Every beekeeper starts somewhere, but how much guidance should an experienced beekeeper offer to a beginner? In this episode, host Jim Tew reflects on the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers and the lessons learned over decades of beekeeping.

Jim shares a personal story about a new beekeeper looking to start hives alongside chickens and goats on his seven-acre property. He explores the delicate balance between providing essential advice and allowing new beekeepers to learn through experience—without overwhelming them with too much information too soon.

From the rising costs of packages and splits to the unavoidable reality of winter losses, Jim offers a candid look at what it really takes to keep bees today. Should mentorship come from long-time beekeepers, or are those with just a few years of experience better suited to guide beginners?

Join Jim for a thoughtful and humorous conversation about the evolving journey of beekeeping and the responsibility of passing knowledge to the next generation.

Tune in now to explore the intersection of old wisdom and new enthusiasm in beekeeping!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this special archive episode, Honey Bee Obscura revisits a classic conversation with the late Kim Flottum and host Jim Tew, as they explore the best ways to protect and extend the life of hive equipment. Whether you’re unpacking new woodenware or maintaining older boxes, the choices you make in finishing your equipment can have a lasting impact on your beekeeping operation.

Kim and Jim discuss everything from traditional white latex paint to natural wood finishes, wax dipping, and even the controversial idea of painting the inside of hive boxes. They touch on the practicality of color-coding equipment, the rising cost of materials, and how different finishes impact hive durability. Plus, they examine the visibility of hives in an urban setting and whether camouflage can help deter unwanted attention.

Join us for this informative and insightful discussion that showcases Kim’s deep knowledge and humor, reminding us all of the importance of practical decision-making in beekeeping.

Listen in and take away ideas to make your hives last longer, look great, and function better!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

What happens when a honey bee nears the end of its life? In this episode, Jim Tew explores the little-discussed yet fascinating behavior of dying bees. Why do some bees fly away to die while others fall just outside the hive entrance? What instinct drives them to make one last effort to protect the colony?

Jim reflects on the science and mystery behind bee mortality, sharing observations from his own backyard and apiary. From the self-isolation of sick bees to the relentless work of undertaker bees clearing the hive of the dead, this episode dives into the final moments of a bee’s life—and what it reveals about colony health.

Join Jim as he ponders this natural yet profound aspect of beekeeping, blending curiosity, science, and respect for the small but mighty honey bee.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Varroa mites remain a persistent challenge for beekeepers, and effective management is key to colony survival. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss practical approaches to monitoring and controlling mites.

Anne explains why beekeepers must check for mites every two to four weeks, even when early-season counts appear low. She and Jim explore detection methods, from sticky boards for beginners to more advanced sampling techniques, and emphasize how quickly mite populations can escalate if left unchecked.

Treatment strategies depend on colony size and seasonal conditions. Anne discusses organic acids like Formic Pro and oxalic acid, synthetic options such as Apivar, and why DIY treatments are unreliable. They also explore non-chemical approaches, including drone brood removal, which Anne summarizes with the phrase, “When they’re capped, the mites are trapped.”

Timing is critical, and waiting until fall to treat can be too late. Managing mites throughout the season helps prevent virus transmission and ensures stronger winter colonies. Jim and Anne highlight the importance of consistent mite monitoring and encourage beekeepers to use reliable resources like the Honey Bee Health Coalition for science-based treatment guidance.

Mite management is a year-round responsibility. Whether you’re new to beekeeping or experienced, this conversation offers practical insights to keep your colonies healthy.

Honey Bee Obscura is produced by Growing Planet Media and is a sister podcast to Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

______________________

Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Managing large honey bee colonies comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but are bigger colonies always better? In this episode, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore the benefits and potential downsides of managing large hives. Picking up from last week’s discussion, they dive into the complexities of oversized colonies, swarming tendencies, and strategies for keeping bees at a manageable size.

Jim shares his experience as a beekeeper who once sought out massive colonies but now prefers smaller, more manageable hives. Anne brings her perspective from working with New York beekeepers, discussing how colony size can impact honey production, hive efficiency, and even beekeeping enjoyment. They talk about the natural inclination of honey bees to expand, how to slow colony growth, and why some beekeepers may choose to let their bees swarm.

The conversation also touches on practical solutions for controlling hive size, from strategic brood management to using frame isolation cages. They discuss the challenges of making splits when you don’t want to expand your operation and explore alternative ways to manage excess bees. Whether you’re a beekeeper striving for high honey yields or simply trying to maintain a manageable number of colonies, this episode offers valuable insights into the pros and cons of big hives.

Honey Bee Obscura is produced by Growing Planet Media and is a sister podcast to Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, Jim Tew takes a deep dive into the world of big colonies, posing the question: Are larger hives always better? With his signature blend of humor and beekeeping wisdom, Jim unpacks the complexities of managing booming colonies, reflecting on the pros, cons, and unintended consequences of letting colonies grow to massive sizes.

Jim discusses the labor-intensive demands of large hives, from the physical strain of handling heavy boxes to the increased challenges with swarm management, disease control, and even neighborly relations. Drawing from decades of experience, he shares personal anecdotes—including a memorable encounter with his grandson in an unexpectedly powerful hive—that highlight the sometimes-overwhelming nature of big colonies.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Jim acknowledges the undeniable benefits of strong hives, such as impressive honey production and robust pollination capabilities. However, he reminds us that bigger isn’t always better, especially when considering the beekeeper’s goals, physical limitations, and local environment.

Whether you prefer managing small, easy-to-handle colonies or love the challenge of bustling hives bursting with bees, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Tune in for candid reflections, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to manage big colonies.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

This week, Jim Tew takes a nostalgic yet practical dive into the evolution of plastic in the world of beekeeping. From his early days in the 1970s, when plastic was virtually non-existent in beekeeping equipment, to its widespread adoption in everything from frames to veils, Jim reflects on how this material has shaped the industry.

Jim shares anecdotes about the challenges of using glass honey jars, metal extractors, and wooden cages in the past—and how plastic innovations, such as plastic foundation, queen cages, and five-gallon buckets, have transformed beekeeping. He discusses the pros and cons of plastic equipment, including its environmental implications and the improved convenience it brings to everyday beekeeping tasks.

Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper who remembers the early days of this transition or a newer beekeeper curious about the history of your tools, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the role of plastic in beekeeping and its lasting impact on the craft.

Listen today to reminisce with Jim, explore the benefits and challenges of this material, and consider what the future might hold for plastic in beekeeping.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

______________________

Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew delves into the challenges and dilemmas beekeepers face when managing small, struggling colonies in the heart of winter. With his signature mix of candor and experience, Jim explores the emotional and practical aspects of trying to save weak hives during the harshest months.

Jim shares personal anecdotes about a small swarm that settled in one of his hives, only to struggle against the odds. From emergency feeding with honey and fondant to the futility of late-season interventions, he discusses the fine line between helping a colony survive and simply prolonging the inevitable. Along the way, Jim reflects on the stressors that bees face—both natural and those inadvertently caused by beekeepers.

Whether it’s finding innovative ways to provide winter sustenance or grappling with the ethical questions of colony management, Jim’s stories resonate with beekeepers of all experience levels. He also reflects on the broader concept of stress—both for bees and beekeepers—and the delicate balance between intervention and letting nature take its course.

Join Jim as he navigates the complexities of winter beekeeping, offering insights that are both practical and thought-provoking.

Listen Today!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC