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. Check out our new app at: https://studio.com/beekeeper

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20 episodes
Updated May 10

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Episodes20

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Episode 208 – Tracking Hive Health Smarter: An Interview With the Founder of APiLOG 🐝📋
Good record keeping sits right behind your IPM strategy as one of the most important things you can do as a beekeeper. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Kyle, a web developer and beekeeper from the far north, to talk about APiLOG, a hive inspection tracking app built by a beekeeper for beekeepers. The full interview including a live demo is available on YouTube -- link in the description. What's Inside This Episode: Why hive record keeping belongs right behind your IPM strategy in terms of importance How pen and paper notes fall short as your apiary grows The problem with bricks, wax markers, and other hive-top reminder systems How APiLOG uses voice recording to capture inspection notes naturally Swarm risk calculation and how weather patterns factor into the algorithm Automated regional task suggestions for new beekeepers Customizable inspection interval notifications by email How the built-in AI assistant uses your inspection history and local forecast Free tier available for up to two hives with full pro features Works across all devices including as a home screen app for push notifications Why Listen to This Episode? If your notes are scattered across notebooks, hive lids, and memory, this episode introduces a purpose-built solution from someone who felt the same frustration and built his way out of it. Links and Resources: 🌐 APiLOG website: https://apilog.app 💰 Coupon code: BK4N for 60% off 🎥 Full interview and demo: https://youtu.be/aZ6z7Lpvw0U 📹 Alternative hive inspection logging method: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 10 · 25 min
Episode 207 – Listener's Choice: Bear Fences, Box Reversals, and Choosing Frames for a Split 🐝
Last week wrapped up Varroa Week, and two listeners took us up on the offer to submit topics for further elaboration. This episode honors both of them. We also have a hive report on Colony 61, a packed four-frame nuc that needed immediate expansion, plus a quick tip about prepping your gear before you actually need it. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper What's Inside This Episode: Colony 61 hive inspection and emergency expansion from a four-frame to a five-frame nuc What happens when bees draw comb on your frame feeder and why you leave it alone A hard lesson on prepping equipment before you get to the bee yard Using masking tape as a temporary fix for misaligned hive body gaps How bear fences work and what components you actually need Why one joule or higher is the target for a food-motivated bear Grounding rods, wire types, poly wire vs. solid wire, and jumping your strands Fence charger mile ratings and how to account for multiple strands Why reversing boxes every spring is not a biological requirement How bees actually move through a hive from top to bottom and back again Encouraging comb drawing with a nectar flow and proper foundation placement The checkerboarding technique for honey supers and when not to use it Why Listen to This Episode? If you are heading into swarm season and have questions about space management, protecting your apiary from bears, or which frames to grab when making a split, this episode covers all of it with real examples from the bee yard. Practical guidance, not theory. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🐝 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees App link: https://studio.com/beekeeper About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 28 · 32 min
Episode 206 – Varroa Week Wrap-Up: Norroa Explained and Is It Worth It? 🐝🛡️
In this final episode of Varroa Week, we cover Norroa, a newer treatment approach designed to disrupt mite reproduction rather than kill mites directly. We also recap the week, talk through real-world cost and use considerations, and look ahead to the next round of spring episodes. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper What’s Inside This Episode: • Colony 69 inspection report and removing the feeder for added brood space • How to locate queens by reading eggs, larvae, and brood patterns • Why queens shrink before swarming and enlarge during peak laying • What Norroa is and how RNA interference targets mite reproduction • Why Norroa is more preventive than curative • Honey supers, application timing, and brood box dosage needs • Real-world treatment costs and where Norroa may fit strategically • Full Varroa Week recap and what topics are coming next Why Listen to This Episode? If you have heard the buzz around Norroa and want a practical explanation, this episode breaks it down clearly. It also helps tie together everything covered during Varroa Week. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 24 · 28 min
Episode 205 – Varroa Week: Treatment Options Every Beekeeper Should Know 🐝🛡️
In this episode we continue Varroa Week by breaking down the most common mite treatment options on the market. We cover how they work, when they are used, key limitations, and how to think through building a treatment strategy that fits your own apiary. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper What’s Inside This Episode: • Colony 63 inspection report and a delayed queen now laying strong • Why population growth can surge once a package queen gets released • Oxalic acid treatments, timing, and why brood cycles matter • Formic Pro, temperature limits, and why it can be highly effective • Apivar, resistance concerns, and where it still may fit • Apiguard and HopGuard as additional treatment options • Why many beekeepers keep both a gentle and aggressive tool available • How colony size and hive configuration affect treatment costs Why Listen to This Episode? Choosing the wrong treatment at the wrong time can cost you a colony. This episode gives you a practical overview so you can start building a smarter Varroa plan. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: 🔗 Bee Castle Products: https://www.beecastleltd.com/?ref=scfeyzjb 🎥 Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtu.be/SyIcnkIwKig About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 23 · 32 min
