Honey Bee Research And Extension Lab

Two Bees in a Podcast

We are excited to share our "Two Bees in a Podcast". To listen to the episodes, click here

Have questions or comments? Please contact us at honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu

Episode 190: The “Medicinal Properties of Honey” CURE Class
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 19, 2024, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Ferhat Ozturk—an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas San Antonio in the Department of Biology, Health, and Environmental Sciences and, also the Director of Honey Pathway. Dr. Ozturk speaks about his class called “The Medicinal Properties of Honey”.

Q & A (time stamp 40:14) 
1. Does the population of wax moths naturally go through ups and downs?
2. What is going on with research on probiotics in bees? Is there research going on? What are we looking at as far as what probiotics can do for bees?
3. Does a colony decide to swarm based on the nectar that is available?
Resources:

Dr. Ferhat Ozturk: Ferhat.ozturk@utsa.edu

University of Texas at San Antonio's HONEY Pathway

Episode 189.5: FSBA (FL State Beekeepers Association) License Plate

In this special episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 12, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu relay important information on the Save The Bees License Plate. For more information, please visit https://www.savethebeesplate.com/ or email info@savethebeesplate.com with any questions. Episode 189.5 Transcription

Resources:

Info@savethebeesplate.com

https://www.savethebeesplate.com/

Episode 189: Honey Bee Disaster Response Team
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 5, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Patrick Hardy—the Executive Director of Bee Platoon—to talk about Bee Platoon, a honey bee disaster response team based in California. Episode 189 Transcription

Q & A (time stamp 38:55) 
1. Is it possible to give your bees too much water? Would that change the moisture content of honey?
2. Is there ever a time you would not want to combine weak hives?
3. There’s a colony with two deeps and two mediums. The two deeps are full of brood, and the first medium that’s closest to the deeps is full of honey. The second medium has very little in it. Can they leave the lower super on for the winter? If not, how do they get the bees to bring the honey down to the deep?
Resources:

Patrick Hardy: patrick@disasterpatrick.com

https://disasterpatrick.com/

https://www.reversedisaster.com/

Episode 188: Tropilaelaps
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 29, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Geoff Williams—an Associate Professor at the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University—to talk about a hot global topic in the honey bee world: Tropilaelaps. Episode 188 Transcription

Q & A (time stamp 31:24) 
1. What are your recommendations on what to do with honey after dealing with wax moths? What do you do after taking your frames out of the freezer? If I have wax moths, what did I do wrong?
2. What are some interesting places that keep honey bees?
3. Would you insulate hives in hot climates to keep them cooler?
Resources:

Dr. Geoff Williams: grw0010@auburn.edu

Auburn University Bees: https://www.youtube.com/@auburnbees

Episode 187: Consuming Irradiated Royal Jelly
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 22, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Jennifer Standley—who finished her master's degree here at the UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, and is now completing her PhD with Dr. Geoff Williams at his laboratory in the department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University—to talk about a research project that she did here at UF with Jamie titled, “Does consuming irradiated royal jelly affect Apis mellifera larvae development and survival to adulthood in vitro?”. Episode 187 Transcription

Q & A (time stamp 25:16) 
1. What drew you to beekeeping, and if there was one thing that you could tell a newbie, what is that one thing you would recommend?
2. Are you a screened or solid bottom board person?
3. If bees cannot see the color red, why are bee suits white?
Resources:

Jennifer Standley: beekeeperjenn@gmail.com

Does consuming irradiated royal jelly affect Apis mellifera larvae development and survival to adulthood in vitro?

Episode 186: Commercial Beekeeping: Queen Production, Pollination, and Package Production
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 15, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Ray Olivarez—the owner of Olivarez Honey Bees incorporated in Orland, California—to talk about queen production, pollination, and package production. Episode 186 Transcription

Q & A (time stamp 42:28) 
1. Should you hang a swarm trap up in case your hive takes off? Is this something that beekeepers should do proactively to try to catch swarms in case your hives leave?
2. Which bees—Italian, Russian mixes, Caucasian bees—are best suited to Florida?
3. How do you develop better mite search/mite monitoring techniques? Is what we’re doing the best thing out there?
Resources:

Ray Olivarez: info@ohbees.com ; Matt@ohbees.com

Olivarez Honey Bees

Episode 185: Commercial Honey Bees and Non-native Probiotics
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 8, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Kirk Anderson—the lead scientist, a molecular microbial ecologist, and research microbiologist at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center for the USDA Agricultural Research Service—to talk about his manuscript, “A longitudinal field study of commercial honey bees shows that non-native probiotics do not rescue antibiotic treatment, and are generally not beneficial.” Episode 185 Transcription

Q & A (time stamp 26:51) 
1. Are we looking to selectively breed new types of bees that exhibit behaviors that reduce Vespa velutina’s effects on colony populations?
2. Is bee venom collecting really a thing? Why would someone want to collect bee venom? How do you collect bee venom? Does it kill the bees?
3. What is the future of honey bees, the population, and their survival?
Resources:

Dr. Kirk Anderson: kirk.anderson@usda.gov

A longitudinal field study of commercial honey bees shows that non-native probiotics do not rescue antibiotic treatment, and are generally not beneficial

Episode 184: Hive Orientation and Colony Strength Affect Honey Bee Colony Activity During Almond Pollination
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 1, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Huw Evans—a lead innovator for BeeHero X—to talk about his publication “Hive Orientation and Colony Strength Affect Honey Bee Colony Activity during Almond Pollination.” Episode 184 Transcription

Q & A (time stamp 28:56) 
1. How do you treat a bee sting? Should you remove the stinger?
2. What are your thoughts on the feedback we received from listeners about what to do with slum gum?
3. During a hive inspection, someone found a supersedure cell on the frame of drone comb. It was uncapped and there was larva inside. How is this biologically possible? Why would a supersedure cell be built on drone comb?
4. Do bees produce cotton honey? If so, have you tried it and is it good?
Resources:

Dr Huw Evans: Huw@beehero.io

Hive Orientation and Colony Strength Affect Honey Bee Colony Activity During Almond Pollination

Episode 183: Beescape
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 24, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Christina Grozinger—a Professor at Pennsylvania State University as well as the Director at the Center for Pollinator Research and the Technologies for Living Systems Center—to talk Beescape. Episode 183 Transcription

Q & A (32:06) 
1. Regarding wild, native bees versus honey bees, there are some posts online about honey bee rescues and removals, and people have been talking about honey bees being an invasive species, and that they're bad for native bees. Is there anything that a beekeeper can try to do to help all the pollinators live and prosper in harmony?
2. What are your thoughts on trap-outs, especially on colonies that are difficult to access?
3. How can some bees fly so fast and accurately while others are slow and clumsy?
Resources:

Dr. Christina Grozinger: cmgrozinger@psu.edu

Center for Pollinator Research: https://pollinators.psu.edu/

Beescape: https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/beescape

Bee Winterwise: https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/bee-winterwise

Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostics Lab: https://pollinators.psu.edu/research/the-penn-state-honey-and-pollen-diagnostic-lab

Episode 182: High Pesticide Exposure and Risk to Bees in Pollinator Plantings Adjacent to Conventionally Managed Blueberry Fields
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 17, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Kelsey Graham—a Research Entomologist with the USDA ARS Pollinating Insects, Biology, Management, & Systematics Research Unit in Logan, Utah—to talk about her paper, “High pesticide exposure and risk to bees in pollinator plantings adjacent to conventionally managed blueberry fields.” Episode 182 Transcription

Q & A (22:55) 
1. Why are some of my bees able to fly away after a dish soap or alcohol wash?
2. It takes about 16 days from egg-laying until a queen emerges. Is this a pretty consistent length of time? Does this change at all? What is the timeline and is this true for all queens?
3. What would cause different colors of rendered wax?
Resources:

Dr. Kelsey Graham: Kelsey.graham@usda.gov

High pesticide exposure and risk to bees in pollinator plantings adjacent to conventionally managed blueberry fields

Episode 181: Nano Colonies
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 10, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Zac Lamas—a NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Jay Evans' Laboratory at the USDA ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland—to talk about his paper, “Nano Colonies: Rearing honey bee queens and their offspring in small laboratory arenas.” Episode 181 Transcription

Q & A (34:15) 
1. Is there a time before you go into your hives that you should smoke, let it sit, and then go in, or is it an immediate thing?
2. If the queens are piping from within their cells, do you know why a queen who can’t defend herself would pipe from inside a queen cell when she would essentially be calling for execution?
3. What is the best time to transfer bees over from your hive to your observation hive? What is the maximum time you can keep those frames in the observation hive? What type of hive design is best? Are there risks that the home colony could start replacing the queen if she’s away for a long period of time?
Resources:

Dr. Zac Lamas: Zaclamas@gmail.com

Nano Colonies: Rearing honey bee queens and their offspring in small laboratory arenas

Episode 180: Wild Honey Bee Colonies and Research in South Africa
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 3, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Kaylin Kleckner— a PhD candidate at the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory at the University of Florida—to talk about wild honey bee colonies as well as some specific research she is doing in South Africa. Episode 180 Transcription

Q & A (25:07) 
1. Do you have any recommendations for specific liquids used with fume boards?
2. How do drones know where to find a drone congregation area (DCA)?
  1. How do virgin queens know?
3. Do certain bees fight hornets? If so, can this behavior be taught?
Resources:

Kaylin Kleckner: kaylin.kleckner@ufl.edu

Mating Biology of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) by Koeniger, Koeniger, Ellis, and Connor

