Podcasts about Varroa

Dairy farmers fight to stop non-dairy products using terms like milk, dairy and cheese, an extra $1.6million for on-ground support for varroa management in SA, and graziers in north-eastern SA and far-west NSW record some drought-breaking rainfall.

Varroa mite detected at several new locations across SA in recent weeks, a form of genetically modified wheat being trialed in Australia, and almond growers delay the start of harvest amid wet conditions.

Beekeepers shocked by early signs of resistance to a key chemical used to control varroa mite, a satellite used to detect fires in real-time is dying and causing multi-hour blind spots, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator launches a multi-state operation during wine grape harvest.

In this episode of Bee Science with Dewey, Dewey Caron introduces the concept of a colony necropsy—the careful reading of hive debris to understand what is happening inside a honey bee colony without opening the hive. By examining wax particles, pollen fragments, brood remains, mite debris, and other material on the hive floor, beekeepers can diagnose colony health, seasonal progress, and potential stressors with minimal disturbance. Dewey explains how debris patterns change through the year, what normal versus concerning signs look like, and how this simple observational practice can guide smarter management decisions. From overwinter survival clues to early warning signals of brood disease or Varroa pressure, colony necropsy offers a low-cost, low-impact tool available to every beekeeper. This episode reinforces a central theme of the series: good beekeeping begins with careful observation. By learning to interpret what bees leave behind, beekeepers gain insight that supports healthier colonies and more confident seasonal management. Links and references mentioned in this episode: Caron, D.M. 2018 Dead Colony Forensics. Bee Culture Apiary Inspectors of America: https://apiaryinspectors.org/US-beekeeping-survey Pacific Northwest Honey Bee Survey: https://pnwhoneybeesurvey.com Underwood, R and D. M. van Englesdorf. 2007. Colony Collapse Disorder: Have We Seen This Before? American Bee Journal. Beekeeping Today Podcast, Episode 372 with Ray Baxter, "Bottom Up Beekeeping":  https://beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/372-bottom-up-beekeeping ______________ Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.   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 _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Bee Season in Full Swing: The February 18 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused on one of the most critical — and often overlooked — inputs in California agriculture: bees. With almond bloom underway across the Central Valley and storms rolling through the state, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill dedicated much of the program to pollination, hive health, and why timing is everything during this narrow three- to four-week window. Papagni opened the show reflecting on recent rainstorms and the importance of moisture heading into peak bloom. While rain is welcome for reservoirs and soil profiles, it complicates pollination logistics. Bees don't fly in heavy rain, cold temperatures, or high winds, and muddy orchards can delay hive placement. With bloom percentages already climbing, growers without secured hives could find themselves in a tight spot. The episode featured an in-depth interview with Daniel Taran, Field Marketing Manager for BeeHero, who explained how technology is changing the pollination game. Traditionally, growers rely on a standard rate of two hives per acre. BeeHero takes a more data-driven approach, using in-hive sensors to measure colony strength and frame counts before deployment. That transparency gives growers confidence they're receiving strong, active colonies — not underperforming boxes. Taran noted that nearly every commercial beehive in the country eventually makes its way to California for almond pollination. Given the scale of the industry, even minor colony losses can tighten supply. Last year's elevated losses due to Varroa mite resistance highlighted how fragile the system can be. While conditions appear improved this season, demand remains extremely high, and theft of beehives — sometimes worth hundreds of dollars each — continues to be an issue across rural counties. The hosts also emphasized the biological side of the story. Bees are responsible for pollinating roughly one-third of the food humans consume. Worker bees live about 30 to 40 days, while queens can live several years. During bloom, bees work quickly and methodically, foraging from the closest flowers and returning repeatedly to their hive. With only one shot at pollination each season, successful bloom directly determines final yields. Beyond bees, the program also featured interviews from World Ag Expo, including Alexandra Duarte's California Senate campaign update and agronomic insights from AgroLiquid and Valent on post-rain nutrition and pest management. But pollination remained the central theme: without bees, there is no almond crop. As Papagni put it, water, labor, freight, and regulations matter — but without healthy hives in the orchard right now, nothing else counts.

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff and Becky welcome Scottish beekeeper and author Ray Baxter to explore an often-overlooked source of insight inside the hive—the debris on the bottom board. Ray explains how careful observation of wax flakes, pollen, Varroa fragments, chalkbrood remains, and other materials can reveal colony health, brood cycles, forage history, and stress factors without opening the hive. Drawing on years of microscopy and time-series sampling, Ray shares how studying debris transformed his own beekeeping and inspired his book Bottom-Up Beekeeping. What began as a classroom curiosity with students evolved into long-term research that now tracks seasonal colony patterns and informs more precise hive interventions, including targeted Varroa treatments and identifying brood breaks. The conversation also highlights practical steps any beekeeper can take—such as photographing debris regularly, cleaning inspection boards consistently, and using simple tools like a smartphone or microscope to deepen understanding of colony biology. Ray emphasizes that debris analysis doesn't replace inspections but adds another valuable layer of information to guide better decisions and reduce unnecessary disturbance to the bees. Whether you're a new beekeeper curious about IPM boards or an experienced beekeeper seeking deeper biological insight, this discussion opens a new perspective on what the hive floor can teach us about colony survival, nutrition, and seasonal change. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Ray's Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rdp0nH Ray's Book at Northern Bee Books:  https://www.northernbeebooks.co.uk/en-us/products/bottom-up-beekeeping-baxter Ray's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/bottomupbeekeeping Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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!  As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero  by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Regional mayors argue for wider access to the State Government's drought loan package, resistance to a common varroa mite pesticide discovered in northern NSW, and an Australian company develops reusable stainless steel bottles for the premium wine market.

Funding ends for the $100million National Varroa Mite Response program, an Australian-first reverse osmosis facility to be established in Loxton, and the wine industry requests millions in Federal funding to address a structural crisis.

GreenLight Biosciences' Jonathan Adamson says they've shown that RNA can be a viable solution to control the pests that potato growers deal with regularly.

Varroaresistenz 2033 I Varroa 2033 - Der Podcast Marie und Thomas sprechen über Thomas' Werdegang, das Projekt Selectbees 2.0 und Herausforderungen und Erfolge der Varroaresistenzzucht. Mehr über Selectbees 2.0: https://www.bienen.at/selectbees-20/ https://projekte.ffg.at/projekt/5125848 Weitere Infos zu VR 2033 unter https://varroaresistenzprojekt.eu.

Vom 25. - 27. September 2026 findet in Österreich die Internationale Tagung VR 2033 statt! Werner Gerdes ist einer der Referenten und verrät im Interview, worum es in seinem Vortrag gehen wird. Mehr über Werner Gerdes: https://www.imkerei-gerdes.de Weitere Infos zu VR 2033 unter https://varroaresistenzprojekt.eu.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has declared a Queensland fruit fly outbreak in Elizabeth East, a team of experienced South Australian biosecurity field staff will be deployed to Victoria to support the response to the ongoing fires and the final remaining closed section of the Birdsville Track in South Australia is now open to road users, which means the Cooper Creek Barge is no longer required. 

Beekeeping today looks very different than it did just a few decades ago, largely because of the steady arrival of invasive pests and pathogens. In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey for a thoughtful, experience-based discussion on how beekeepers have responded to these challenges over time. Jim and Anne reflect on the early days of tracheal mites, the arrival of Varroa, and the emergency treatments that once dominated management strategies. They discuss how research, regulation, and practical experience gradually replaced panic-driven responses, leading to more stable—though still imperfect—approaches to colony health. The conversation also revisits Colony Collapse Disorder, how public understanding diverged from beekeeper reality, and what long-term data revealed about recurring cycles of loss. Looking forward, Jim and Anne turn their attention to emerging threats such as Tropilaelaps mites and the yellow-legged hornet, emphasizing the role of human movement in spreading invasive species. While the challenges are real and ongoing, they agree that today's beekeepers are better equipped than ever to adapt, monitor, and respond. This episode offers perspective, historical context, and plain talk for anyone trying to understand how modern beekeeping arrived where it is—and why adaptability remains essential. ______________________ 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 © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

 This week, we talk with Ryan Lieuallen of Sweet Bee Honey Company in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Ryan shares insights into the significant challenges and changes within the beekeeping industry, including high winter mortality rates and the potential economic impacts of the Tropi mite infestation. We discuss the emergence of new Varroa treatments and innovative strategies for creating sustainable bee pastures for bees. Explore Ryan's dedication to maintaining a five-generation beekeeping heritage while adapting to future challenges in beekeeping and sustainable agriculture. Link to Sweet Bee Honey Company and how to donate to the Bee Foundation:   https://www.sweetbeehoneyco.com

Beekeepers concerned about future access to pollination services as varroa mite spreads across SA, an exploration company hopes to extract helium and natural hydrogen on the Yorke Peninsula, and we revisit the origins of the ABC's Country Hour program ahead of tomorrow's 80th anniversary.

This week on Beekeeping Today Podcast, Becky welcomes guest co-host Bridget Mendel as they sit down with virologist Dr. Declan Schroeder from the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, they explore the unseen world of honey bee viruses—how they evolve, how they spread, and why understanding them is essential for modern beekeeping. Declan brings a fresh perspective to virus ecology, sharing how his early research on marine viruses led him into honey bee health just as colony losses began escalating worldwide. He describes why viruses were overlooked for so long and how the arrival of Varroa shifted viral dynamics from background agents to major colony-level threats. Becky and Bridget dig into what this means for beekeepers: why Varroa management remains the cornerstone of reducing virus pressure, how viruses move within and between colonies, and what new research is revealing about potential spillover concerns between honey bees and native bees. Declan discusses findings from a multi-year Minnesota study showing that while bumblebees may encounter honey bee viruses, they are rarely infected—an important distinction in ongoing conservation conversations. The discussion wraps with a look ahead: evolving virus–vector interactions, improved surveillance efforts, and the growing role of researchers and veterinarians in supporting beekeeper decision-making. It's an engaging, approachable dive into a complex subject—one that every beekeeper will benefit from hearing. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: University of Minnesota Schroeder Bee Lab: https://vetmed.umn.edu/bio/college-of-veterinary-medicine/declan-schroeder Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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 their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

The cool and wet spring delays the ripening of much of the Adelaide Hills cherry crop, concerns over the future of pollination services as varroa mite continues to spreading in South Australia, and some grain growers receive decent late-spring rainfall too late to help with this year's crop.