Episode 204 – Varroa Week Continues: How to Test Mite Levels 🐝🛡️
In this episode we continue Varroa Week by getting practical with mite testing. We cover alcohol washes, dish soap washes, sticky boards, sugar shakes, and how to build a monthly testing routine that helps you stay ahead of trouble before colonies begin to fail. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper What’s Inside This Episode: • Colony 67 inspection report and giving a crowded four-frame nuc more space • Why expanding too early can risk brood chilling during cold nights • The real question is not if you have mites, but how many • How to do a proper alcohol wash using nurse bees for the best sample • Why dish soap washes can be a lower-cost alternative to alcohol • Sticky boards, what they can tell you, and where they fall short • Why sugar shakes are less accurate and no longer preferred • Building a monthly mite testing schedule and reacting to the numbers Why Listen to This Episode? Testing is where many beekeepers fall behind. This episode helps you choose a method, use it correctly, and turn numbers into better management decisions. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 22 · 28 min
Episode 203 – Varroa Week Continues: How Mites Reproduce and Spread 🐝🛡️
In this episode we continue Varroa Week with a closer look at how mites reproduce inside capped brood cells and why drone brood can accelerate mite growth. We also kick things off with a real hive inspection report from Colony 61 and talk through expansion decisions happening in the apiary right now. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper What’s Inside This Episode: • Colony 61 inspection report from a three-week-old four-frame nuc • Why package colonies often seem to stall before new brood emerges • Aggressive behavior during inspections and what may be causing it • Why package bee workers may not reflect the queen’s long-term genetics • How Varroa mites reproduce inside capped brood cells • Why drone brood is preferred and how populations grow faster there • Using drone brood trapping and VSH queens as management tools • How mites spread through robbing, drifting drones, flowers, and water sources Why Listen to This Episode? Understanding how mites reproduce and move between colonies helps you make smarter treatment and timing decisions. This episode also gives you a real-time look at spring colony management in a growing apiary. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 21 · 26 min
Episode 202 – Varroa Week Begins: Your Spring Mite Plan Starts Now 🐝🛡️
In this episode we kick off Varroa Week and a new run of shorter spring episodes focused on helping you make better decisions in real time. We talk about why mite management needs to be part of every beekeeper’s plan, what is coming over the next five episodes, and how listeners can help shape what comes next. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeper What’s Inside This Episode: • Launching a new week of shorter spring beekeeping episodes • Why Varroa mites must be part of every beekeeper’s plan • How many new beekeepers buy gear but skip mite strategy • This week’s roadmap: biology, testing, treatments, and Noroa • Why colonies can look healthy while mite damage is already spreading • Lessons learned from colonies lost before understanding Varroa • How listeners can help choose future episode topics Why Listen to This Episode? If you do not have a mite plan, this episode helps you start one now. It also sets up a full week of practical Varroa content timed for spring beekeeping decisions. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 20 · 20 min
Episode 201 – Catching a Swarm and What Drives the Urge 🐝
In this episode: the swarm trap finally paid off. I also discuss what I saw at the trap when the feral colony moved in, including a trophylaxis moment at the entrance that most people would miss. Then we dig into swarming itself, what's driving it, what to look for, and how to get ahead of it. What’s Inside This Episode: • Catching the feral swarm and what trophylaxis looks like at the trap entrance • Reframing swarming as colony success rather than beekeeper failure • What drives the swarm impulse: queen pheromone dilution, backfilling, nectar pressure, and no room to lay • Queen cups vs. queen cells, and how to tell them apart without panicking • Bee space vs. people space, and why a honey super on top often does nothing • The "synthetic swarm," my favorite preventive split, step by step • The mistake that wrecks colonies every year: tearing out every queen cell before checking whether the colony has already swarmed • A quick goodbye to Trader Moe Why Listen to This Episode? Swarming catches a lot of beekeepers off guard in the spring, and the wrong response can cost you the colony. This episode gives you a clear read on what's driving the behavior, what to look for during inspections, and how to get ahead of it before you lose half your bees. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 16 · 34 min
Episode 200 - The 5 Questions Every Hive Inspection Should Answer (Part 2 of 2) 🐝
In this episode we continue breaking down your first 30 to 60 days of hive inspections and what you should be looking for. We walk through warning signs, growth expectations, and how to track what’s happening inside your hive without overcomplicating the process. This wraps up the inspection framework so you can go into every hive check with a clear plan. What’s Inside This Episode: • What it means if you do not see eggs early on and when it becomes a concern • Spotty brood patterns and what they can indicate about queen health or disease • What normal population growth should look like in the first 30 to 60 days • Signs of potential issues including lack of growth, poor food stores, or visible disease • How to track queen cups and queen cells during inspections • Simple ways to record inspection data without overcomplicating your workflow • What to capture in your notes including date, weather, brood, feeding, and hive condition Why Listen to This Episode? Knowing what to look for during inspections helps you catch problems early and stay ahead of issues. This episode gives you a clear and practical way to evaluate your hive every time you open it. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w Package Bees Install Video: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8 About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 15 · 28 min
