When it comes time to remove honey from your colonies, the job can feel like one of the most physically demanding tasks of the beekeeping season. In this Honey Bee Obscura archive special from September 2022, hosts Kim Flottum and Jim Tew revisit their practical—and often humorous—discussion about getting honey supers off the hives without losing y…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew recounts an unexpected August swarm that turned a normal day into a beekeeping puzzle. What began as a routine check for a groundhog problem quickly spiraled into a surprise discovery: a swarm squeezed into the narrow space beneath his barn. Jim shares the challenges of coaxing the bees out of an imposs…

As summer winds down, Jim Tew sits down with fellow beekeeper Anne Frey to talk through what August reveals about colonies heading into winter. Their conversation explores the signs that point to how well bees are prepared, from brood nest patterns and queen performance to food reserves and mite levels. Anne and Jim discuss how local conditions sha…

Late season swarms can puzzle even experienced beekeepers. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore why colonies sometimes issue swarms in August—or even September—long after the spring swarming season has passed. Are these “suicidal swarms” driven by genetics, overcrowded brood nests, or something else entirely? Jim and …

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 bee…

In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes a thoughtful walk through history, sparked by a humble but enduring piece of equipment found in nearly every beekeeper’s supply box—the Boardman feeder. What begins as a practical look at feeding honey bee colonies becomes a fascinating exploration of beekeeping lore, forgotten innovators, …

In this reflective and personal episode, Jim Tew explores a question many beekeepers may not think much about—why are so many bee yards hidden from view? Fresh off a long solo road trip, Jim shares how, despite driving over 2,000 miles, he didn’t spot a single beehive. This observation launches a deeper discussion about the reasons beekeepers often…

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

In this episode, Jim Tew shares a messy and mysterious beekeeping challenge that begins with two unrelated problems—a failing observation hive and a suspected drone-laying queen. The result is a tangle of questions, classic troubleshooting, and a fair bit of head scratching. Jim walks listeners through his efforts to identify whether he’s dealing w…

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

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew recounts an unexpected turn during what was supposed to be a simple walk through his bee yard. When a hive erupts in swarm-like intensity, Jim finds himself in the middle of a classic beekeeping challenge—spotting and catching a queen mid-swarm. What follows is a fast-paced reflection on instincts, expe…

On this rainy and unseasonably chilly spring day, Jim Tew heads out to his bee yard with longtime friend and former lab assistant Jason Ferrell. While the original plan was to inspect a package colony, the weather—and some unexpected bee behavior—had other ideas. What began as a routine day in the yard quickly turned into a puzzling observation. Wh…

In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew shares the frustration and lessons learned from losing a swarm — a reminder that even seasoned beekeepers face humbling moments. Jim recounts how an unusually strong colony, coupled with a busy spring and personal distractions, set the stage for a swarm escape despite his best efforts. From i…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes Eugene and Diane Makovec to his sunny Ohio bee yard for a rare in-person conversation. Eugene, editor of American Bee Journal, shares the winding path that led him from journalism school to the printing industry and ultimately to the editor’s chair of one of beekeeping’s oldest and most respect…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard with a keen eye on an abandoned hive setup—watching and wondering if it might be chosen by a swarm. What starts as a quiet observation of scout bee behavior turns into a real-time case study in swarm prediction. Jim shares how to distinguish scouting from robbing, discusses the impor…

In this hands-on episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard and walks listeners through a personal and sometimes risky process: directly releasing queens into newly installed packages. As he narrates the steps in real-time, he reflects on past successes—and hard-learned lessons—of skipping the traditional candy plug method. Jim expla…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes listeners into the bee yard to share his experience installing two packages of bees. He discusses the realities of package season, including unexpected challenges like ants, and reflects on why starting with two colonies is often better than one. Jim compares two common package installation techni…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes special guests Rosario Candelero, a veterinary student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Jason Ferrell, a beekeeper and IT specialist. Together, they explore how beekeeping in Mexico differs from practices in the United States. Rosario shares insights from her veterinary trai…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew revisits a seemingly simple question that sparked a surprisingly passionate response from readers and listeners alike: Do beekeepers still wire and embed their own wax foundation? After a passing remark in a recent article suggesting that the practice might be fading into history, Jim was met with a ste…

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, host Dr. Jim Tew takes listeners on a reflective and thought-provoking journey through the changing landscape of beekeeping practices over the decades. From his early experiences wiring frames and embedding wax foundation, to the rise of plastic components and convenience-driven innovations, Jim contrasts the h…

In this reflective episode, Jim Tew shares an honest and personal conversation about queens—both the winged kind in the hive and the ones we buy in cages. Sitting among his thriving colonies, Jim weighs the pros and cons of letting bees raise their own queens versus introducing commercially produced ones. He explores the timing, risks, and costs of…

Have you ever heard of a bee room? In this episode, Jim Tew revisits a nearly forgotten practice of intentionally housing honey bee colonies inside homes—typically in attics or wall cabinets—during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Far from today’s observation hives or honey extraction rooms, these “bee rooms” featured free-hanging feral colonies liv…

Spring has finally arrived, and that means it’s time for a long-awaited bee yard visit! In this episode, Jim Tew heads out to check on his colonies after a tough winter. With a 30% winter loss, Jim reflects on the challenges of neglecting his hives for a couple of seasons and the surprising resilience of some colonies. From thriving survivor hives …

Beekeeping is full of unexpected moments—some hilarious, some humbling, and some downright painful. In this episode, Jim Tew takes a break from his usual beekeeping insights to share some of his most memorable stories from decades in the bee yard. These aren’t just stories; they’re lessons wrapped in humor and hindsight. From an ill-fated winter be…

Every beekeeper starts somewhere, but how much guidance should an experienced beekeeper offer to a beginner? In this episode, host Jim Tew reflects on the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers and the lessons learned over decades of beekeeping. Jim shares a personal story about a new beekeeper looking to start hives alongside chickens and goats on…

In this special archive episode, Honey Bee Obscura revisits a classic conversation with the late Kim Flottum and host Jim Tew, as they explore the best ways to protect and extend the life of hive equipment. Whether you’re unpacking new woodenware or maintaining older boxes, the choices you make in finishing your equipment can have a lasting impact …

What happens when a honey bee nears the end of its life? In this episode, Jim Tew explores the little-discussed yet fascinating behavior of dying bees. Why do some bees fly away to die while others fall just outside the hive entrance? What instinct drives them to make one last effort to protect the colony? Jim reflects on the science and mystery be…

Varroa mites remain a persistent challenge for beekeepers, and effective management is key to colony survival. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss practical approaches to monitoring and controlling mites. Anne explains why beekeepers must check for mites every two to four weeks, even when early-season counts appear…

Managing large honey bee colonies comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but are bigger colonies always better? In this episode, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore the benefits and potential downsides of managing large hives. Picking up from last week’s discussion, they dive into the complexities of oversized colonies…

In this episode, Jim Tew takes a deep dive into the world of big colonies, posing the question: Are larger hives always better? With his signature blend of humor and beekeeping wisdom, Jim unpacks the complexities of managing booming colonies, reflecting on the pros, cons, and unintended consequences of letting colonies grow to massive sizes. Jim d…

This week, Jim Tew takes a nostalgic yet practical dive into the evolution of plastic in the world of beekeeping. From his early days in the 1970s, when plastic was virtually non-existent in beekeeping equipment, to its widespread adoption in everything from frames to veils, Jim reflects on how this material has shaped the industry. Jim shares anec…

In this week’s episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew delves into the challenges and dilemmas beekeepers face when managing small, struggling colonies in the heart of winter. With his signature mix of candor and experience, Jim explores the emotional and practical aspects of trying to save weak hives during the harshest months. Jim shares personal a…

In this special archive episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew and the late Kim Flottum dive into the age-old debate between starting with packages or nucleus colonies (nucs). Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or looking to expand your apiary, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice to help guide your decision-making. Jim an…

In this archive special from November 2021, Jim Tew and Kim Flottum explore the fascinating—and sometimes unpleasant—world of bee yard smells. Odors are an integral part of the beekeeping experience, offering clues about the hive’s health and activity. From the smoky aroma of a well-used smoker to the sour, unmistakable stench of a dead-out hive, e…

In this archive special episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss the unpredictable and sometimes puzzling world of queen honey bees. While queens are typically diligent workers with a singular focus on laying eggs, anomalies can and do occur, leaving beekeepers scratching their heads. Jim and Anne share…

In this episode, Jim delves into the art and practicality of building your own bee boxes. He reflects on his journey with woodworking, from crafting frames and supers to the challenges of creating durable hive components. Jim shares stories of his early fascination with tools, shop class memories, and the satisfaction of building hives from scratch…

Mentoring new beekeepers is a vital part of sustaining the beekeeping community, but are traditional methods enough? In this episode, Jim explores the evolving approaches to mentoring, from hands-on hive inspections to innovative techniques like virtual reality, gamification, and multi-sensory workshops. Drawing from decades of experience, Jim shar…

As winter sets in, Jim reflects on the annual ritual of ordering spring packages. From deciding how many packages to order to navigating delivery methods and timing, he explores the complexities and quirks of preparing for the new beekeeping season. Jim discusses the challenges faced by new and seasoned beekeepers alike, including balancing weather…

In this reflective episode, Jim delves into the fascinating realm of beekeeping mysteries and experiences he’s never witnessed firsthand despite decades in the field. From the elusive sight of queens and drones mating mid-flight to spotting a queen on the outside of a swarm cluster, Jim explores the mysteries of bee behavior that continue to elude …

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jim revisits a cherished conversation with the late Kim Flottum, reflecting on their shared passion for beekeeping books and the joy of exploring bee knowledge together. From rare finds like Beekeeping New and Old to beloved staples like The Hive and the Honey Bee, Jim and Kim delve into the excitement and chal…

In this episode, Jim is joined by his grandson, Will, to discuss preparing hives for winter, especially for smaller or struggling colonies. Jim explains the natural decline in bee population as winter approaches and the importance of clustering behavior for warmth. Will brings up questions about hive size, honey stores, and insulation needs, sparki…

In this episode, Jim explores the intriguing behavior of honey bees fanning at the hive entrance. What might seem like simple wing-flapping turns out to be a complex system of hive temperature and humidity regulation, vital for brood development and honey production. Jim dives into the mechanics of how bees strategically position themselves to crea…

In this candid episode, Jim shares a side of beekeeping rarely discussed: the loss of books, equipment, and even entire hives borrowed and never returned. As he recounts his experiences with missing bee catalogs, beekeeping books, and custom-built observation hives, Jim reflects on the challenges of sharing resources in the beekeeping community. Hi…

As the temperature drops, Jim and Anne Frey discuss the age-old question: Should you insulate your hives for winter? They explore the history of hive insulation, from traditional sawdust-filled crates to modern polystyrene wraps, weighing the benefits of warmth and moisture control against the labor and cost involved. Jim reflects on the various in…

In this episode, Jim takes a deep dive into the beekeeping catalogs of the past, reminiscing about tools and equipment that have disappeared from today’s market. He highlights products like the hive fountain feeder and the bee-off blower system—innovations that once seemed indispensable but have since faded into obscurity. Jim discusses the evoluti…

In this episode, Jim is joined by Anne Frey returning from Betterbee to explore the history and evolution of bee suits. The discussion delves into how bee suits have changed over time, from early makeshift protective gear to the modern-day designs beekeepers rely on. Jim and Anne reminisce about the early days when beekeepers made do with veils and…

In this special episode, Jim reflects on reaching the 200th episode milestone. He shares insights from the podcast's journey, from its humble beginnings with Kim Flottum to the challenges faced along the way. Jim highlights the evolving nature of the show, how it has grown, and how the support of listeners has been key to its success. With humor an…

In this episode, Jim reflects on some key learning points from his years of beekeeping—particularly the lessons learned the hard way. He shares a story of purchasing bees from a grieving widow and the valuable, though painful, takeaways from transporting those colonies. Jim emphasizes the importance of not relying on propolis to hold hive component…

In this episode, Jim takes a reflective look at the psychology behind beekeeping and explores why people are drawn to it, and what keeps them going over the years. From the initial fascination and cognitive preoccupation with bees to the eventual identity fusion where beekeeping becomes a core part of who we are, Jim delves into the mental and emot…

In this episode, Anne Frey from Betterbee takes over hosting duties while Jim recovers from illness. Anne shares her unique observations and insights into the small but fascinating details of beekeeping that are often overlooked during routine hive inspections. From witnessing bees pack pollen to seeing cocoons left behind after brood emergence, An…