Episode 179: Colony Size, Rather Than Geographic Origin of Stocks
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 27, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Mehmet Döke— an Assistant Professor at the University College of Utrecht in the Netherlands—to talk about a publication that he wrote, “Colony Size, Rather Than Geographic Origin of Stocks, Predicts Overwintering Success in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Northeastern United States.” Episode 179 Transcription

Q & A (27:39) 
1. What is hive collapse?
2. How do you grow your bee yard quickly?
3. Do small hive beetles travel with swarms?
  1. Once a swarm is contained, does this stress pheromone attract more small hive beetles? Is there a presence of yeast from the small hive beetles?
Resources:

Dr. Mehmet Döke: Malidoke@gmail.com

Colony Size, Rather Than Geographic Origin of Stocks, Predicts Overwintering Success in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Northeastern United States

Episode 178: Biogeography Evolution: Part Two
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 20, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Dr. Keith Delaplane— Professor, Walter B. Hill Fellow, & Honey Bee Program Director in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia to continue the discussion about biogeography evolution. Episode 178 Transcription

Q & A (34:55) 
1. Do drones exhibit hygienic behavior?
2. Do drones exhibit grooming behavior and/or do workers try to groom drones?
3. What is the best way to find a job in beekeeping?
Resources:

Dr. Keith Delaplane: Ksd@uga.edu

Honey Bee Social Evolution: Group Formation, Behavior, and Preeminence by Keith S. Delaplane

Episode 177: Biogeography Evolution: Part One
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 13, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Dr. Keith Delaplane— Professor, Walter B. Hill Fellow, & Honey Bee Program Director in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia to talk about biogeography evolution. Episode 177 Transcription

Q & A (37:45) 
1. Where and when do migratory beekeepers follow the flow?
2. Do you need to paint hives different colors and patterns? If you do, why?
3. How do you learn to work bees, without gloves, without getting stung?
Resources:

Dr. Keith Delaplane: Ksd@uga.edu

First Lessons in Beekeeping by Keith S. Delaplane

Honey Bee Social Evolution: Group Formation, Behavior, and Preeminence by Keith S. Delaplane

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar

Episode 176: The EPIQ Program (Education About Production and Insemination of Queens)
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 6, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Robyn Underwood— an Extension Educator in Apiculture with the Department of Entomology at Penn State University to talk about the EPIQ Program. Episode 176 Transcription

Q & A (27:45) 
1. What would you recommend if a beekeeper with plastic hives has American foulbrood and doesn’t want to burn their hives?
2. What are your recommendations on management of nucs?
3. If you know you have had European foulbrood spores in your apiary and you wanted to sell your bees, what would you do?
Resources:

Dr. Robyn Underwood: Rmu1@psu.edu

Beekeeping Around the World

Workshop empowers beekeepers to breed more resilient honey bees

Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations by Jamie Ellis

Episode 175: The Honey Factory
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 30, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Tom Seeley— a Professor of Biology in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University as well as the author of several books on honey bee behavior—to talk about his research on the honey bee colony as a honey factory as well as his new book: Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners. Episode 175 Transcription

Q & A (28:30) 
1. What can you do with alcohol washed bees or slum gum?
2. What does the future of citrus and bees look like in Florida, especially with citrus greening?
3. If the bees are short on pollen, how does the pollen substitute help with that brood rearing and help build that colony?
Resources:

Dr. Tom Seeley: Tds5@cornell.edu

Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners by Thomas D. Seeley

Episode 174: Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee Colony Resistance to Varroa
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 23, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Kaira Wagoner— a research scientist with the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as well as the CEO of Optera—to talk about the research paper, “Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Resistance to Varroa.” Episode 174 Transcription

Q & A (28:50) 
1. What are the impacts of using mating nucs to rear queens and allowing for bees to create emergency cells?
2. Can yellow jackets be a problem in the colony and if so, at what point does it become an issue in a hive?
3. Do bees communicate by sound and vibration that is transmitted through comb?
Resources:

Dr. Kaira Wagoner: Kaira@opterabees.com

Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Resistance to Varroa.

Episode 173: The Nutritional Landscape in Agroecosystems
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 16, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Pierre Lau— a research entomologist/ecologist at the Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit which is part of the USDA ARS—to talk about the research paper, “The nutritional landscape in agroecosystems: a review on how resources and management practices can shape pollinator health in agricultural environments.” Episode 173 Transcription

Q & A (23:36) 
1. What is the most unexpected thing you’ve ever witnessed while beekeeping?
2. What is the most important thing for a new beekeeper to know before starting beekeeping?
3. Why don't we selectively breed African honey bees for gentleness like Puerto Rico?
Resources:

Dr. Pierre Lau: Pierre.lau@usda.gov

The nutritional landscape in agroecosystems: a review on how resources and management practices can shape pollinator health in agricultural environments

Episode 172: Breeding for Varroa Resistance
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 9, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Marla Spivak—a McKnight Distinguished Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota —about breeding for Varroa resistance. Episode 172 Transcription

Q & A (32:09) 
1. What are good ways to get people close to me interested in bees when they are otherwise scared of them?
2. What do you recommend doing if you have multiple queens in a swarm?
3. When you’re doing a hive inspection, how important is it to put the frames back in the same exact order they were in?
Resources:

Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Resistance to Varroa (Mesostigmata: Varroidae)

Common Reasons for Keeping Honey Bees | Beekeeping Academy | Ep. 1

Episode 171: Honey Bee Stings from a Medical Perspective
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 2, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Michael Brown—a practicing family physician, a hobbyist beekeeper, the President of the Missouri State Beekeeper’s Association, and a Master Beekeeper in the Great Plains Master Beekeeper Program—about honey bee stings from a medical perspective. Episode 171 Transcription

Q & A (36:00) 
1. Why is it that in early spring a hive can be booming with bees, but there’s no queen or evidence of the queen, no eggs, no brood? What has happened to the queen? Why are the bees still there? At what point do you requeen on your own?
2. Do worker bees eat royal jelly?
3. Does the size or shape of a queen cell predict the queen quality?
Resources:

Dr. Michael Brown: michaelmed@gmail.com

Episode 170: Indoor Overwintering Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 25, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Ian Steppler —who is a commercial beekeeper and runs the Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog— to talk about one of the latest crazes in the bee world: indoor overwintering. Episode 170 Transcription

Q & A (38:17) 
1. Do bees naturally build up or down?
2. Is anyone testing honey for contamination when using different treatments with honey supers on?
3. Will bee swarms take over and use a bald-faced hornet nests? Will honey bees use the hornets' paper foundation, comb, or cells?
Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/c/aCanadianBeekeeper%E2%80%99sBlog

https://stepplerfarms.com/

Episode 169: Mental Wellness & Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 18, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Kathy Clay, a retired Battalion Chief Fire Marshal and certified Master Beekeeper, about the link between mental wellness and beekeeping. Episode 169 Transcription

Q & A (22:54) 
1. If beekeepers have been using O.A. (oxalic acid) treatments, what additional treatments can they use that aren’t temperature sensitive and can be used with honey supers on?
2. Has anyone looked at CO₂ as a way to kill Varroa?
3. There are different feed additives that beekeepers are using today. Are these additives added to honey? Do they end up in honey? Do they move around the colony? If they are in the honey, are they bad for us?
Resources:

Book: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

The Honey Bee Health Coalition Website: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/

Episode 168: Beekeeping with Larry Connor
Released on June 11, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Larry Connor, the owner and founding member of Wicwas Press, LLC, about his experience as a beekeeper, a bee scientist, and a bee educator as well as brood patterns and why they’re important. Episode 168 Transcription

Q & A (43:30) 
1. Why don’t we bring different Apis species that deal with Varroa better to the United States?
2. What do we know about feral colonies and the pests and diseases they have, specifically with Apis mellifera?
3. What is a queen retinue? Do bees rotate in and out of the retinue? How does it work?
Resources:

https://wicwas.com/

Episode 167: Honey Bee Clustering
Released on June 4, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Derek Mitchell from the University of Leeds Institute of Thermofluids to talk about his research article: “Honeybee cluster—not insulation but stressful heat sink.” Episode 167 Transcription

Q & A (33:20) 
1. What is moonlight mating and is it used today?
2. Do honey bee queens take orientation flights? If so, when?
3. What is the Pettis Test?
Resources:

Article: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2023.0488

Episode 166: Environmental DNA
Released on May 28, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Leigh Boardman—an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis—about Environmental DNA (eDNA), how it works in the honey bee world, and how it might be beneficial to beekeepers in the future. Episode 166 Transcription

Q & A (25:45) 
1. Can you use roach bait in a hive to kill small hive beetles?
2. Does cooking or heating honey lower the quality of the honey?
3. What are your thoughts on the article, “The Beekeepers Who Don’t Want You to Buy More Bees”?
Resources:

Email: leigh.boardman@memphis.edu

Article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/edn3.419

Episode 165: Structural Bee Removal
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 21, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Jean Navarro—a beekeeper, pest control operator, and the owner of Mega Bee Rescues and Pest Control—about structural bee removal. Episode 165 Transcription

Q & A (26:55) 
1. Do termite bait systems impact honey bees?
2. How does storing Apivar strips work? What do you do with extras?
3. After this year’s honey harvest there were several uncapped supers of nectar. The water content was pretty high, so what should be done? What should you do with wet nectar?
Resources:

Mega Bee Pest Control

Episode 164: The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) Program
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 14, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Seth Cross, a National Program Manager for ELAP with the Farm Service Agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about what he manages on the national level: The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) Program.