Episode 199 - The 5 Questions Every Hive Inspection Should Answer (Part 1 of 2) 🐝
Most new beekeepers open their hives too much or not nearly enough, and both create real problems. In this episode we build a simple, repeatable inspection framework around five questions that will focus every hive visit and cut out the guesswork. We also cover what to expect in those first one to three weeks after install, how to read your brood frames, when to feed and when to back off, and why swarm pressure can build faster than most people realize. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on growing your new colony through spring. What's Inside This Episode: • The 5 questions to answer on every inspection and why they replace the need to pull every frame • How to locate the queen as a new beekeeper, including a frame trick that works even when you cannot spot her • Reading your brood pattern and what a good pattern actually looks like versus what deserves a closer look • Food and feeding decisions in the first few weeks and when it makes sense to taper off • How to spot space issues that quietly build swarm pressure before you ever see a queen cell • Swarm pressure indicators and what to actually do when things are getting tight • How often to inspect and why stretching to four to six weeks is a setup for serious problems • Walk-away splits explained for when you need to leave town and the hive is showing signs • New app launch: AI-powered, built around the Beekeeping for Newbees training library, dropping April 28th • Free pre-inspection checklist available now at: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Perfect For You If: You just installed a package or nuc and are not sure what to look for when you open the hive, or you have been pulling every frame on every visit and want a smarter, faster way to get it done. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w Package Bees Install Video: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8 About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 13 · 45 min
Episode 198 – Installing Packages and Nucs, Part 2: What I Did Wrong and What to Do Next 🐝
In this episode we pick up right where we left off and continue the install process, including a mistake I made and how to handle it if it happens to you. We also walk through what to do after installation, how to handle feeding, and what to expect in those first few days. This wraps up the install process and sets you up for your first inspections. What’s Inside This Episode: • What happens if you remove the wrong cork on a queen cage and how to fix it • Why leaving your bees alone after install is one of the most important steps • How and when to check queen release without disturbing the colony • Feeding strategies after install and when to start tapering off • Differences in feeding and management between packages and nucs • Common mistakes like over-inspecting and delaying installs too long • What to expect in the first week and how to prepare for early inspections Why Listen to This Episode? Even small mistakes during install can have a big impact if you do not know how to handle them. This episode helps you recover from those moments and sets clear expectations for what comes next. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Installing Bee Packages: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8 Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtube.com/shorts/bd6cEeE_kSk Swarm Trap Prep and Bait Video: https://youtu.be/VOn8nv4ZqKE Building a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 7 · 37 min
Episode 197 – Installing Packages and Nucs, Part 1: Step-by-Step Setup and Mistakes to Avoid 🐝
In this episode we walk through the process of installing package bees and what to expect on day one. We break down the differences between packages and nucs, how to prepare your hive, and the exact steps to get your bees settled in safely. This is part one of a two-part series, focusing on setup and install before moving into early follow-up and inspections. What’s Inside This Episode: • The key differences between package bees and nucs and how that affects your starting point • Why protective gear is still important even when bees are less defensive during install • How and when to feed new packages • Using a sprayer to calm bees during install • Positioning the queen cage for a safe release • Getting frames back in place and closing up the hive without crushing bees Why Listen to This Episode? Installing bees is one of the most important moments for a new beekeeper. This episode walks you through the process so you can avoid common mistakes and start your colony off strong. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Installing Packages: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8 Checking Queens: (links forthcoming) Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg Mixing 2:1 in a Bucket: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 6 · 45 min
Episode 196 – The Bee Buzz (33): Answering Your Beekeeping Questions 🐝💡
In this episode we jump into a Bee Buzz and work through a series of listener questions from around the country. We cover a range of real-world scenarios including equipment cleanup, feeding decisions, splits, brood development, and adding space. This is a practical Q&A focused on what beekeepers are dealing with right now. What’s Inside This Episode: • How to clean used frames and what to watch out for when reusing old equipment • Feeding decisions during spring buildup and how syrup fits into comb production • How to set up new packages and when to expand from a single box • Timing splits and why drone availability is critical for successful mating • Why bees may ignore pollen patties and how to use them safely • Uneven brood expansion between colonies and what is considered normal • When to add honey supers and how to avoid becoming honey bound Why Listen to This Episode? These Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from real beekeepers. If you are working through spring decisions and want straightforward guidance, this episode gives you practical answers you can use right away. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 3 · 29 min
