In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes back Anne Frey of Betterbee to unpack the troubling die-offs many beekeepers experienced this past winter and spring. From unexplained colony declines to puzzling symptoms that didn’t respond to brood boosts or pollen patties, Jim and Anne share firsthand observations of a season marked by confusion, frustration, and difficult decisions.

Anne describes colonies that made it through winter only to slowly spiral down, despite repeated efforts to revive them. The conversation touches on suspected varroa mite damage, potential amitraz resistance, and the challenge of diagnosing problems when traditional treatments and responses don’t seem to work. Together, they reflect on the toll that repeated losses take—not just on operations, but on beekeepers’ morale.

The discussion also transitions into Anne’s mentorship of a new beekeeper at Betterbee. With warmth and honesty, she highlights the challenges of training someone new in a dynamic, seasonal environment where yesterday’s good practice may not apply tomorrow. Jim and Anne reflect on the evolving nature of beekeeping, the importance of teaching at the right pace, and why no year—no hive—is ever the same.

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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 episode, Jim Tew shares a messy and mysterious beekeeping challenge that begins with two unrelated problems—a failing observation hive and a suspected drone-laying queen. The result is a tangle of questions, classic troubleshooting, and a fair bit of head scratching.

Jim walks listeners through his efforts to identify whether he’s dealing with a drone-laying queen, laying workers, or a queenless colony with atypical brood patterns. As he methodically shakes out bees, uses a long-retired queen and drone trap, and searches for elusive signs of a queen, the deeper story unfolds: what happens when the standard beekeeping “rules” don’t seem to apply?

The saga continues as he attempts to recapture a swarm queen, reassess a failed observation hive setup, and carefully plan the combination of two problematic colonies—all while trying not to irritate a close neighbor allergic to bee stings.

This episode offers an honest, real-world look at the unpredictable nature of beekeeping, especially when multiple problems collide. It’s a reminder that, despite years of experience, bees don’t always follow the book—and sometimes, neither can we.

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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 of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to talk locust flows—and the puzzling question of why these spectacular blooms don’t always result in a honey crop. From the sweet scent of black locust trees to the realities of nectar availability, Jim and Anne explore the unpredictable connection between what we see in the landscape and what actually ends up in the supers.

They swap observations on nectar flow patterns, weather and soil influences, and how different regions experience blooms. Anne highlights the importance of preparation and timing, while Jim reflects on the hard-earned lessons of missed harvests and misread cues. The conversation shifts to honey harvesting strategies for sideliners, including the pros and cons of triangle escapes, fume boards, and bee blowers. They even touch on sticky floors, steam uncappers, and creative ways to rescue lost bees in the extraction room.

If you’ve ever been puzzled by empty supers during a full bloom or are planning your next harvest, this candid and practical discussion will help you be ready—because, as Anne says, “Mother Nature doesn’t wait.”

______________________

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