In this week's Podcast: With Autumn slipping away and Winter on the horizon my thoughts continue to be filled with helping our colonies survive to next Spring. Feeding is complete, Autumn treatments removed, but the challenge of the Varroa mite goes on. With that in mind, here's part two of pests and diseases. Hi, I'm Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 369 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesThe National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HEREBee Aware Varroa Information can be found HEREThorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment hereThe Beekeeper's Dictonary on AmazonThe Beekeeper's Dictionary websiteHere are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found hereAsian Hornet book by Sarah BunkerThe Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew DurhamGardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaningStainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyVMD Website: Click HEREJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click HereTwitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our FeedInstagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great PhotographsSign Up for my email updates by visiting my website hereAmazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site. Support the show

Oyster harvesting & sales resume in Franklin Harbour four months after being closed due to brevetoxin in the waters, South Australia's Varroa Industry Advisory Committee meets following multiple confirmed outbreaks of varroa mite, and the APVMA again delays its decision on the future use of paraquat and diquat in Australia.

Beekeepers dismayed as more varroa detections confirmed across South Australia, an average season forecast as recent rain eases the bushfire risk for SA in summer, and we cross live to SA's Agricultural Town of the Year — Lameroo.

Regional apprentices are out of pocket for frequent travel and accommodation costs to attend city-based TAFE studies.

A second case of the deadly bee parasite Varroa Mite has been detected in South Australia, and residents remember the Pinery bushfire 10 years on, which burned 86,000 hectares of land resulting in the tragic loss of 2 lives, and 50,000 livestock.

Honey bees continue to face shifting pressures from pests, and few are as relentless as varroa mites. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Washington State University graduate student Molly Quade, whose research into fighting varroa with fungi offers a promising biological alternative to traditional mite treatments. Molly studies entomopathogenic fungi—especially Metarhizium species—which naturally infect arthropods and are already used in agriculture for pest management. Her work centers on finding fungal strains that can tolerate the warm environment of a honey bee colony, one of the biggest barriers to making fungus-based varroa control viable. Through strain selection and thermal tolerance testing, Molly and her colleagues are working toward biological tools that could function inside a living hive. The conversation breaks down how fungi infect varroa without harming bees, why biological treatments may reduce resistance issues, and the practical challenges of delivering fungal spores inside the hive. Molly also shares insights on fungal interactions with bee immunity and how wax moth larvae unexpectedly support early-stage testing. For beekeepers searching for future tools to manage mites more sustainably, this episode offers a clear, engaging look at one of the most innovative research directions underway today. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Washington State University Honey Bees & Pollinator Program:  https://bees.wsu.edu Molly's WSU Presentation, "Entomopathogenic Metarhizium for Varroa Control" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSndz3Z39gw&t=139s Beekeeping Today: The Book - Photo Requests - https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/beekeeping-today-the-book. Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive's unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive's Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their 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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week's Podcast: Having discussed the more serious pests and diseases that can affect our colonies, it's time to finish off our Varroa chat and conclude with some of the less problematic issues that we sometimes encounter.Hi, I'm Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 370 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesThe National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HEREBee Aware Varroa Information can be found HEREThorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment hereThe Beekeeper's Dictonary on AmazonThe Beekeeper's Dictionary websiteHere are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found hereAsian Hornet book by Sarah BunkerThe Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew DurhamGardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaningStainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyVMD Website: Click HEREJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click HereTwitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our FeedInstagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great PhotographsSign Up for my email updates by visiting my website hereAmazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site. Support the show

Nearly $70,00 worth of oysters destroyed as a blockade halts relocation in SA waters, funding to help primary producers manage kangaroos numbers during drought, and a survey finds 7% of reported bees losses in SA last year were due to starvation.

In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Amy Vu and Dr. Jamie Ellis discuss a new technology to control Varroa in Australia with Ron Korkidi, Chief Scientific Officer of ToBe Influencing Innovation. This episode ends with a Q&A segment. Check out our website: www.ufhoneybee.com for additional resources from today's episode. 

Varroa mites remain the most destructive pest facing honey bees today—but a revolutionary new treatment may finally shift the balance. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Adam Pachl, North American Technical Manager for Bee Health at GreenLight Biosciences, to discuss Norroa, the first EPA-approved dsRNA-based treatment for Varroa mites. Norroa introduces a fundamentally new approach: instead of killing mites outright, it prevents them from reproducing. Adam explains how this RNA interference (RNAi) technology works at the molecular level, blocking the mites' ability to lay viable eggs without harming honey bees or other organisms. He also shares insights from years of field research, including trials across five U.S. states that demonstrated dramatic improvements in colony survival and mite suppression. Becky and Jeff explore the implications of this technology for beekeepers of all scales—from hobbyists managing a few hives to large-scale commercial operations—and how Norroa fits into an integrated pest management strategy. The discussion covers everything from timing of application, compatibility with other treatments, and safety testing, to potential future uses of RNAi against pests like Tropilaelaps. For the first time in decades, beekeepers may have a tool that targets Varroa precisely and safely—without collateral damage to the bees they're fighting to protect. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: GreenLight Biosciences. “GreenLight Biosciences Launches Norroa, the First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites.” 25 Sep 2025. https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/articles/greenlight-biosciences-launches-norroa-the-first-rna-based-treatment-for-varroa-mites  GreenLight Biosciences. “In the Pipeline: Protecting the Honeybee.” https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/in-the-pipeline-protecting-the-honeybee  GeneOnline. “EPA Registers Norroa as First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites Threatening Honeybee Populations.” 25 Sept 2025. https://www.geneonline.com/epa-registers-norroa-as-first-rna-based-treatment-for-varroa-mites-threatening-honeybee-populations  Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive's unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive's Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their 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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Amy Vu and Dr. Jamie Ellis discuss the introduction of Varroa in Australia with Dave Fairhall, Senior Varroa Development Officer for New South Wales, and Emily Noordyke, a Varroa Project Officer for New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. This episode ends with a Q&A segment. Check out our website: www.ufhoneybee.com for additional resources from today's episode. 