Episode 195 – Big Updates: Thank You, MBK Program Changes, and the New Beekeeping App 🐝📱
In this episode we take a step back from the hive and talk about some important updates. We start with a big thank you to the community and supporters who help keep everything going, then dive into the Master Beekeeper program, what it was designed to do, and why things have shifted. We also introduce the new coaching app and how it is shaping the future of how this content is delivered. What’s Inside This Episode: • A sincere thank you to listeners and Buy Me a Coffee supporters and how that support directly impacts the work being done • Hitting a major milestone in podcast downloads and what that growth means for the community • What the Master Beekeeper program was designed to accomplish and who it was built for • Why the original course rollout was delayed and the challenges behind the scenes • The vision of creating a more accessible path for beekeepers with unique challenges or limitations • How the new coaching app works and how it delivers training, tracking, and resources in one place • What the shift to the app means for future content, training, and ongoing development Why Listen to This Episode? This episode gives you a clear look at where everything is heading and why certain decisions were made. If you follow the podcast or are interested in the upcoming training tools, this connects all the pieces. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
April 2 · 46 min
Episode 194 – Feeding Bees: When, Why, and How to Do It Right 🐝
In this episode we walk through feeding bees during the active season and when it actually makes sense to step in and help. We cover sugar syrup, protein sources, common feeding scenarios, and the mistakes that can cause more harm than good. If you have ever wondered when to feed and when to leave them alone, this will help you make better decisions. What’s Inside This Episode: • What feeding really means and the difference between carbohydrates and protein for bees • When feeding makes sense including spring buildup, dearth periods, and late season preparation • Situations where feeding is created by beekeeper actions like splits and new packages • Why feeding at the wrong time can lead to problems like overstimulation or swarming pressure • How to mix 1:1 and 2:1 sugar syrup and when each approach is used • The most common feeder types and the pros and cons of each • Common feeding mistakes and how to avoid creating bigger problems in the hive Why Listen to This Episode? Feeding can help your colonies grow and survive, but doing it at the wrong time or the wrong way can set you back. This episode helps you understand when feeding is useful and how to approach it without creating unintended issues. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg 2:1 Sugar Syrup Mix: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ Water Feeder: https://youtu.be/wXTMhxdLW_I Pollen Feeder: https://youtu.be/7tnRS83jw6s About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 26 · 37 min
Episode 193 – Frames, Foundation, and Bringing It All Together 🐝
In this episode we break down one of the most overlooked parts of beekeeping: frames and foundation. We walk through the different frame styles, foundation options, and how each choice impacts how your bees build comb and how you manage your hives. Whether you are brand new or just want to simplify your setup, this episode helps you understand what actually works and why. What’s Inside This Episode: • The different types of wooden frames including groove, wedge top, and split bottom designs • How plastic and wax foundation compare and when each one makes sense • Why bees often reject plastic foundation and how to pre-treat it for better acceptance • Using wired wax foundation for strength and avoiding blowouts during honey extraction • How to use starter strips for foundationless frames and guide natural comb building • Common issues like wonky comb and how to fix it early before it becomes a problem • When to replace old brood comb and how to rotate frames over time Why Listen to This Episode? Frames and foundation choices directly impact how your bees build comb and how easy your hives are to manage. This episode simplifies the options so you can choose a setup that works for both you and your bees. 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 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 23 · 41 min
Episode 192 – Choosing Your Hive Setup 🐝
In this episode we walk through how to choose and configure a Langstroth hive setup and what decisions you need to make before installing bees. We talk through box sizes, equipment options, and how standardizing your setup can make management easier as your apiary grows. What’s Inside This Episode: • Understanding the Langstroth hive and why it is the most commonly used system • Choosing between 8 frame and 10 frame equipment and what that means long term • How box size decisions affect weight, inspections, and honey production • Why standardizing your equipment can simplify management as you expand • Key components you need before installing bees including boxes, frames, bottom boards, and covers • How future plans like splits and swarm traps connect back to your initial setup • Avoiding common mistakes when selecting your first hive configuration Why Listen to This Episode? The hive setup you choose affects everything from inspections to expansion to long-term management. This episode helps you make those early Langstroth equipment decisions with a clearer understanding of what will be easiest to manage and scale. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Vented Inner Cover: https://youtu.be/qJ0q3plIL1I New Beekeeper Hive Options: https://youtu.be/3VLYhm4ieoA Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtu.be/SyIcnkIwKig Build a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0 Hive Placement Guide: https://youtu.be/UbJRAhoCD9Q About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 19 · 49 min
