuss everything needed for new beekeepers to learn to keep honeybees including: Beekeeping tools, hive components, what to do and when, and every trick of the trade that we can think of. If you are new to beekeeping, this podcast is for you.

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