In this October Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns from Apimondia in Copenhagen and the Washington State Beekeepers Association Conference with another Audio Postcard—this time exploring the long-debated topic of condensing versus ventilated hives. Dewey discusses three levels of communication central to his monthly series: bee scientist to beekeeper, beekeeper to bee, and bee to bee. Drawing on the work of Dr. Tom Seeley and Derek Mitchell of the University of Leeds, he examines how wild colonies regulate temperature and moisture in tree cavities compared to modern Langstroth hives. Listeners will hear Dewey explain the difference between a condensing hive—which retains heat and manages moisture through top insulation—and a ventilated hive, which uses airflow and upper vents to remove humidity. He walks through the pros and cons of each, including the energy cost to bees, honey consumption, and overwintering success. The episode concludes with fascinating insights into heater bees, as first described by Jürgen Tautz, showing how worker bees actively warm brood cells during cold months. Dewey ties it all together with his signature reminder: there's no single right way to keep bees—only the approach that works best for you and your colonies. Links and references mentioned in this episode: Hesbach, W. (2020). The Condensing Colony. American Bee Journal, 160(2), 170–180. Seeley, T. D. (2019). The Lives of Bees: The Untold Story of the Honey Bee in the Wild. Princeton University Press. Radcliffe, R. W. & Seeley, T. D. (2022). Thinking Outside the Box: Temperature Dynamics in a Tree Cavity, Wooden Box, and Langstroth Hives With or Without Insulation. American Bee Journal, 162(8), 893–898. Mitchell, D. (2016). Ratios of Colony Mass to Thermal Conductance of Tree and Man-Made Nest Enclosures of Apis mellifera: Implications for Survival, Clustering, Humidity Regulation, and Varroa destructor. International Journal of Biometeorology, 60(5), 629–638. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-015-1057-z Mitchell, D. (2017). Honey Bee Engineering: Top Ventilation and Top Entrances. American Bee Journal, 157(8), 887–889. ISSN 0002-7626. Mitchell, D. (2023). Honeybee Cluster—Not Insulation but Stressful Heat Sink. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 20:20230488. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2023.0488 Tautz, J. (2008). The Buzz About Bees: Biology of a Superorganism. Springer. Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this special Beekeeping Today Podcast roundtable, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman gather an inspiring group of regional beekeepers from across the U.S. to share how their colonies fared through the 2025 season and what they're doing to prepare for winter. Joining the table are Ang Roell (They Keep Bees, Massachusetts), Bonnie Morse (Bonnie Bee & Company, California), Duane Combs (Arizona Beekeepers LLC), Jay Williams (Williams Honey Farm, Tennessee), and Paul Longwell (Washington). Each regional voice brings a unique perspective on this year's challenges—heat and drought in the Southwest, unpredictable blooms in the Pacific Northwest, and extended broodless periods complicating Varroa management across the country. In response to listener Brian Schmitz's question, “What does your overwintering hive look like?”, these experienced beekeepers describe how their hive setups differ by region—from Ang's double-deeps and Warre hives with insulation and mountain camp feeding, to Jay's “3:2” ratio overwintering in wrapped medium supers, to Duane's Arizona colonies managing through both heat and rain cycles. Later, they discuss what didn't go as planned—queen mating failures, volatile weather, and high mite counts—and what they're most looking forward to in 2026. From germplasm banking and bee breeding projects to bee meditation programs and rare honey production, this lively conversation captures the diversity and innovation within today's beekeeping community. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive's unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive's Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their 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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff and Becky continue their special series on Varroa treatments and control strategies with Dr. David Peck of Betterbee. In this installment, they explore one of the hardest realities of beekeeping—what it looks like when colonies die from Varroa infestations and associated viruses. David explains that “death by Varroa” isn't just a winter loss—it's a collapse that can happen in late summer or fall when mite levels and viruses overwhelm a colony. Together, the hosts discuss how to recognize parasitic mite syndrome (PMS)—or “snot brood”—and how it can mimic foulbrood, misleading even experienced beekeepers. Listeners will learn how to identify mite frass on brood cells, recognize signs of deformed wing virus, and understand how unchecked mite populations can devastate even strong, productive colonies. David shares practical field advice, from using robbing screens to prevent mite drift, to understanding why late-season treatments often come too late to save an infected colony—but can still protect neighboring hives. This sobering yet vital episode underscores why Varroa management is non-negotiable for healthy beekeeping. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Honeybee populations have been declining for a combination of interacting factors.  There is the parasitic Varroa mite that spreads disease; there is widespread exposure to pesticides; there is diminishing natural forage and nesting habitats as land is developed; and there is climate change.   Researchers at Oxford University looked at the impact of climate change and […]

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff and Becky are joined once again by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to explore non-chemical strategies for managing varroa mites. While miticides remain the backbone of many treatment programs, non-chemical approaches can play a valuable role in integrated pest management—if used wisely. David highlights proven practices like drone brood removal, which exploits the mite's preference for drone cells, and brood interruption techniques, including splits, swarming, and strategic queen caging. The discussion also covers screened bottom boards, powdered sugar dusting, CO₂ exposure, and heat treatments—with an emphasis on what works, what doesn't, and why. Listeners will learn how combining these non-chemical strategies with timed miticide applications can improve overall mite control while reducing chemical dependence. As David stresses, success comes down to careful timing, strong recordkeeping, and understanding the biology of both honey bees and varroa mites. This episode reminds beekeepers that there's no silver bullet—only thoughtful management, tailored to season and colony conditions. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