Q & A (19:00) 
1. Brazilian pepper is now in full bloom in Florida, but there are no bees on it. Are these plants only putting out nectar during certain times in the day?
2. There has been an increased awareness of Tropilaelaps. We have known about this mite for a while, but what has changed?
3. What is the next step after doing a cutout? Is there any reason to replace any foundation?
Resources:

Farmers.gov

Episode 163: Sideline Beekeeping in Ecuador
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 7, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Manuel Cornejo, a sideline beekeeper from Ecuador, about what it's like to be a beekeeper there and some of its unique aspects. Episode 163 Transcription

Questions (30:05) 
1. Has there been any research done on the survivor colonies of bees that have been kept naturally?
2. What are your thoughts on honey bee defensiveness in the daughters of Russian queens?
3. Is there a pollen sub out there that is not attractive to small hive beetles?
Resources:

Instagram: @honey.lyptus

Tik Tok: @honey.lyptus

Episode 162: Amitraz Resistance in Varroa
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 30, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Frank Rinkevich, a Research Entomologist at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana about Amitraz resistance in Varroa. Episode 162 Transcription

Questions (42:50) 
1. Why would a beekeeper consider using nematodes on soil around hives to target small hive beetle?
2. Are pollen products good for you? Are there health benefits to using pollen products?
3. Is there any research that has been done on artificial drone comb to combat Varroa?
Resources:

Frank Rinkevich’s Email: frank.rinkevich@usda.gov

Frank Rinkevich’s Website: https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/people/frank-rinkevich/

Episode 161: Darwinian Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 23, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Lewis Bartlett, an Assistant Professor at the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases at the Odum School of Ecology, about Darwinian beekeeping. Episode 161 Transcription

Questions (29:00) 
1. Is there anything you can do as a beekeeper to prevent European foulbrood? What do you look for to identify it? What do you do if you get it?
2. What do you do when you are dealing with hive beetles and their larvae? After that, if wax moths are coming in, what should a beekeeper do?
3. There’s a video on Instagram where bees are flying and the lights are on. Suddenly the lights are turned off and the bees drop to the ground. Can bees not fly in the dark? What is going on?
Resources:

The BeeMD:

http://www.thebeemd.com/

University of Florida EDIS document on European foulbrood:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AA264

Episode 160: Vespa velutina: The Yellow-Legged Hornet
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 16, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. James Fulton, a research scientist at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Honey Bee Diagnostic Laboratory, about Vespa velutina—more commonly known as the yellow-legged hornet. Episode 160 Transcription

Questions (27:15) 
1. A queen from one of my hives is laying drones, while another queen is slowing down. What is going on here?
2. Is 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit cold enough to prevent wax moths?
3. Would the heat generated in the melting process from melting old comb be high enough to kill off anything harmful?
Resources:

Website to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Website to Georgia Department of Agriculture

Website to South Carolina Department of Agriculture

Episode 159: Farm Safety and H-2A
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 9, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Kim Morgan, an Extension Economist who is an associate professor at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center at the University of Florida. They discuss safety in the apiary, risk management, heat illness, the H-2A program, and more. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 159 Transcription

Questions (30:30) 
1. Are Varroa attracted to queen cells, and if so, why?
2. What is considered honey? What is considered real honey? Is uncapped honey real honey?
3. The questioner has a colony that’s queen-less with no eggs, no larvae, no capped brood, thankfully there aren’t any laying workers yet and so this person was told to put two frames of brood and all stages and eggs from a different colony into the colony that’s essentially queen-less and is not producing. They were told to leave it and check it in a month or so and see what happens. Do you agree with this? Is this the right thing to do? Is this common practice?
Resources:

Email for Dr. Kim Morgan: kimorgan@ufl.edu

Facebook: @ FLSTraining15

The Honey Bee Sting

Episode 158: Global Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 2, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Jeff Pettis, the President of Apimondia, about the organization, global challenges, the future of beekeeping, and more. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 158 Transcription

Questions (29:53) 
1. Describe more about the Cape honey bee and their potential for invasion with other Apis species?
2. Does the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab have multiple hives that they keep bees in, and if so, is there a difference that we’ve seen in the health of the colonies? Have you noticed anything about the colony’s sanitation? Are there different hive structures that give different air float? Let’s discuss different hive structures.
3. Do we know pollen substitutes affect small hive beetle?
Resources:

Apimondia: https://www.apimondia.org/

Jeff Pettis: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/guests/jeff-pettis/

Episode 157: Minimizing Losses as a Backyard Beekeeper
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 26, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Theresa Martin, a Cornell Master Beekeeper, about minimizing losses as a backyard beekeeper, sensors, logging, and more. This episode concludes with the Q & A segment. Episode 157 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 40:10)
1. What is the research on feeding with powdered pollen vs. pollen patties? Do the bees use it (powdered pollen)?
2. Have researchers seen bees throwing out natural pollen that they have already collected, and if this behavior has been noted, what does the research say is the reason for it?
Resources:

Theresa Martin: theresa@littlewolf.farm

Published Book: Dead Bees Don't Make Honey: 10 Tips for Healthy Productive Bees

Episode 156: Commercial Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 19, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Leo Rukin, a commercial beekeeper here in Florida, about cranberry pollination, bogs, migratory beekeeping, and more. Episode 156 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 22:45)
1. Would the process of bees using dyed pollen sub for brood food change the appearance of dye in the brood mass? So would changing dyed pollen sub into brood food erase the color of the dye?
2. Can you still be a successful beekeeper by NOT feeding [pollen subs or supplemental feeding]?
3. Do drones eat pollen or bee bread?
Resources:

Leo Rukin: contact@buzznbee.com

Life of a Beekeeper: Cranberry pollination season

Episode 155: Hearing About Honey Bee Nutrition
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 12, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Priya Basu, an assistant professor in pollinator health and apiculture at Mississippi State University, on honey bee health and nutrition. Episode 155 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 35:47)
1. How do you feed bees natural pollen?
2. Is old bee bread still a quality source of nutrients for bees?
3. Do you notice an increase in small hive beetles if you're using pollen subs vs. natural pollen?
Resources:

Dr. Priya Basu: pb1090@msstate.edu

https://priyadarshinichakrabarti.com/

Episode 154: Addressing Food Insecurity with The Herban Bee
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Mika Hardison, a beekeeper, educator, and founder of The Herban Bee in Jacksonville, Florida, on value added products and urban beekeeping to address food insecurity. Episode 154 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 35:08)
1. Is a laying worker's life span different from a standard worker's? At what age does a bee become a laying worker?
2. How many sperm cells does a queen release when fertilizing an egg?
3. Can you train a bee with positive reinforcement? Why would you want to do this?
Resources:

Mika Hardison: www.theherbanbee.com

Social media: @theherbanbee_official

Episode 153: Beekeeping in Brazil
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 17, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Samir Moura Kadri, a post-doctoral research scholar (formerly at the UF Honey Bee Lab) in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from Sao Paolo State University in Brazil, on Brazilian beekeeping and research. Episode 153 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 33:45)
1. What colors can bees see? Is it true they cannot see red?
2. How does a pollen basket cling to a honey bee?
3. What does the word “eusocial” mean?
Resources:

Samir Kadri: samirkbr@yahoo.com.br

Episode 152: Discovering Bee Data with HiveTracks App
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 10, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with James Wilkes, the founder of HiveTracks and a computer science professor at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, on using technology to understand how to improve your beekeeping operations. Episode 152 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 33:25)
1. Do separate subspecies of small hive beetle exist in the United States?
2. How many eggs do small hive beetle adults lay?
3. What type of research happens with small hive beetles?
Resources:

James Wilkes: wilkesjt@appstate.edu

Hive Tracks: https://www.hivetracks.com/

Episode 151: PAm Bridging Research and Beekeepers
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Danielle Downey, with Project Apis m. on the work that they do and how it helps beekeepers. Episode 151 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 25:29)
1. What is the best method for managing a "hot colony" or one that is potentially Africanized?
2. If I re-queened, how long would it take to start seeing the characteristics of the new queen that I just introduced?
3. If sugar water gets hot from the sun, do the bees still use the water? Does it take more energy to cool the hive if they're collecting warm water?
Resources:

Danielle Downey: danielle@projectapism.org

Project Apis m.: https://www.projectapism.org/

Episode 150: Beekeeping in Thailand
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 21, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Guntima Suwannapong, a leader of the honey bee laboratory in the department of biology from Burhapa in Thailand, on beekeeping practices and research. Episode 150 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 41:40)
1. What is extended-release oxalic acid?
2. How viable is Amiflex as a new product solution?
3. Is there no impact of oxalic acid on queens?
Resources:

Guntima Suwannapong: beefambuu@gmail.com

Episode 149: Drones Galore!
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 13, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Garrett Slater, a post-doctoral researcher, from USDA ARS Honey Bee Breeding Genetics and Physiology in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Episode 149 Transcription

Q&A (begins at 29:41)
1. When is the best time to requeen?
2. Is BT corn pollen bad for bees?
3. Do immature honey bees killed by American foulbrood fluoresce?
Resources:

Garrett Slater: garett.p.slater@gmail.com

Episode 148: The Cape Honey Bee and Small Hive Beetles
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 6, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Peter Neumann, the Director of the Institute of Bee Health in Switzerland, on the Cape Honey Bee and other areas of his research. Episode 148 Transcription

Q&A
1. When transferring frames from strong to weak colony, is it better to do it with the bees or without?
2. Is there any value to purposely have laying worker colonies to saturate queen production?
3. What should I know about dipping hives into wax?
Resources

Peter Neumann: peter.neumann@unibe.ch

Compendium of scholarly works by Peter Neumann: https://scholar.google.ch/citations?user=EJKq9GsAAAAJ&hl=de

