I have to admit, my gateway insect to the world of beekeeping wasn’t the honey bee. It wasn’t even the ants I followed as they made their way through my mother’s rose garden, although ants’ social behavior fascinated me. No, …
As beekeepers, we know that robbing happens—probably more often than we think. It’s those little "petty thefts" that happen every day, as bees from neighboring colonies test the defenses of nearby hives. If feral colonies were scattered …
Introduction Embarking on beekeeping can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. To ensure your first year as a beekeeper is a success, it's crucial to prepare properly and be informed about the realities of beek…
Baby, it’s getting warm out there! We recently received a voicemail from a listener who asked about the impact of unseasonably warm temperatures on beekeeping management. She is not alone in noticing advanced colony growth this year. A …
In 2020, the late Kim Flottum, Jim Tew, and I launched an innovative podcast series focused on the fundamentals of beekeeping. This four-part series was among the first podcasts to comprehensively address what newcomers to beekeeping need to know. C…
I'm still buzzing with excitement from my weekend at the North American Honey Bee Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. It was an extraordinary event, and our booth, conveniently located right next to our key sponsor, Betterbee, was at the heart of the acti…
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Kim Flottum, a cherished friend, esteemed cohost, devoted husband, and father. After a courageous battle with cancer, Kim left us, leaving behind a legacy enriched…
As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, it's tempting to think that beekeeping takes a seasonal hiatus, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the fall and winter are golden opportunities for beekeepers to expand their knowledge…
Forgive me if I am oversharing, but I do not enjoy winter. Especially January gets to me. The holidays are over and I find the cold, grey days tiresome. Everything starts to take on the appearance of the landscape in an old black and white photo.&nb…
Now that Fall is here, honey is harvested and most of us are buttoning up our colonies for the winter, what is a beekeeper to do with all that new-found time? There is lots you can do: Get caught up on all your reading by gather up your scattered b…