Episode 191 – Getting Ready for Bee Season 🐝
In this episode we talk about getting ready for the upcoming bee season and the things every beekeeper should have prepared before the first inspections begin. We walk through personal gear, hive tools, smokers, checking equipment from last season, preparing frames and boxes, and thinking ahead about inspections and mite management. Whether this is your first year with bees or you are getting ready for another season, this episode is all about making sure you are prepared before the bees arrive. What’s Inside This Episode: • Preparing your personal protective gear and choosing the setup that keeps you comfortable working bees • Why hydration, mindset, and staying calm in the bee yard can make inspections go much smoother • Getting your smoker ready and choosing safe natural materials for smoker fuel • Hive tools, J-hook tools, and why it helps to keep multiple tools available • Checking last year’s hive bodies, frames, lids, and inner covers before the season begins • Planning ahead for feeders so packages, nucs, or splits can keep building if weather turns bad • Why every beekeeper should already be thinking about a varroa management plan before the season ramps up Why Listen to This Episode? The start of bee season comes quickly, and being prepared ahead of time prevents a lot of frustration once bees arrive. This episode walks through the basic gear, preparation, and mindset that can help make the start of the season much smoother. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Regular hive tool: https://amzn.to/4iaACUf J-hook style hive tool: https://amzn.to/4kTqZL9 Pullover top: https://amzn.to/4hmzvzA Hat w/ veil: https://amzn.to/3FtrhZ2 Smoker: https://amzn.to/3DyBSS9 About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 16 · 44 min
Episode 190 – The Bee Buzz (32): Spring Hive Questions from Beekeepers 🐝💡
This week we jump into another Bee Buzz episode and answer a new round of listener questions from around the world. We talk through several early-spring scenarios including cleansing flights, brood removal, feeding decisions, swarm preparation, and signs of potential queen or mite problems. These practical questions highlight the kinds of things many beekeepers start noticing as colonies come out of winter and begin ramping up for spring. What’s Inside This Episode: • Brown streaks on the outside of a hive and how to tell the difference between normal cleansing flights and possible disease • Why bees sometimes drag larvae out of the hive and how hygienic behavior helps keep colonies healthy • Whether reversing brood boxes in spring is necessary or simply a management preference • When to feed 1:1 syrup and why early feeding can sometimes cause problems if weather turns cold • Signs of deformed wing virus and why it often points to a varroa mite issue • What clustered bees near the entrance may actually be doing during warmer winter or early spring days • When to begin thinking about swarm management and why preparation often starts earlier than many expect Why Listen to This Episode? Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from beekeepers dealing with real hive situations. If you are heading into spring inspections or trying to interpret what you are seeing inside your hive, this episode walks through several common scenarios and what they might mean. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: 📺 Digitizing Hive Inspection Notes: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w About the Podcast: Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 12 · 39 min
Episode 189 – Swarm Traps Part 2: Catching Free Bees with Swarm Traps 🐝
Swarm trapping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to grow your apiary, and in this second part of the discussion we move from theory to real-world execution. In this episode we talk about where to place your traps, when they should go up in different regions, and what to do after you successfully catch a swarm. From planning your removal process to installing the bees into a hive, this episode walks through the practical steps that turn a swarm trap into a thriving new colony. What’s Inside This Episode: • Planning ahead for swarm trap removal and why thinking through the process before you catch bees makes everything easier • Ideal swarm trap placement including edges of fields, road borders, and other transitional areas bees naturally travel • Why densely wooded areas often perform worse for swarm traps due to predators and poor flight access • Regional timing guidance for placing swarm traps across the southern United States, Mid-Atlantic, and northern states • What to do once a swarm moves into your trap and why many beekeepers leave them undisturbed for several days • How to safely close and remove a swarm trap at night and relocate it to your apiary • Installing captured swarm frames into a full hive and helping the colony build quickly with feeding and comb drawing • Techniques some beekeepers use to anchor a swarm to the hive including adding a frame of brood Why Listen to This Episode? Catching a swarm is only the first step. This episode explains how to move that swarm safely into a hive, avoid common mistakes, and give the new colony the best chance to establish quickly and grow into a productive hive. More Info: 🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com 🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees 💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ 🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org ☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees Additional Resources: Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0 Swarm Trap Assembly: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE 60 Second Swarm Trap Build: https://youtu.be/Wfy3ybL3PJM Swarm Trap Plans: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/resources Swarm Trap & Nuc Entrance Wheels: https://amzn.to/3FzSMAn 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. Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
March 10 · 31 min