Episode 147: Generational Beekeeping and Queen Breeding with Ted Miksa
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 29, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Ted Miksa, a queen breeder with Miksa Honey Farm and Chairman of the Florida Honey Bee Technical Council on generational beekeeping and queen breeding. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 147 Transcription

Q&A
1. If you had to choose, which is more important: the queen itself or the drones’ genetics?
2. So if they take calm drones from another colony, could it make the queen’s existing colony less defensive?
3. When managing parts of the bee yard, some have high and low mite loads. How many need treatment?
Resources

Ted Miksa: miksahf@aol.com

Episode 146: Getting to know Hives for Heroes
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 3, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Steve Jimenez, a US veteran and founder of beekeeping nonprofit Hives for Heroes from Houston, Texas. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 146 Transcription

Q&A
1. If you haven’t seen an egg or a queen, should you buy a mated queen?
2. How is Apis mellifera capensis different than other Apis mellifera bees?
3. What happens if a beekeeper purchases a queen cell or if you put queen cells into making a nuc earlier?
Resources

Hives for Heroes - https://hivesforheroes.com/

Steve Jimenez email contact: support@HivesForHeroes.com

Episode 145: Bees on the Dance Floor (aka, the Virginia Landscape)
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 28, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Brad Ohlinger, a PhD researcher from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, on honey bee communication and foraging systems. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 145 Transcription

Q&A
1. Noticed drone cells outside the queen excluder, more than usual it seems. What is happening with that?
2. The beekeeper has holes in the top of the frame. Do bees eat through wax foundation? Why might that happen?
3. Blue fuzzy mold and dead bees appeared. Should a beekeeper be concerned? What should they do to fix this?
Resources

Brad Ohlinger: bdo@vt.edu

Dance-communicated distances support nectar foraging as a supply-driven system: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9428537/

Photo related to Question 2: Do bees eat through wax foundation?

Episode 144: Getting Ready for EAS
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 13, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Mary Duane and Lou Naylor, leaders from the Eastern Apicultural Society in Massachusetts, on the upcoming 2023 Eastern Apicultural Society’s annual conference. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 144 Transcription

Q&A
1. How realistic is it to maintain a race with open mating and can drone yards dramatically preserve a race?
2. Is smoke detrimental to beekeepers' health?
3. With two colonies: one has mites, the other doesn’t have as many. If you treat both, should you take out the treatment after seeing no mites?
Resources

Eastern Apicultural Society (easternapiculture.org)

Mary Duane: presidentemeritus@easternapiculture.org

Lou Naylor: chairman@easternapiculture.org

Episode 143: All About the Commercial Beekeeping, Honey! with Bob Binnie
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 5, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Bob Binnie, a commercial beekeeper and owner of Blue Ridge Honey Company from Lakemont, Georgia, on using social media to promote beekeeping! This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 143 Transcription

Q&A
1. After a split, the hive became super productive again. Should they add a deep or split yet again?
2. What is the best way to assist bees during times of drought? Can bees pick up on signals from the plants?
3. What do drones look like as a result of laying workers?
Resources

https://www.youtube.com/@bobbinnie9872/featured

Episode 142: All About Extension, Honey!
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 21, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Jason Graham, a former UF HBREL researcher and Program Director at Planet Bee Foundation in California, on his journey through academia, nonprofit beekeeping education, and outreach. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 142 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is your best recommendation for ant management around hives?
2. Is it effective to use cookie sheets with Vaseline on concrete blocks to prevent ants from entering the hives?
3. Do you have any insights on how to install a package of bees?
Resources

Planet Bee Foundation: www.planetbee.org/our-mission

Episode 141: Testing Bee Genes
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 15, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Mohamed Alburaki, a researcher from USDA ARS in Beltsville, Maryland, on diversity and genetic testing of bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 141 Transcription

Q&A
1. Should beekeepers treat proactively?
2. How is climate change impacting honey bees?
3. Is it ok to use soapy water as a replacement for alcohol in Varroa washes?
Resources

Dr. Mohamed Alburaki: Mohamed.Alburaki@usda.gov

Honey bee populations of the USA display restrictions in their mtDNA haplotype diversity: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.1092121/full

Episode 140: Controlling Pests and Pathogens with Sunflowers
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 7, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Evan Palmer-Young, a USDA ARS post-doctoral researcher at the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, on the relationship between sunflowers and honey bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 140 Transcription

Q&A
1. Are you required to have a mite treatment plan?
2. Are drone foundation combs plastic? Why don’t they like making comb on it?
3. What about oxalic acid treatments for hives like what Randy Oliver recommends?
Resources

Evan Palmer-Young email: ecp52@cornell.edu

Sunflower-Associated Reductions in Varroa Mite Infestation of Honey Bee Colonies: https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/116/1/68/6961488

Episode 139: All About the Money, Honey! with Sierra Malnove
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 10, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Sierra Malnove, a beekeeper and small business owner of Creamed Honey Company from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on “concierge” and private beekeeping. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 139 Transcription

Q&A
1. Where in the world is Jamie Ellis?
2. What about using oxalic acid and rotating the methods for reducing resistance against Varroa?
3. Do you think using drone comb increases the number of drones produced or does the ratio remain the same?
4. Is natural swarming good for Varroa control?
Resources

Sierra Malnove: https://sierrasbees.com/about

Episode 138: Guessing Hive Size and Strength with Infrared Technology
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 19, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Lauren Goldstein, a graduate student researcher from Michigan State and former UF HBREL intern on imaging hives with infrared. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 138 Transcription

Q&A
1. How much should queen cells and mated queens cost? When receiving them during winter or times when you wouldn’t normally reintroduce them, what would you do with them?
2. Can you describe the nesting habits of wild honey bees?
3. What should non-beekeepers do when they see bees after a natural disaster? Should they put out sugar water?
Resources

Lauren Goldstein: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DWA08GsAAAAJ&hl=en

Episode 137: All About the Farmers Markets, Honey! with Beth Murphy
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 12, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Beth Murphy, a beekeeper and owner of Sweet Southern Bees, LLC of High Springs, FL, on turning her products into profits at a local farmers' market. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 137 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are recommended methods for banking queens?
2. Do queens run free in the hive outside the queen bank?
3. Is sunflower seed meal a good food source for bees?
4. What is CBPV? Where does it come from? How do you deal with it?
Resources

Sweet Southern Bees- Beth Murphy contact: https://sweetsouthernbees.com/contact.html

Episode 136: Let’s Talk about the Bee Informed Partnership
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 5, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Selina Bruckner, a postdoctoral researcher with Penn State and Nathalie Steinhauer, a University of Maryland Entomologist and science coordinator, all about the Bee Informed Partnership. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment.

The survey is open and accepting responses from April 1st to April 30, 2023. Please take a moment to submit your response to help us continue to inform beekeepers, researchers, policy makers, and the greater public about impacts to honey bee colony health. Visit beeinformed.org to join in the effort, learn more, and take the survey! Episode 136 Transcription

Q&A
1. What does it mean if a colony is pollen bound or nectar bound?
2. Can equipment soaked in water or damaged by water be reused following hurricanes or floods?
3. Does soil health have an impact on our pollinators?
Resources

Bee Informed Partnership Survey: https://beeinformed.org/

Episode 135: Shipping Queen Cells
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 29, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Ellen Topitzhofer, a senior faculty research assistant from the Honey Bee Laboratory Department of Horticulture in Oregon State University and future extension agent at Cornell in New York about shipping queen cells. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. Do queen breeders really ship queens or drone semen?
2. Do bee viruses come from native bees or non-native/introduced honey bees?
3. How are pest and disease distribution maps made and released?
Resources

Worldhoneybeehealth.com

Best Management Practice guide for shipping queen cells https://www.projectapism.org/shipping-queen-cells.html

Ellen Topitzhofer: Ellen.Topitzhofer@cornell.edu

Episode 134: The Many Arts of Beekeeping with Karen Boger
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 22, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Karen Boger, a beekeeper from Florida all about her artistic beekeeping hobbies and products. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 134 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is it ok to split nucs in February? Would it be ok to have a new queens at this time of year as well?
2. I have EFB in Colorado and 10 hives making it through the winter. Should I proactively treat for EFB when I have prescribed medication?
3. How often do queens defensively sting outside the hive?
Resources

Karen Brock Boger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-brock-boger-6baa4a46

Episode 133: All About the Money, Honey! with Melanie Kirby
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 8, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Melanie Kirby, a queen breeder and owner of Zia Queenbees from New Mexico, on how she works with bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 133 Transcription

Q&A
1. How big is a bee’s brain compared to the human brain?
2. What is something that backyard beekeepers can do to help commercial beekeepers?
3. If a queen stinger is a modified ovipositor, how can a queen also sting and lay eggs? (We have answered this one before, but we wanted to bring it back at ABF 2023)
Resources

Zia Queenbees: https://ziaqueenbees.com/sw-survivor-queenbee-project/#:~:text=The%20Adaptive%20Bee%20Breeders%20Alliance%20was%20established%20in%20the%20spring,webinar%20can%20be%20found%20here

Episode 132: Student Beekeeping in Thailand
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 1, 2023, Two Bees producer Serra Sowers speaks with Lauren Roberts, a beekeeper and current entomology undergraduate from the University of Florida in Gainesville, on beekeeping in Thailand. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment from Live! Two Bees in a Podcast at the American Beekeeping Federation Conference in Jacksonville from January 2023. Episode 132 Transcription

Q&A
1. How did Jamie get his start in beekeeping?
2. What are hygienic bees and why do people keep them?
3. Are we putting too much emphasis on mite resistant strains and losing sight of good honey producers?
Resources