This episode of ”Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley” is a retrospective from one of the early radio interviews from our precursor show, “Digging in With Master Gardeners” which aired on WGXC, 90.7 FM. Teresa and Jean interviewed Master Beekeeper and Emeritus Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Aydlett. The original was aired as episode 14, and can be found on the Digging in with the Master Gardener page. Linda Aydlett has been a beekeeper for over a decade, tending from two to thirty hives in various years. She got started at a workshop by the Catskill Mountain Beekeeping Club, studied via books, internet and youtube videos, then became a Master Beekeeper through Cornell University.Our conversation continues with further descriptions of the castes of bees in the hive. Drones, the only males, are a small portion of the population, with a few hundred or up to a maximum of a thousand per hive. They are larger, and have huge eyes, so are easy to identify. They have no nest chores, and rely on the worker bees for everything.They are evicted from the hive in the Fall. Moving on to disease risks, Linda itemizes the symptoms as well as disasters that can happen in a hive. CCD, or colony collapse disease, was a big issue for a while, whereby all the workers disappeared without a trace, leaving the queen, drones and larva unattended. They were helpless and would not survive on their own. Never diagnosed fully, it seems to have abated for now. Other threats include Varroa mites, which act in a similar way to ticks, being disease vectors. However, they are gigantic parasites compared to the size of their host bees, and can be debilitating.They tend to attack when the colony is at its weakest, usually the winter solstice. There are methods of dealing with these mites, but the beekeeper must always remain vigilant. In light of all these risks to the bees and the need for honey bees as pollinators, is the whole food production system at risk? Linda says there are several documentaries about the commercial migratory route followed by beekeepers who truck hives around the country following the bloom time of various crops. These include the Hudson Valley, where there is a thriving fruit growing industry. The results would be disastrous if anything wiped out the honey bees. Besides commercial transport, there are threats to local bees in a “normal” year. Every summer is the “dearth”, when nectar can become scarce between flowering seasons, and the beekeeper must supplement food, so the bees don't use up the store that they will need for the winter. The average person can help by allowing stands of Asters and Goldenrod to grow. Both provide the needed nectar when other flowers are no longer in bloom. On a small scale, the gardener can increase the yield of their vegetable crops in the home garden by planting flowers nearby to attract honey bees.They have favorites just like we do. First annuals and perennials, then herbs and mints. In early spring, bees exist on dandelions, and then clover. To become a beekeeper is not easy. The beginner must consider many things: legal status to even have hives at your home. Check you municipal code to make sure they are not prohibited; there must be proper space to coexist with and tend the hive; thoroughly understand basic care; be sure your research is with reliable sources like universities and beekeeping clubs; don't squish them... apparently this happens to experts sometimes, too. make the time commitment because there are no vacations when the hives need attention. Once committed to the effort, how do you start? Woodware (the actual physical hive structure), equipment and bees must be acquired. Linda lists sources in the area and online for all three. Bees are shipped either as a “package”, the equivalent of a little bee apartment, or nukes, a much larger number of bees , almost a small hive. Once established, there is one other enemy to be faced, if you live in bear territory. In that case, the best, and probably only, way to go is with an electric fence, and it must be put up before the bear discovers the hive. Once he knows it's there, he'll persist regardless of the electrical charge. Solar power for the fence is also best, because few hives are placed near outlets. The last big threat to bees is the universal one: climate change. The alliance of plants and insects that co-evolved over millennia is changing. It may no longer reliably signal to the bees when to start egg laying, or when specific plants are producing pollen. The beekeeper just goes on, monitoring the hives and adapting wherever she can. Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas Guest: Linda Aydlett Photo by: Annie Scibienski Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