Beekeeping For Newbees®

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Episode 208 – Tracking Hive Health Smarter: An Interview With the Founder of APiLOG 🐝📋

Episode 207 – Listener's Choice: Bear Fences, Box Reversals, and Choosing Frames for a Split 🐝

Episode 206 – Varroa Week Wrap-Up: Norroa Explained and Is It Worth It? 🐝🛡️

Episode 205 – Varroa Week: Treatment Options Every Beekeeper Should Know 🐝🛡️

Episode 204 – Varroa Week Continues: How to Test Mite Levels 🐝🛡️

Episode 203 – Varroa Week Continues: How Mites Reproduce and Spread 🐝🛡️

Episode 202 – Varroa Week Begins: Your Spring Mite Plan Starts Now 🐝🛡️

Episode 201 – Catching a Swarm and What Drives the Urge 🐝

Episode 200 - The 5 Questions Every Hive Inspection Should Answer (Part 2 of 2) 🐝

Episode 199 - The 5 Questions Every Hive Inspection Should Answer (Part 1 of 2) 🐝

Episode 198 – Installing Packages and Nucs, Part 2: What I Did Wrong and What to Do Next 🐝

Episode 197 – Installing Packages and Nucs, Part 1: Step-by-Step Setup and Mistakes to Avoid 🐝

Episode 196 – The Bee Buzz (33): Answering Your Beekeeping Questions 🐝💡

Episode 195 – Big Updates: Thank You, MBK Program Changes, and the New Beekeeping App 🐝📱

Episode 194 – Feeding Bees: When, Why, and How to Do It Right 🐝

Episode 193 – Frames, Foundation, and Bringing It All Together 🐝

Episode 192 – Choosing Your Hive Setup 🐝

Episode 191 – Getting Ready for Bee Season 🐝

Episode 190 – The Bee Buzz (32): Spring Hive Questions from Beekeepers 🐝💡

Episode 189 – Swarm Traps Part 2: Catching Free Bees with Swarm Traps 🐝