American Beekeeping Federation Conference: https://www.abfnet.org/mpage/2023ConferenceRegistration

Episode 131: Follow-up on Microplastics
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 22, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu follow-up with Mica Buteler, a researcher from CONISET National Institute for Science and Technology from Argentina, on microplastics and finding plastic in wax. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 131 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is the lab doing right now to help the bees?
2. What about dipping bee hives in hot wax or paraffin? Is there a service for this?
3. Where can I find out about Martha Gillium’s work and who is continuing her research?
Resources

Microplastics Incorporated by Honeybees from Food are Transferred to Honey, Wax and Larvae: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35068598/

Episode 130: Controlling Varroa through Genetic Technology
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 15, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Nicky Faber, a PhD candidate from the laboratory of genetics in the department of plant sciences at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, on controlling Varroa through genetic technology. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 130 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is there a difference between frames being perpendicular or parallel in the hive?
2. What is the melting point of beeswax?
3. What is happening with Varroa being found in Australia?
Resources

A gene drive does not spread easily in populations of the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35068598/

Episode 129: All About the Money, Honey! with Virginia Webb
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 8, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with award-winning honey producer Virginia Webb from Clarksville, Georgia on honey shows and making money with honey. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 129 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is a foundress Varroa and what happens if an emerging bee has one?
2. What do holes in brood capping mean?
3. Why does Florida require a 6-foot barrier around honey bee hives?
Resources

https://www.folkschool.org/2023/02/14/cover-story-beekeeping-with-virginia-webb-2/

Episode 129 Transcription

Episode 128: Catching up with Two Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 25, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu introduce our new season and talk about trends in the industry expected this year. Episode 128 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is crushed rock as a ground cover going to cause problems for small hive beetles around colonies?
2. Given that ants produce formic acid, is there a relationship between ants and bees in a colony?
3. So what is happening at the UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory this year?

Episode 127: Varroa Control Methods in Ontario
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 14, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Nuria Morfin, lead of Technology Research Program and researcher from the Honey Bee Research Center in Ontario, Canda, on surveillance of Varroa using synthetic acaricides. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 127 Transcription

Q&A
1. Fat bodies: are the fat bodies what allows them to live longer during winter?
2. Can summer bees survive through the winter with adequate food stores?
3. When using nucs, how do you manage them without swarming or excessive growth?
Resources

Nuria Morfin: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nuria-Morfin

Surveillance of Viruses in Varroa destructor Samples Collected from Honey Bee Colonies in Ontario, Canada, between 2015 and 2019: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362828658_Surveillance_of_Viruses_in_Varroa_destructor_Samples_Collected_from_Honey_Bee_Colonies_in_Ontario_Canada_between_2015_and_2019

Episode 126: December Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu discuss best practices for managing bees in December. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 126 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can you clone honey bees?
2. How might power lines impact honey bee colonies or bee behavior?
3. Can you feed bees organic brown sugar syrup?
Resources

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 125: Overwintering Colonies -- Indoor or Outdoor?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 23, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Rosanna Punko, an Apiculture Inspector for the Bee Health Assurance Team in Alberta, Canada on Nosema management of indoor and outdoor overwintering of colonies. Episode 125 Transcription

Q&A
1. How can you control wax moths? Does Certan work?
2. Does Apiguard still work if it hardens or melts?
3. Is there an update on Dr. Cameron Jack’s oxalic acid study?

Episode 124: Sub-Arctic Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 16, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Etienne Tardiff, a hobbyist beekeeper in Yukon, Canada on sub-Arctic beekeeping. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 124 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is artificial intelligence and how does it apply to honey bees?
2. How might remote monitoring be influenced by AI?
3. What might technology look like in the near future for honey bees?

Episode 123: Climate Effects on Honey Bee Food Source
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 9, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Gabriela Quinlan, an NSF postdoctoral research fellow from the department of entomology at Penn State University, on climate effects of grasslands on honey bees in the U.S. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 123 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is it safe to have bees on an auto-salvage yard?
2. Do bees have teeth?
3. What does it mean to be lipophilic and is it a problem if miticides are lipophilic?

Episode 122: November Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 5, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak about preparing hives for winter and cold weather in November. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 122 Transcription

Q&A
1. What can be used to combat Varroa, wax moths, and small hive beetles that is still safe for bees?
2. Can you describe how to correctly clip queen wings?
3. Do you think pond salt or bleach in feeder jars is harmful?
Resources

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 121: The Origins of Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 26, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Kathleen Dogantzis, a PhD candidate from the Zayed Lab with the Department of Biology at York University in Toronto, Canada, on the origins and evolution of Apis mellifera. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 121 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is a slatted rack?
2. If a queen is parasitized by a mite, can disease be transmitted vertically to the egg causing mass infection?
3. Can colonies side-by-side create different honey? Why?
Resources

Vertical-transmission routes for deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6214870_Vertical-transmission_routes_for_deformed_wing_virus_of_honeybees_Apis_mellifera

Slatted Rack

The Evolution and Adaptive Radiation of the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) with Kathleen Dogantzis

https://youtu.be/AlMBheoyl-A?si=KH-c0Q-xd0ElbI8Z

Episode 120: Finding Pesticide Residue in Nectar and Pollen
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 19, 2022, Amy Vu speaks with Dr. Jamie Ellis, a researcher from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory on finding exposure to pesticides in urban and suburban areas within nectar and pollen. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 120 Transcription

Q&A
1. What happens to laying workers when you requeen using a nuc?
2. What are the pros and cons of open feeding?
3. Between single and medium supers, do you recommend pulling out queen excluders in the winter time?
Resources

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Exposure to Pesticide Residues in Nectar and Pollen in Urban and Suburban Environments from Four Regions of the United States: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35262221/

Episode 119: Moving Honey Bees in the U.S. and Territories
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 12, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Jose Marcelino, a researcher from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory in Gainesville, Florida, on the ability and legality of moving honey bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 119 Transcription

Q&A
1. What do beekeepers need to do when they don’t have resources post hurricane?
2. How do you get colonies ready for a hurricane?
3. Are there any studies that confirm that the solar level affects honey bee behavior?
Resources

The Movement of Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) Among U.S. States and Territories: History, Benefits, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies: https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.850600

Episode 118: How Honey Bees Respond to Viruses
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 5, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Mike Simone Finstrom, a researcher microbiologist from USDA-ARS Honey Bee breeding and physiology lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on viruses in honey bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 118 Transcription

Q&A
1. What do you think about using mini-mating nucs?
2. How can you maintain population numbers in backyard beekeeping and hives?
3. Do bees use sugar around the hive? Does it move around the colony and get turned into honey?
Resources

Dr. Mike Simone Finstrom: https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/people/mike-simone-finstrom/

Episode 117: October Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 29, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak all things monthly management. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 117 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can seeds be planted in a septic drain field and when honey bees take from the plants, is that a problem for the honey they make?
2. What happens if small hive beetles break into capped larva? Could they be the cause of an infestation?
3. How does the queen lay eggs?
Resources

Florida Beekeeping Calendar, October 2022: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2022/09/30/florida-beekeeping-calendar-october-2022/

Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN869

Episode 116: Varroa Testing and Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 21, 2022, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Rassol Bahreini, a researcher from Department of Biological Science at the University of Alberta in Alberta, Canada, on Varroa management. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 116 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is the efficacy of a brood break to control Varroa?
2. What is “clean water” for bees? Is it the same as what we think clean water is?
3. Is it okay to work bees in the rain?
Resources

Miticidal activity of fenazaquin and fenpyroximate against Varroa destructor, an ectoparasite of Apis mellifera https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ps.6788

Integrated Pest Management Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Most Damaging Pest of (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) Colonies https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab058

Episode 115: The Growth of Urban Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 7, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Joan Casanelles Abella, a researcher from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research in Switzerland, on the sustainability of urban beekeeping. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 115 Transcription

Q&A
1. How do beekeepers prevent bees from overheating or not warming enough while in an observation hive?
2. Can worker bees do all of the tasks within the hive, and do they skip certain tasks?
3. How do you get rid of propolis from clothing and areas around the hive?
Resources

Dr. Joan Casanelles Abella https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan-Casanelles-Abella

Episode 114: September Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 31, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak on all things monthly management. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 114 Transcription

Q&A
1. Does a queen sting her other sisters in the hive? Is the queen’s stinger her ovipositor? If she doesn’t sting, how does she ‘sting’ her sisters?
2. What does a hive temperature and humidity sensor do? Can it help determine if there was a swarm? Is it possible that a new virgin queen swarmed, and the old queen left, or was there no swarm at all?
3. After a deadout, my frozen frames that were reused developed a lot of small hive beetles. Did the small hive beetle eggs survive the freezer or was it coincidence?
Resources

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 113: Heat and Temperature Changes Impact Varroa
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 24, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Szymon Smolinski, a researcher from the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Poland, on the effect of autumn temperature changes on Varroa infestation. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 113 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why do bees “beard” at the front of the colony?
2. If you want to introduce a queen, does moving her near other bees spread her pheromone?
3. If two brood or capped frames from another hive are placed into a new one, how long will it take bees to decide what to do with them?
Resources

Raised seasonal temperatures reinforce autumn Varroa destructor infestation in honey bee colonies https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356243464_Raised_seasonal_temperatures_reinforce_autumn_Varroa_destructor_infestation_in_honey_bee_colonies

Episode 112: Effect of Microplastics on Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 17, 2022, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu speak with Mica Buteler, a researcher at CONISET National Institute for Science and Technology in Argentina, on the effect of microplastics on honey bee health and foraging behavior. Episode 112 Transcription