In this BTP Short, Dr. Dewey Caron shares another of his “audio postcards,” this time exploring the critical role of fat bees—also known as diutinus bees—in helping colonies survive winter. Dewey explains how these long-lived worker bees differ from their summer sisters, with enlarged fat bodies, higher protein reserves, and lower juvenile hormone levels, all tied to the key blood protein vitellogenin. Drawing on published research papers, Dewey highlights how environmental cues such as declining pollen, temperature, and daylight trigger the production of winter bees, and how clustering helps colonies thermoregulate through the cold months. He emphasizes that strong, heavy colonies going into winter are far more likely to survive than weak or light ones. For beekeepers, Dewey stresses the importance of continuous Varroa control throughout the season, fall feeding to ensure sufficient carbohydrate and protein stores, and combining weaker units when necessary. He also discusses drone eviction, stock influences, and climate change modeling that suggests warmer falls may disrupt the balance of winter bee production and survival. This episode provides science-based insights and practical recommendations to help beekeepers communicate with their colonies—ensuring not only fat bees, but fat, well-prepared colonies for overwintering success. Websites and Links mention in the episode: Döke, Mehmet A. M. Frazier, and C.  Grozinger, 2015 “Overwintering honey bees: biology and management,” Current Opinion in Insect Science. Mehmet Ali Döke, Christina M. Grozinger. 2017. Pheromonal control of overwintering physiology and success in honey bees (Apis mellifera, L.) Döke, Mehmet Ali, CM McGrady, M. Otieno, CM Grozinger, M Frazier. 2019. Colony size, rather than geographic origin of stocks, predicts overwintering success in honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Northeastern United States. J. Econ. Entomology 112 (2), 525-533, DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy377 Stephanie Feliciano-Cardona, †Mehmet Ali Döke, Janpierre Ale man,Jose Luis Agosto-Rivera. Christina M. Grozinger and Tugrul Giray 2020. Honey Bees in the Tropics Show Winter Bee-Like Longevity in Response to Seasonal Dearth and Brood Reduction. Front. Ecol. Evol., 8.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.571094 Somerville, Doug (2005) Fat Bees Skinny Bees, A manual on honey bee nutrition for beekeepers., Australia. Available on the Web at https://www.agrifutures.com.au/wp-content/uploads/publications/05-054.pdf   https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/downloads/05-054 Kirti Rajagopalan, Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman, Matthew Pruett, Vincent P. Jones, Vanessa Corby-Harris, Julien Pireaud, Robert Curry, Brandon Hopkins & Tobin D. Northfield. 2024. Warmer autumns and winters could reduce honey bee overwintering survival with potential risks for pollination services. Scientific Reports volume 14, Article number: 5410 (2024) For homework Ashley L. St. Clair , Nathanael J. Beach, Adam G. Dolezal. 2022.  Honey bee hive covers reduce food consumption and colony mortality during overwintering. Plos One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266219  SBGM videos:  https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQcpKmXBhglCpthGSBzvHVLlSfp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this milestone 350th episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Vikki Atkinson of Pennsylvania to share her deep experience managing over 100 Top-Bar hives. Vikki walks listeners through the unique design of Top-Bar hives, from follower boards and shims to the angled sides that encourage natural comb building. She explains how handling bars like a “steering wheel” prevents comb breakage, and why level placement is critical to success. With candor and clarity, she outlines both the advantages—lighter lifts, less colony disturbance, and beautiful natural comb—and the challenges, including cross-comb management and the lack of standardized equipment. The discussion ranges from honey harvest methods (from crush-and-strain to using extractors with creative adaptations) to overwintering strategies with rigid insulation, to managing Varroa through genetics, VSH queens, and careful testing. Vikki shares how she transitioned from a beginner fascinated by Les Crowder's book to running a thriving Top-Bar operation and mentoring others. Whether you're curious about trying a Top-Bar hive, or simply want fresh insights into honey bee biology beyond Langstroth boxes, this conversation offers practical lessons, inspiration, and a celebration of the diversity of modern beekeeping. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Wes Crowder's Book on Top-Bar Beekeeping: https://amzn.to/3K7bfpW Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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. Give your bees a boost with HiveAlive! Proven to increase bee health, honey yield, and overwinter survival, HiveAlive's unique formula includes seaweed, thyme, and lemongrass, making it easy to feed. Choose from HiveAlive's Fondant Patties, High-Performance Pollen Patties, or EZ Feed Super Syrup—ready-to-use options for busy beekeepers. Buy locally or online. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their 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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC ** As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Varroa Treatment Short, Jeff and Becky are joined once again by Dr. David Peck of BetterBee to discuss two thymol-based mite control options: ApiLife Var and Apiguard . Both products rely on the essential oil thymol, but differ in formulation and delivery. ApiLife Var comes as wafers containing thymol along with eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor, while Apiguard is a gel tray or gel-applied product containing thymol alone. While both products are gentle on bees and effective against Varroa mites, they require multiple applications over several weeks and are best suited for broodless colonies or fall treatments. Listeners will also learn about potential honey contamination risks, flavor changes in comb, and why residue awareness is critical when frames move between brood boxes and supers. This episode highlights the pros and cons of ApiLife Var and Apiguard, helping beekeepers understand where these thymol-based treatments fit into an integrated pest management plan. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week's Podcast: With so many Varroa mite treatments out there it can be quite confusing, and not just for the beginner beekeeper. Today I'll review a few of the other treatments available and hint about the importance of an Integrated Pest Management system for beekeepers that I would rename!Hi, I'm Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 356 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHive Five Multi Guard EntrancesVMD Website: Click HEREJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click HereTwitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our FeedInstagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great PhotographsSign Up for my email updates by visiting my website hereSupport the show

In this Varroa Treatment Short, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. David Peck of BetterBee to discuss HopGuard 3, the latest version of this organically derived mite control option. The conversation covers the product's evolution from earlier formulations, its active ingredient (hops beta acids), and what makes it safe to use even with honey supers in place. The discussion highlights the pros—organic origins, safe with honey, rotation potential—and the cons, including its limited effectiveness during brood periods and relatively high cost. Listeners will also hear practical guidance on when HopGuard 3 is most effective, such as during broodless periods or engineered brood breaks, and how it can serve as a rotational tool in an Integrated Pest Management strategy. While not the most potent treatment available, HopGuard 3 remains an important option for beekeepers looking to diversify their approach to Varroa management. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week's Podcast: The borage has been swathed, somewhat earlier this year than previously, so it's time to bring home the honey crop and my mind turns to Autumn treatments for Varroa, but which one to choose from, there are so many. Listen in to hear my pick and why.Hi, I'm Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 355 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHive Five Multi Guard EntrancesVMD Website: Click HEREJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click HereTwitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our FeedInstagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great PhotographsSign Up for my email updates by visiting my website hereSupport the show

In this Varroa Treatments short, Jeff Ott and co-host Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Dr. David Peck from Betterbee to discuss formic acid—a powerful tool in the fight against varroa mites. David explains how Formic Pro, the most common formic acid product now available in the U.S., is formulated to safely release vapors that penetrate capped brood cells, killing mites both on adult bees and developing brood. David and Becky highlight both the strengths and cautions: formic acid's ability to deliver a fast, thorough mite knockdown, its temperature sensitivity, and its potential to cause temporary brood loss or even queen replacement in stressed colonies. They emphasize protective gear, ventilation requirements, and why strong colonies benefit most from treatment. From freezer tricks to reduce fumes, to understanding normal bee behaviors like bearding after application, this episode gives beekeepers the knowledge to use formic acid effectively and safely—making it a valuable addition to a year-round mite management plan. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this week's episode, Jeff and Becky welcome back fourth-generation commercial beekeeper John Miller for a candid conversation about the challenges—and potential—facing the beekeeping industry today. With his decades of experience and generational insight, John doesn't hold back on concerns about low honey prices, rising input costs, invasive pests like tropilaelaps, and the closure of critical research facilities like USDA's Beltsville Bee Lab. John offers a front-line view of what it means to be a commercial beekeeper in 2025 and why he describes the current moment as “swimming with piranha.” He also speaks passionately about the importance of collaboration across beekeeper “silos”—commercial, sideliner, and hobbyist alike—and about the hope he sees in new leadership, community engagement, and research-backed innovation through organizations like Project Apis m. Whether you manage a few colonies or a few thousand, this episode offers a sobering but motivating reminder of the shared challenges beekeepers face—and why now is the time to come together and act. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Miller Honey Farms: https://www.millerhoneyfarms.com Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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 their 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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his monthly audio postcard—this time focused on August mite management and a remarkable discovery about honey bee learning. Dewey reminds beekeepers that August is a critical month to monitor and treat for varroa mites before their populations explode. He shares updates on new and emerging treatments, including Norroa (a dsRNA-based biopesticide), Mite Bee Gone (L-glutamic acid strips), and Apivar 2.0, as well as best practices for applying oxalic acid extended release strips like VarroxSan. Dewey shifts from mites to mind-blowing research on bee communication. Drawing on the work of Dr. James Nieh, he explains how the waggle dance—used by bees to communicate foraging locations—is learned through social exposure, similar to how birds and humans acquire language. This study, featured in Science, marks the first demonstration of social learning in insect spatial communication. This episode blends practical mite management insights with inspiring science, all in under 20 minutes. Stay proactive. Plan your treatments. And appreciate the depth of honey bee intelligence. Links & Resources: Overviews of mite control: Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts on Varroa Treatments: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/varroa/ University of Massachusetts Extension Flyer on Varroa: https://www.mass.gov/doc/varroa-mite-ipm-brochure-english/download NY Bee Wellness presentation of Dr David Peck of BetterBee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4ALfqq3GT8 Veto Pharma (makers fo Apivar 2.0 and Apiguard and Varroa Easy Check sampling device) has 2 informative, nicely illustrated flyers: Integrated varroa mite management throughout the seasons - https://forms.newsletter.veto-pharma.com/5eff419fb85b5317165fde16/yBL1IKRLTxShk0jw3QcfXw/7eYSzqY0RyqLN5ngRfmpDw/form.html Varroa Mite Biology - https://forms.newsletter.veto-pharma.com/5eff419fb85b5317165fde16/O7Cp5mGSSpmFPTRAUADdmA/0DTVnqNkR32oXrlA35HsEA/form.html VitaBee Health products (makers of VarroxSan, VARROCheck sampling jar and Vita feed supplements) - https://www.vita-europe.com/beehealth/wp-content/uploads/vita-beekeeping-guide.pdf MiteBeeGone: https://mitebeegone.com/ Additional Resouces Thomas A. O'Shea-Wheller, Asia Hall, Kirsty Stainton, Victoria Tomkies, Giles E. Budge, Selwyn Wilkins and Ben Jones. 2025. A large-scale study of Varroa destructor treatment adherence in apiculture. Entomologia Generalis.DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2024/2758 Reports on oxalic acid effectiveness from Canada Quebec: https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/24/3/14/7683875 and Ontario:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/8/724 Science article on social learning in Dance Language https://labs.biology.ucsd.edu/nieh/papers/DongScience.pdf YouTube presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elWNc_1qm60   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this installment of the Varroa Treatment Series, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. David Peck of BetterBee to discuss oxalic acid treatments, one of the most widely used organic options for controlling Varroa mites. The conversation explores both oxalic acid vaporization (OAV) and the dribble method, breaking down how each is applied, safety considerations, and when they are most effective. David explains the differences between registered products like Api-Bioxal and EZ-OX, recent label updates allowing higher dosages, and practical tips for using each method safely—particularly the critical need for proper respiratory and eye protection with vaporization. He also shares insights into when broodless periods provide the greatest impact, why oxalic acid poses minimal risk to bees but requires careful handling by beekeepers, and what research still doesn't know about how this acid kills mites. This episode is an essential listen for beekeepers looking to add oxalic acid—whether dribble or vaporization—to their integrated mite management toolkit. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew explores what it really means to call ourselves “beekeepers.” After more than fifty years with bees, Jim questions whether we truly “keep” them—or if we're simply borrowing space in their world. He draws comparisons to birdhouses, backyard chickens, and monarch butterflies, observing that bees remain fundamentally wild, even when living in our boxes. Jim shares personal experiences of stepping back from active management for several years, allowing colonies to survive—or not—on their own terms. This shift prompts him to consider the limits of human control in beekeeping, especially in the face of challenges like Varroa mites. Are we managing bees, or just tweaking their natural behaviors to fit our needs for honey, pollination, and wax? This plain talk conversation invites listeners to rethink their relationship with honey bees and reflect on where “keeping” ends and nature begins. ______________________ 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 BTPS Varroa Treatments short, Jeff and Becky are joined again by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to explore amitraz—known commercially to most U.S. beekeepers as Apivar. As a synthetic miticide, Apivar has long been a cornerstone of mite control due to its effectiveness, wide temperature range, and bee-friendly properties. But as with many tools in the beekeeper's arsenal, its strength may also be its vulnerability. David explains how amitraz works by overstimulating the varroa mite's nervous system, effectively paralyzing and killing the parasite while leaving bees largely unaffected. The treatment avoids comb contamination and breaks down quickly in the hive, making it an appealing option for many beekeepers—especially in late summer or early fall once honey supers are removed. However, the discussion also delves into growing concerns about resistance. Increasing reports, particularly from commercial operations, suggest amitraz is not as effective as it once was. Resistance genes in varroa populations have been linked to recent large-scale colony losses, and misuse or overuse of the chemical—including unapproved, home-mixed applications—may be accelerating the issue. The takeaway? Apivar can still be a reliable tool when used properly, but its effectiveness isn't guaranteed. Rotating treatments, testing for mites, and monitoring efficacy are essential. This episode highlights not only the promise of amitraz but also the need for responsible stewardship of every miticide in the beekeeper's toolbox. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, Jeff and Becky speak with Dr. Steve Pernal, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, about his team's recent work monitoring Varroa destructor populations and treatment efficacy across Canada. As varroa continues to be the leading driver of colony mortality, Steve and his colleagues are collecting long-term data on mite levels, reinfestation rates, and treatment performance across a wide range of beekeeping operations. Steve shares insights from national monitoring efforts, including surprising findings on how quickly mites can rebound after treatment and the complexities of interpreting mite counts in commercial yards. The conversation covers regional differences in resistance development, what's known (and unknown) about reinfestation, and why simply applying treatments may no longer be enough to manage mites sustainably. This episode offers a grounded, research-informed look at varroa management—what's working, where the gaps are, and what Canadian researchers are doing to equip beekeepers with better tools and knowledge. Whether you run a few hives or a thousand, you'll walk away with fresh insights on what to watch for in your own operation. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Referenced BTP Episode with Dr. Erika Plettner: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/dr-erika-plettner-using-chemoreceptor-confusion-against-varroa-s6-e43/ Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com   Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC     ______________ 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 Dalan who is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan's vaccination against American Foulbrood (AFB) is a game changer. Vaccinated queens protect newly hatched honeybee larvae against AFB using the new Dalan vaccine. Created for queen producers and other beekeepers wanting to produce AFB free queens.  Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages:  https://dalan.com/order-vaccinated-queens/   More information on the vaccine: https://dalan.com/media-publications/ Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their 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. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott. Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this Varroa Treatments Short, Jeff and Becky are once again joined by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to examine two early weapons in the war against varroa: Apistan and CheckMite+. These synthetic miticides—fluvalinate and coumaphos—once gave beekeepers a critical lifeline when varroa first emerged in U.S. apiaries in the late 1980s. But what started as a breakthrough quickly turned into a warning tale of overuse, resistance, and long-lasting chemical residues. David walks us through the history of these treatments, how their effectiveness faded with repeated use, and what their legacy teaches us about the importance of rotating miticides in integrated pest management (IPM). Although still available, neither Apistan nor CheckMite+ are commonly recommended today due to widespread resistance and the risk of beeswax contamination. David also discusses their potential relevance in places like Madagascar—where resistance hasn't yet developed—and their limited role in research targeting future threats like Tropilaelaps mites. This episode is a reminder that while tools may lose their edge, the lessons they leave behind are invaluable for today's beekeepers navigating the ever-evolving varroa landscape. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of our BTP Shorts series on varroa treatments, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to explore VarroxSan—an extended-release oxalic acid strip used to manage varroa mites. David explains how this USDA-registered product works, its origins in South American formulations like Aluen CAP, and why its slow-release delivery makes it a valuable tool for maintaining mite levels throughout the brood cycle. Oxalic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, is effective against varroa and safe for bees when used correctly. David walks through how the fiberboard strips are dosed, placed in the hive, and gradually deliver oxalic acid over a 42–56 day period. While the exact mechanism of mite mortality remains somewhat mysterious, VarroxSan's ability to hold down mite levels—especially during nectar flows—makes it a helpful part of an integrated mite management plan. The team also discusses pros and cons: the product's compatibility with honey supers (with proper spacing), the need for good hive records to time strip removal, and the importance of following label instructions. They caution that VarroxSan may not be ideal as a first-response treatment for colonies already overwhelmed with mites, but it excels at keeping mite populations from rebounding. If you're considering an organic acid treatment that doesn't interrupt honey production, this episode is a must-listen. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this first episode of our Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts series on varroa mites, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to lay the foundation for an important multi-part series. Varroa mites continue to be the most damaging pest to honey bee colonies worldwide. In this introduction, the trio covers the biology and lifecycle of varroa, the damage they inflict, and why routine monitoring and informed treatment choices are critical for beekeepers. David explains how varroa mites reproduce inside brood cells and evade detection, riding under the bees' abdominal plates where they're nearly impossible to spot. They discuss effective monitoring methods—from sticky boards to alcohol washes—and highlight why consistent testing matters, especially before and after applying treatments. The episode also previews what's ahead: bite-sized episodes focusing on each available varroa treatment—both chemical and nonchemical—including tips on timing, efficacy, and practical use. This series aims to provide an accessible, up-to-date, and evergreen reference guide for beekeepers managing mites throughout the year. Links & Resources: Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/  Betterbee Pest Management Resource Page: https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/pest-management.asp   Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping. ______________ 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 Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC