Episode 147 – Understanding Bee Roles and Behavior 🧠🐝

04/25/25 • 32 min

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, what drives their daily decisions, how pheromones regulate everything inside the hive, and tips to work with your bees, not against them.

What’s Inside This Episode: • The roles of workers, drones, and queens

• How pheromones control hive behavior and reactions

• Recognizing warning signs during inspections

• How your own energy influences bee behavior

• Tips for minimizing disruption during hive work

Why Listen to This Episode?

Understanding how and why bees behave the way they do is the foundation of calm, confident beekeeping. Whether you're brand new or refining your skills, learning to “read the bees” will change everything.

Support the Show:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is your trusted guide to practical, real-world beekeeping advice. We break down complex topics to help you build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and truly enjoy your beekeeping journey.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What’s Inside This Episode: • The roles of workers, drones, and queens

• How pheromones control hive behavior and reactions

• Recognizing warning signs during inspections

• How your own energy influences bee behavior

• Tips for minimizing disruption during hive work

Why Listen to This Episode?

Support the Show:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Previous Episode

Episode 146 – Bees in the News (27): Swarms, Rooftop Honey & Bee Yoga?! 🐝🗞️

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 world of bees.

What’s Inside This Episode:

A 3,000-bee swarm descends on a British pub mid-pint
Chicago hotel rooftop bees add sweetness to guest stays
New research warns that urban wildflowers may be toxic to pollinators
Harvard’s Robo-B project gets insect-inspired landing gear
Bee yoga? The University of Nebraska wants you to ommmm with bees this summer

Why Listen to This Episode?

If you’re into honey bees, pollinator tech, or just enjoy hearing how bees are buzzing into headlines worldwide, this episode is for you. Equal parts educational and entertaining, Episode 146 reminds us how often bees find their way into our communities, cultures, and even wellness routines.

Support the Show:

Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

Discord Room: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

Blog & Gear Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping for Newbees is a top-ranked podcast that helps hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the craft of beekeeping. Each episode dives into practical tips, hive management strategies, and the occasional bee-related rant—all with a focus on helping you become a better beekeeper.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Next Episode

Episode 148 – Smooth Moves: Relocating Bee Colonies the Right Way 🌸🐝

In this episode, we talk about the right (and wrong) ways to move bees to a new location. Whether you’re relocating a hive two miles or two hundred, learn how to minimize stress, avoid major bee loss, and keep your colonies thriving. Plus, updates on swarm season and new traps at the property! 🐝

What’s Inside This Episode:

How far honey bees can really travel.
Best practices for relocating colonies safely.
Real-world moving tips for new beekeepers.
Funny stories from the field — including my cedar tree swarm!

Why Listen to This Episode:

Avoid costly mistakes when moving bees and learn practical techniques for success. Whether it’s a short shift across the yard or a major relocation, these tips will help you protect your bees and keep operations running smoothly. 🚚🌸

Listen now and make your next hive move a success! 🐝✨

Support the Show:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% globally, podcast with over 500,000 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 doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy