Beekeeping For Newbees

In this episode, we dive deep into how honey bee colonies are structured and why understanding bee behavior can make you a calmer, more effective beekeeper. We cover the different castes of bees, wha…

From pub patio swarms in England to rooftop hives in Chicago—and even yoga sessions with bees—this Bees in the News installment covers the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain “what?” in the worl…

So… you open the hive and don’t see any eggs. Panic sets in. Did she die? Did they swarm? Did you crush her?! In this episode, we walk through how to tell whether your colony is actually queenless—an…

Requeening a hive is one of the most important, and sometimes most confusing, tasks beekeepers face. Whether your queen is failing, gone, or just not cutting it, knowing how and when to step in can m…

Ever hear beekeepers talk about the "Demaree split" and wonder what it actually is? Spoiler alert: it's not a real split. In this episode, we walk through the Demaree Method of Swarm Control, a smart…

Swarming is a natural part of honey bee biology—but that doesn’t mean it has to happen in your apiary. In this episode, we break down the triggers that lead to swarms and the proactive steps you can …

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of hive inspections—from timing and tools to what to look for and what to leave alone. Whether you’re in your first season or your tenth, this guide wi…

If you’re about to install bees — or just did — this episode walks you through what to expect during the first 30 days of a new colony. From queen acceptance to feeder strategies and early inspection…

Over half a million downloads, a top 1.5% global ranking, and Feedspot’s Top 10 Beekeeping Podcast award — we’re celebrating some milestones and diving into an essential skill: keeping records. Wheth…

New beekeepers make a lot of mistakes, but many of them are easily avoidable if you know what to look out for. In this episode, I go through some of the most common beginner beekeeping mistakes and h…

Should you use a single deep or double deep for your brood chamber? 🏠🐝 In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of each setup, when to use them, and how they impact colony growth, inspections,…

Want to turn beekeeping into a profitable business? 🏛️🐝 In this episode, I break down everything you need to knowabout starting a beekeeping business the right way—from choosing a business structure …

Starting beekeeping this year? 🐝 Getting the right gear is key to setting yourself up for success. In this episode, we go through everything you need to get through your first season, from protective…

Beekeeping isn’t as cheap as many think—so what’s the real cost of getting started? In this episode, I break down the actual expenses of beekeeping, from startup costs to hidden fees you might not ex…

Are package bees or nucleus colonies (nucs) the better choice for starting a new hive? In this episode, I break down the key differences, pros, and cons of both options. From installation to colony g…

Can you have it all in beekeeping—big honey harvests, low costs, and strong overwintering colonies? In this episode, we explore the Beekeeping Triangle: the three key priorities every beekeeper must …

Beekeepers across the U.S. are reporting massive honey bee colony losses—some exceeding 50%. What’s behind this sudden crisis? In this episode, we break down the facts, discuss possible causes, and e…

This week's Bees in the News is packed with fascinating research and unexpected discoveries! Penn State researchers explore how native bees recover when honeybees leave an area, scientists use QR cod…

Why do I only talk about the Langstroth hive? While there are many hive styles out there, I almost exclusively focus on this one. In this episode, I explain why it is my go-to choice for new beekeepe…

What’s Inside This Episode

Have you ever opened your hive and suddenly thought, I lost my queen!? You’re not alone! Many beekeepers, especially in their first few years, experience this moment of pani…