Q&A
1. What do bubbles in uncapped nectar or honey cells mean?
2. How does temperature affect the queen’s egg laying, and does it affect brood rearing?
3. Why are bees' claws curled upward?
Resources

Acute toxicity of microplastic fibers to honeybees and effects on foraging behavior https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35074382/#affiliation-1

Episode 111: Honey Bee Nutrition Using Feed Supplements
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 3, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Vincent Ricigliano, a research entomologist with the USDA from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the effect of artificial diets on honey bee health. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 111 Transcription

Q&A
1. How can you identify if your hive is having a feed problem and what should you do to supplement them?
2. Why are the bees not taking to the sugar water provided? Is it too cold outside?
3. How do you use thymol to control wax moths?
Resources

Effects of different artificial diets on commercial honey bee colony performance, health biomarkers, and gut microbiota https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=388316

Episode 110: August Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 27, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu talk all things management for the month of August. Episode 110 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why do you only use swarm cells if you can’t get any other cells, and do you allow the colony to requeen?
2. What are some minimum temperature ranges during colder months for different activities like brood inspections and making splits?
3. After marking a queen, the queen froze and twitched. A few days later, eggs were found. What happened?
Resources

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 109: Accessible Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 20, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Justin Ruger, an author and beekeeper with Hippie Chick Apiary from Culpeper, Virginia, on beekeeping with disabilities. Episode 109 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why would commercial beekeepers use a mini mating nuc vs. regular nuc or full-size colony when breeding queens?
2. How many species of honey bees exist in the United States and worldwide?
3. How high can drones fly? How high are drone congregation areas?
Resources

https://www.accessiblebeekeeping.org/survey

https://linktr.ee/beekeepingwithdisabilities

https://beekeepingwithdisabilities.com/

Episode 108: How Insecticides Impact Colonies
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 13, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. William Meikle, a USDA research entomologist in Tucson, Arizona, on stimulation of bees that follows with insecticide usage. Episode 108 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can bees recognize humans through their voices or hear music?
2. Is there science on feeding bananas to bees?
3. How can you use nuc boxes to produce honey? Where do I find out my local nectar flows?
Resources

Traces of a neonicotinoid pesticide stimulate different honey bee colony activities, but do not increase colony size or longevity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651322000422?via%3Dihub

Episode 107: Effects of Insect Growth Disruptors on Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 6, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Julia Fine, a research entomologist with USDA in Davis, California, about insect growth disruptors effect on Apis mellifera queens. Episode 107 Transcription

Q&A
1. Does a queen cell cup determine the quality of a queen?
2. Are colonies more susceptible to diseases if they are being fed sugar water or pollen patties instead of foraging natural sources?
3. Where can beekeepers find holes in their knowledge through online quizzes, programs etc.?
Resources

The Behavioral Toxicity of Insect Growth Disruptors on Apis mellifera Queen Care: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2021.729208/full

The Production of Queen Cups and Queen Cells in Relation to the General Development of Honeybee Colonies, and its Connection with Swarming and Supersedure: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00218839.1965.11100115

UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Program: https://ifas-honeybee.catalog.instructure.com/

Episode 106: July Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 30, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu talk about best management strategies to practice in July. Episode 106 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can you effectively combine Varroa treatments?
2. Why are some wax white and others dark?
3. What is the thin layer of silk that surrounds honey bee larvae?
Resources

UF/IFAS Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 105: Use of Essential Oils Against Varroa destructor
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 22, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Marian Hýbl & Petr Mraz from the Czech Republic, about using essential oils to fight Varroa. Episode 105 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is nectar from white aster good for bees?
2. How can you cull frames and still keep the bees?
3. How do foragers bring in nectar, pollen, propolis, and water?
Resources

Evaluating the Efficacy of 30 Different Essential Oils against Varroa destructor and Honey Bee Workers (Apis mellifera): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34821845/

The control of water collection in honey bee colonies https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002650050402

Propolis and bee health: the natural history and significance of resin use by honey bees https://www.apidologie.org/articles/apido/full_html/2010/03/m09142/m09142.html

Episode 104: June Management
In this week’s episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on June 8, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu give tips and best strategies for maintaining your hives in June. Episode 104 Transcription

Q&A
1. Should you use pollen patties? Does it help going into the winter?
2. How long can dead bees still sting, and how long does the stinger stay active?
3. After inspection, how fast does a colony tear down a queen cell after the queen emerges?
4. Will a daughter colony and mother colony mate together?
Resources

Florida beekeeping management calendar June 2022: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2022/05/31/florida-beekeeping-management-calendar-june-2022/

Episode 103: Queen Health and Beeswax Pesticides
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 1, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with David Tarpy and Allison McAfee, a professor of applied ecology at NC State and post-doctoral research scholar in applied ecology at NC State, about their recent manuscript on the link between queen health and contact exposure to beeswax pesticides. Episode 103 Transcription

Q&A
1. When requeening after a split, is it possible to transfer queen cells from another hive to the new one?
2. In a queenless hive where there are queen cells, will the bees get rid of the other cells when a new mated queen is introduced?
3. How long does it take worker bees to lay after they swarm if they are unsuccessful with requeening?
Resources

Honey bee queen health is unaffected by contact exposure to pesticides commonly found in beeswax: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34312437/

Episode 102: Cottage Food Laws and Selling Honey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 25, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Jennifer Hagen, UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Sciences Agent from Lee County, Florida, about selling honey and cottage food laws. This episode is ended with a special Q&A segment on swarms. Episode 102 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is the best time to check a hive after it has swarmed?
2. What should you do with the swarm cells?
3. Do secondary and tertiary swarms leave with the mated queen or virgin queens?
Resources

Jennifer Hagen Information: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leeco/author/jhagen/

Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Cottage Foods: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Food/Food-Establishments/Cottage-Foods

Episode 101: Pollen Agrochemical Treatments and the Livelihoods of Queens
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 20, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Reed Johnson, an associate professor and researcher in the department of entomology from The Ohio State University, about pollen agrochemical treatments affecting livelihoods of queens. Episode 101 Transcription

Q&A
1. If I bang metal together, will it make a swarm go where I want it to go?
2. When moving a hive, how far or how close do you move it and how much time does it take to successfully move the colony?
3. What is a good way to configure hives? What should I use: brood boxes or a queen excluder or a honey super?
Resources

Pollen Treated with a Combination of Agrochemicals Commonly Applied During Almond Bloom Reduces the Emergence Rate and Longevity of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Queens: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34723328/

Hive configurations: https://youtu.be/KyOAoYthLoc

Episode 100: Special 100th Episode!

In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 27, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu celebrate our 100^th episode with monthly management and a blooper reel! Thanks for joining us for our weekly episodes and supporting our show. Episode 100 Transcription

Episode 99: Sideline Beekeeping with Kent Pegorsch
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 20, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Kent Pegorsch, a beekeeper with Dancing Bear Honey in Waupaca, Wisconsin, about sideline beekeeping for non-full-time beekeepers. Episode 99 Transcription

Q&A
1. How does a beekeeper collect pollen and what do they do with the pollen? Can it be fed back to the bees?
2. If recovering from AFB, what do you do with your hives, frames, and tools? Do they need to be sanitized?
3. How do you find a drone congregation area?

Episode 98: Nursing Larvae Communication
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 13, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Bradley Metz, a research assistant in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, about pheromones and nursing larvae communicating needs to worker bees. Episode 98 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is crystallized honey a problem for bees or just beekeepers?
2. When do you put a honey super on and how do you know it is time?
3. Can you eat honey from a hive treated with oxalic acid?
Resources

Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Nursing Responses to Cuticular Cues Emanating from Short-term Changes in Larval Rearing Environment: https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/21/6/7/6414650

Episode 97: Evaluating European Foulbrood Diagnostic Methods
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 6, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Meghan Milbrath, Assistant Professor of Entomology at Michigan State University, about English and American foulbrood diagnostics. Episode 97 Transcription

Q&A
1. When do bees determine swarm size: before or after finding a suitable location?
2. If workers lay drones, are they viable for mating? What does it look like in spreading genetics?
3. Is small hive beetle larvae slime medicinal or useful in any way like maggots are?
Resources

Validation of Diagnostic Methods for European Foulbrood on Commercial Honey Bee Colonies in the United States: https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscience/article/21/6/6/6414648

Honey Bee Democracy: https://www.amazon.com/Honeybee-Democracy-Thomas-D-Seeley/dp/0691147213

Episode 96: April Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 30, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu talk all things monthly management and how to take care of your hives in April. Episode 96 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can you use stinging nettle for mite treatment?
2. Can you use bee hives for insulation for floors or roofs since they self-regulate their temperature?
3. How can you drive the queen down from the upper box (honey super) to the bottom box (brood box)?
Resources

Florida beekeeping management calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 95: The Impact of COVID-19 on Changes in Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 23, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Miriam Bixby, a post-doctoral bee and economic researcher from Vancouver, Canada, about how COVID-19 has changed the beekeeping industry in British Columbia. Episode 95 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is a slatted rack?
2. Is it time to treat for Varroa? What antibiotics or treatment works best?
3. How do you find a veterinarian for your colonies?
Resources

Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadian Beekeeping: Survey Results and a Profitability Analysis: https://academic.oup.com/jee/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jee/toab180/6373167

Episode 94: The Swiss Beekeeping Concept
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 16, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Matthieu Guichard, a research scientist with Agroscope Swiss Beekeeping Service and Apiservice extension, talking about beekeeping strategies in Switzerland. Episode 94 Transcription

