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How To Get Started With Bees in 2024, Part 4 of 4 (S6, E39)
03/11/24 • 57 min
(#268) In the concluding episode of our four-part series on "How To Get Started With Bees," we explore the crucial topics of parasites, pathogens, predators, and pesticides—from this point on, to be collectively known as the “four Ps of beekeeping”. Our hosts, along with guest, Jim Tew and David Peck, tackle these challenges with optimism, aiming to equip new beekeepers with strategies to protect their colonies.
From the pervasive threat of Varroa mites to the nuances of local beekeeping challenges, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of bee health management. Practical advice on monitoring and treatment options is shared, emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management and community support. The conversation underscores the necessity of ongoing education and proactive measures in maintaining healthy hives.
This episode serves as a vital resource for beginner beekeepers, offering guidance and encouragement in navigating the complexities of bee health.
Links and websites mentioned in this episode:
- How To Get Started in Beekeeping Episode Collection Page: https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/htgs
- Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
- Betterbee Quick Start Guide: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/how-to-be-a-beekeeper.asp
- University of Minnesota Bee Squad - Gentle Beekeeping: https://beelab.umn.edu/person-mentoring-apiary
- USDA Bee Lab: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/bee-research-laboratory/
- Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
______________
Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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
This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!
Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.
Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com
Thanks for Northern Bee Book...
(#268) In the concluding episode of our four-part series on "How To Get Started With Bees," we explore the crucial topics of parasites, pathogens, predators, and pesticides—from this point on, to be collectively known as the “four Ps of beekeeping”. Our hosts, along with guest, Jim Tew and David Peck, tackle these challenges with optimism, aiming to equip new beekeepers with strategies to protect their colonies.
From the pervasive threat of Varroa mites to the nuances of local beekeeping challenges, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of bee health management. Practical advice on monitoring and treatment options is shared, emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management and community support. The conversation underscores the necessity of ongoing education and proactive measures in maintaining healthy hives.
This episode serves as a vital resource for beginner beekeepers, offering guidance and encouragement in navigating the complexities of bee health.
Links and websites mentioned in this episode:
- How To Get Started in Beekeeping Episode Collection Page: https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/htgs
- Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
- Betterbee Quick Start Guide: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/how-to-be-a-beekeeper.asp
- University of Minnesota Bee Squad - Gentle Beekeeping: https://beelab.umn.edu/person-mentoring-apiary
- USDA Bee Lab: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/bee-research-laboratory/
- Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
______________
Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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
This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!
Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.
Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com
Thanks for Northern Bee Book...
Previous Episode

How To Get Started With Bees in 2024, Part 3 of 4 (S6, E38)
(#267) In "How To Get Started With Bees," part three of our four-part series, we delve deeper into the essential steps for budding beekeepers. This episode focuses on equipment selection, emphasizing the critical decision between new and used gear, and the potential risks associated with each.
Our experts, including Honey Bee Obscura's Jim Tew and master beekeeper, Paul Longwell, provide invaluable advice on navigating the overwhelming array of beekeeping tools and accessories. We discuss the importance of understanding bee space, the pros and cons of building your own equipment versus purchasing pre-assembled kits, and strategies for effective colony feeding and expansion.
By breaking down these fundamental aspects, we aim to equip novice beekeepers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring their journey into beekeeping starts on solid ground.
Links and websites mentioned in this episode:
- How To Get Started in Beekeeping Episode Collection Page: https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/htgs
- Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
- Betterbee Quick Start Guide: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/how-to-be-a-beekeeper.asp
- University of Minnesota Bee Squad - Gentle Beekeeping: https://beelab.umn.edu/person-mentoring-apiary
- USDA Bee Lab: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/bee-research-laboratory/
- Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
______________
Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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
This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!
Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.
Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com
Thanks for Northern Bee Books ...
Next Episode

Beekeeping and Varroa Downunder with Liz Frost (S6, E40)
(#269) In this episode, Becky and her guest cohost and Bee Culture writing partner, Bridget Mendel, take you on a journey with Liz Frost, an American beekeeper turned technical specialist in honeybees for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries in Australia. Frost shares her transition from the U.S. to Australia, offering a unique perspective on beekeeping without Varroa mites, and the recent challenges since their introduction in New South Wales.
Through engaging discussions, listeners gain insights into Australia's diverse beekeeping practices, the impact of Varroa on the industry, and the strategies being adopted to manage this new threat. Frost's journey underscores the global nature of beekeeping challenges and the importance of international knowledge exchange.
This episode not only highlights the nuances of Australian beekeeping but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required in the face of emerging challenges.
Join us to learn from Frost's extensive experience and explore the dynamic world of beekeeping down under.
Links and websites mentioned in this episode:
- Becky and Bridget's Bee Culture Article: https://beeculture.com
- Liz on the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries website: https://extensionaus.com.au/professionalbeekeepers/expert/liz-frost/
- Honey Bee Health Coalition, Varroa Management Guide: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/
- Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
______________
Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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
This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!
Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.
Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com
Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.
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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or:
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