Q&A
1. After making a split, why did the colony still swarm even though there was no queen present?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of propolis deposition?
3. After looking at treated supers full of honey, even though it cannot be consumed by humans, can it be left on for the bees?
Resources

Dr. Matthieu Guichard: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthieu-Guichard

Episode 93: The Architectural Abilities of Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 2, 2022, Jamie and Amy speak with Dr. Michael Smith, an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences from Auburn University and affiliate member of the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, about imperfect comb construction and the architectural abilities of honey bees. Episode 93 Transcription

Q&A
1. How important is it that hives face southeast or at least toward morning sun? What if you only have a location that faces west?
2. When are bees more likely to swarm? I thought when it was warm and days longer?
3. After looking at frames covered with Nosema and bee feces, what can I do with those frames? Can I use the honey? Can I use the wax?
Resources

Imperfect comb construction reveals the architectural abilities of honeybees: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2103605118

Episode 92: March Monthly Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 23, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu take a deep dive into best practices for hive management throughout the month of March! Episode 92 Transcription

Q&A
1. After freezing and bagging wax moth infected frames, why would larva survive?
2. What methods do you use to combine colonies? How can you rejoin a split?
3. What are your favorite ways to split a hive and what goals do you accomplish by doing so?
Resources

Florida management calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Episode 91: Nutrition and Viral Resilience
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 16, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Alex Walton, a post-doctoral researcher in the department of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Episode 91 Transcription

Q&A
1. Which colonies should be grafted from? What are the advantages and disadvantages of raising your own queen?
2. How can you tell if honey bee robbing is happening? What should you do when robbing is suspected?
Resources

Dr. Alex Walton: https://twitter.com/evolutionsultan

Robbing Behavior in Honey Bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1064

Episode 90: Tylosin Exposure Impacts on Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 9, 2022, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Eli Powell from the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas to discuss his new publication on Tylosin exposure impacts on honey bees and pathogen susceptibility. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the future of our management segment. Episode 90 Transcription

Q&A
1. Do honey bees communicate with organs and pheromones? Do other insects use pheromones too?
2. What are brood breaks? Are brood breaks an effective pest management strategy for Varroa?
3. What surface should hives be on to prevent small hive beetles from pupating in soil?
Resources

Field-Realistic Tylosin Exposure Impacts Honey Bee Microbiota and Pathogen Susceptibility, Which is Ameliorated by Native Gut Probiotics: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34160267/

Controlling small hive beetles, Aethina tumida, in western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies by trapping wandering beetle larvae: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00218839.2020.1720138

Episode 89: Testing New Compounds Against Varroa destructor and Safety to Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 2, 2022, we are joined by Kaylin Kleckner, PhD candidate in the University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, to discuss testing new compounds against Varroa and safety of honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and mating. Episode 89 Transcription

Q&A
1. How can you determine if a dead out is because of colony collapse disorder or if it has absconded? How can you prevent this from happening?
2. How do we know it is ok to inspect a colony after the winter and snow season to prevent swarming?
3. What is the best way to clean frames if there is propolis and messy comb that builds up over winter?
Resources

Testing new compounds for efficacy against Varroa destructor and safety to honey bees (Apis mellifera): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ps.6617

Episode 88: Visitation Rates and Colony Stocking Disease
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 26, 2022, we are joined by Dr. Rachel Mallinger, assistant professor and pollinator ecologist at the University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department to discuss hive visitation rates and colony stocking disease. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and grafting. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 88 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is there reason for concern if there are cockroaches near or inside the hive?
2. Do grease patties help with Varroa or hive beetle control?
3. How can landowners find beekeepers interested in their property?
Resources

Dr. Rachel Mallinger: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/people-directory/rachel-mallinger/

Blueberry Yields Increase with Bee Visitation Rates, but Bee Visitation Rates are not Consistently Predicted by Colony Stocking Densities

Special Episode: American Beekeeping Federation Conference & Trade Show

In this special episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 15, 2021, we are joined by Kent Pegorsch, American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) board member to discuss the upcoming 2022 ABF Conference & Tradeshow.

Resources

American Beekeeping Federation: https://www.abfnet.org/

Episode 87: Enzyme Microparticles and Reducing Toxicity in Managed Hives
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 19, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Scott McArt, assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University and James Webb, founder of Beemmunity to discuss enzyme loaded microparticles and reducing toxicity in managed hives. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and establishing the kind of hives you need. Episode 87 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why do honey bees go into torpor or hibernation in the winter?
2. Do honey bees forage in the winter even if there is snow or not flowering plants?
3. What happens to frames from a terminated colony?
Resources

From Q&A on Wax Moths: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/AA/AA141/AA141-D2j61yb0df.pdf

McArt and Webb research manuscript: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-021-00282-0?proof=t+target%3D

Episode 86: Evaluating the Extreme Weather Impacts on Wild Bee Populations
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 12, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Kelsey Graham, scientist at the USDA Agriculture Resource Service to discuss extreme weather impacts on wild bee populations. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and selecting your colonies. Episode 86 Transcription

Q&A
1. How often should a beekeeper check their nucs during winter?
2. What are the best techniques to use to clean and disinfect frames from dead outs?
3. Does plastic foundation disrupt honey bee communication through vibration?
Resources

Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN869

Does Plastic Comb Foundation Hinder Waggle Dance Communication? Dr. Seeley: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41708988_Does_plastic_comb_foundation_hinder_waggle_dance_communication

Effects of Extreme Weather on Wild Bees, Dr. Graham: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880921001742

Episode 85: Pollen Substitute Patties in Western Honey Bees & How to Collect Propolis
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 8, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Emily Noordyke, Online Learning and Content Developer at UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory to discuss pollen substitute patty use. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to collect propolis. Episode 85 Transcription

Q&A
1. How can you detect good local resources for pollen and nectar, and how do we know what the primary nectar flows are in our areas?
2. What are some strategies for finding potential apiary sites, and how do beekeepers and property owners work together to put bees on properties?
3. There is a white substance being noticed on honey bee pollen baskets. What could this be?
Resources

Find your Nearest Florida Beekeepers Association: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/beekeeper-associations/

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848

Find your local Florida county agent: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

Pollen Substitutes Patties in Western Honey Bees: https://academic.oup.com/jee/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jee/toab083/6285743?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Tracing the Fate of Pollen Substitute Patties in Western Honey Bee: https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab083

Episode 84: Honey Bees on the Move: From Pollination to Honey Production and Back
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Jennifer Bond, Deputy Director of Outlook and Staff at USDA Economic Research Service to discuss honey bee movement around the U.S. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to collect pollen. Episode 84 Transcription

Q&A
1. If you mash up apples with water and leave it out for the bees, are they able to get sugar out of it?
2. Does soil pH influence small hive beetle larval development?
3. Is there any research being done involving the use of apple cider vinegar for pest control within a hive?
Resources

“Honey Bees on the Move: From Pollination to Honey Production and Back”: https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=101475

Small Hive Beetle: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bees/small_hive_beetle.htm

Episode 83: Honey Bees Being at Risk from Microplastics & How to Process Wax
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 17, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Yahya Alnaggar, post-doc fellow at the Institute of General Biology at Martin Luther University in Germany to discuss the risks of microplastics to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to process wax.  Episode 83 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why is it illegal to keep Africanized bees in the U.S.? Does smoke not help calm them?
2. A hive was treated for mites, and pesticides were used to achieve this. However, some bees were harmed and lost. Would a combination of the use of pesticides and a treatment for mites impact the health of honey bees?
3. Once a honey bee begins to forage on one specific flower or fruit, do they stay with the same fruit as they continue to forage?
Resources

Africanized Honey Bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/africanized_honey_bee

Are Honey Bees at Risk from Microplastics: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/9/5/109

Episode 82: Pristine Impairing Olfactory Associative Learning in Honey Bees; Naturally Florida Podcast & How to Collect Wax
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Nicole DesJardins, Grad Research Assistant at Arizona State University, to discuss the Pristine Impairing Olfactory Associative Learning in Honey Bees. We also have Lara Milligan, Natural Resource Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Pinellas County and Shannon Carnevale, Natural Resource Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Polk County discussing the Naturally Florida Podcast. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to collect wax. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.  Episode 82 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can I freeze comb from sick hives and use them again in the spring? Will freezing kill the virus in the comb?   
2. Is the feral population of bees in my area affected genetically when I allow my purchased bees to swarm? Am I getting better genetics when queens leave on mating flights because of what I have added to the feral population?
3. I moved my colony from Pennsylvania to Florida and they became aggressive. Is it possible that my colony picked up some Africanized honey bees making them more aggressive?  
Resources

A common fungicide, Pristine®, impairs olfactory associative learning performance in honey bees (Apis mellifera): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749121013026

Naturally Florida Podcast: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/natural-resources-and-conservation/Naturally-florida-podcast/

Honey Production and Marketing: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/honey-production-and-marketing/

Episode 81: Cannabis Sativa & Bee Health; Management of Honey Bee Pests
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Heather Grab, Senior Lecturer at the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University to discuss cannabis sativa and bee health. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on mammals. Episode 81 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can honey be harvested if larva juice got into the honey during the extraction process?
2. What time of year would be ideal to cage the queen and use trapping comb to reduce Varroa numbers?
3. There have been strange sounds coming from inside the hive. A YouTube video was found of the same sounds being made and nobody has been able to explain the source of the sounds. Do you know how they are being produced or why?
Resources

Heather Grab: Heather Grab | CALS (cornell.edu)

Bee Community of Cannabis Sativa and Corresponding Effects: Bee Community of Cannabis sativa and Corresponding Effects of Landscape Composition | Environmental Entomology | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

Field Guide to Beekeeping- Biotic Stressors of Honey Bee Colonies by Jamie Ellis: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/31,-July-2016,-Biotic-Stressors-of-Honey-Bees,-low-res.pdf

“Weird Sounds Inside the Beehive”: Weird Sounds Inside the Beehive

Episode 80: Balanced Diet in Bees & Bottling Honey
In this episode of Two bees in a Podcast, released on October 27, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Christian Pirk, a Professor in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria to discuss the behavior of Cape/African honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss bottling honey. Episode 80 Transcription

Q&A
1. How is it possible for an unfertilized honey bee egg to develop into a drone?
2. Do queens ever lay multiple eggs in a cell?
3. How specifically should the queen's wings be clipped? What other techniques can be used to prevent swarming?
Resources

Pollen nutrition fosters honey bee tolerance to pesticides: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210818

Antibiotic treatment impairs protein digestion in the honeybee, Apis mellifera: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-019-00718-4

Nutrition affects survival in African honey bees exposed to interacting stressors:
https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.12226

Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918

Episode 79: Impacts of Introduced Honey Bees on Australian Bee-Flower Network & Processing Honey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 20th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Kit Prendergast, a PhD graduate from Curtin University in Australia to discuss impacts of introduced honey bees on Australian bee-flower network. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss processing honey. Episode 79 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are some best management guidelines or strategies for non-chemical control of Varroa?
2. How do bees distinguish living things from non-living ones? For example, they sting my finger when approaching, but not a piece of wood. Is there a difference between living things and non-living things for honey bees?
3. When bees are swarming, who is leaving and who is a part of that process?
Resources

Kit Prendergast: Kit PRENDERGAST · PhD Candidate · PhD, BSc Arts and Science (First Class Honors) · Curtin University, Bentley · School of Molecular and Life Sciences (researchgate.net)

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroa/

Honey and Its Uses: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AA154

Episode 78: Evolution of Metarhizium Fungus & Making Honey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 13th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Jennifer Han, an Assistant Research Professor at Washington State University, Dr. Nick Naeger, Research Assistant Professor at Washington State University, and Dr. Steve Sheppard, Entomology Department Chair and Professor at Washington State University, to discuss the evolution of Metarhizium fungus. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss making honey. Episode 78 Transcription

Q&A
1. Do honey bees respond to the release of carbon dioxide from people breathing?
2. Is there a correlation between the age of a queen and the hive’s general temperament?
3. What do our bees really need to stay healthy?
Resources

Evolution of Metarhizium Fungus Improves Biocontrol of Varroa: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89811-2

Jennifer Han: https://bees.wsu.edu/people/

Nick Naeger: People | WSUHONEY BEES + POLLINATORS | Washington State University

Steve Sheppard: https://entomology.wsu.edu/directory/faculty/walter-s-sheppard/

UF/IFAS Perfect Plants for Pollinators: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/gardening-with-wildlife/bee-plants.html

Episode 77: Bee Communication During Collective Defense & Harvesting Honey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 6th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Andrea Lopez-Incera, a Ph.D. student at the institute for theoretical physics, at the University of Innsbruck, and Dr. Morgane Nourvian, a research fellow at Zukunftskolleg, to discuss bee communication during collective defense. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey harvesting. Episode 77 Transcription

Q&A
1. Since Varroa is always a problem, do you need to continuously test and monitor, or could you simply rotate management practices and routinely treat? How often should you monitor your hive for Varroa?
2. What are the minimum and maximum number of times that you should be treating a colony for mites in a year? Is it different during honey production season?
3. Are we setting ourselves up for failure if we allow our honey bees to requeen themselves? It is preferred to order mite-resistant queens from a reliable source?
Resources

Andrea Lopez Incera: https://www.philosophie.uni-konstanz.de/ag-mueller/andrea-lopez-incera/

Dr. Morgane Nourvian: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskolleg/news/current-news/single-news/We-welcome-Morgane-Nouvian-to-the-Zukunftskolleg/

Field Guide to Beekeeping: Basic Equipment Needed to Extract and Bottle Honey by Dr. Jamie Ellis: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/34,-November-2016,-Basic-Equipment-Needed-to-Extract-and-Bottle-Honey.pdf

Episode 76: Toxic Pesticide Use During Almond Bloom & Management of Honey Bee Pests
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 29th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Jennie Durant, USDA-NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Davis, to discuss toxic pesticide use during almond bloom. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on reptiles and amphibians. Episode 76 Transcription
1. What is the purpose of drilling 1-inch holes into brood or honey supers as a secondary entrance? Is there any benefit in doing so?
2. Does colony size have any impact on overall hive temperament?
3. Does altering the size of the cell foundation alter the size the bees develop into?
Resources

Jennie Durant: https://ourenvironment.berkeley.edu/people/jennie-durant

https://galt.ucdavis.edu/people/jennie-durant

Honey bee pollination: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2020/01/22/an-overview-of-the-honeybee-pollination-industry/

Episode 75: Honey Bee Toxicology & Management of Honey Bee Pests
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 22nd, 2021, we are joined by Reed Johnson, Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, to discuss honey bee toxicology. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on insects. Episode 75 Transcription

Q&A
1. During peak season, a quality queen can lay over 3,000 eggs per day, laying more than her own body weight. Does anyone know what the daily caloric use is for a queen laying more than her body weight in eggs?
2. As a new beekeeper, is it worth my time, money, and effort to melt down wax blocks and paint the frames to help the bees use the plastic foundation?
3. Does painting a nuc a color that bees can see help prevent drifting? Do bees see solid colors or patterns better?
Resources

Dr. Reed Johnson: https://entomology.osu.edu/our-people/reed-johnson

Toxicology: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2020/05/15/research-update-honey-bees-and-pesticides/

Pests and diseases: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/

Episode 74: Creating a Standard of Honey Identity in the U.S & Management of Honey Bee Pests
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 15th, 2021, we are joined by Doug McGinnis, former president of Tropical Blossom Honey Company, to discuss creating a standard of honey identity in the U.S. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on viruses. Episode 74 Transcription
1. I requeened a colony that had been queenless for weeks. The newly placed queen had a solid laying pattern. Suddenly, there were many closed swarm cells. What is going on?
2. From a honey packer’s perspective, how would you describe what they do and why their products cost more than what you can find in grocery stores?
3. Is there any research coming out discussing the nutrient content of different types of honey?
Resources

Doug McGinnis: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/food-restaurants/os-tropical-blossom-honey-companyy-culina20100217-story.html

Doug McGinnis contact: doug1952@cfl.rr.com

Viruses: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in855

Honey Identity: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918

Episode 73: Supporting Bees in Urban Spaces & Management of Honey Bee Pests
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 8th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Potter, Professor in Urban Landscape Entomology at the University of Kentucky, to discuss how to support bees in urban spaces. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on fungi. Episode 73 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), why would beekeepers use it, and what are Dr. Ellis’ recommendations?
2. In a recent publication, a video was published as part of its results that showed a honey bee eating a mite from a cell. What is happening in this publication? Do honey bees eat mites from cells?
3. When a previously mated queen swarms, is it possible for her to go on a new mating flight? If so, would she have a reason to do that?
Resources

Dr. Daniel Potter: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/person/daniel-potter

Fungi: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1027

Supporting bees in urban places: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW329

Publication on Varroa consumption: Honey bee behaviours within the hive: Insights from long-term video analysis (plos.org)

Honey bee hygiene: Varroa consumption: Honey bee hygiene: Varroa consumption - YouTube

Episode 72: Guide to Varroa Mite Control & Management of Honey Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 1st, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by George Hansen, a commercial beekeeper based in Oregon and owner of Foothill Honey Company, and Christ Hiatt, a commercial beekeeper based in California, owner of the Hiatt Honey Company, to discuss a new document called Guide to Varroa Mite Control for Commercial Beekeepers. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the management of honey bee pests. Episode 72 Transcription

Q&A
1. When do we know to feed? How do we know?
2. When people feed their bees sugar syrup and the bees turn that into honey, is that actually honey? Can you collect it?
3. Is there any information about mixed race bees? Should you avoid mixing bee races?
Resources

2021 Guide to Varroa Mite Controls for Commercial Beekeeping Operations: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroacontrolsguide/

Foothills Honey Company: https://www.foothillshoney.com/

American Beekeeping Federation: https://www.abfnet.org/

American Honey Producers Assocation: https://www.ahpanet.com/

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/

2018 Guide to Varroa Mite Control for Commercial Beekeeping Operations: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HBHC-Guide_Varroa_Interactive_7thEdition_June2018.pdf

Episode 71: Impacts of Management Practices on Bee Health & Management of Honey Bee Pests
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 25, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Entomology in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University, to discuss impacts of management practices on bee health. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss American foulbrood. Episode 71 Transcription

Q&A
1. Do heating pads or cages work to provide heat in the cooler months for a honey bee hive?
2. Is there a diet difference between the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)? If there is a diet difference, does that lead to a different way that Varroa is managed?
3. Do we need to worry about hive health and/or toxicity when using old frames?
Resources

Margarita Lopez-Uribe: Margarita López-Uribe, Ph.D. — Department of Entomology (psu.edu)

American Foulbrood - Dr. Megan Milbrath: https://backyardbeekeeping.iamcountryside.com/beekeeping-101/american-foulbrood-the-bad-brood-is-back/

Honey Bee Health Coalition American Foulbrood: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/HBHC__AFB-EFB-Final-061119.pdf

Episode 70: Impacts of Urbanization on Bees & Mitigating Bee Threats
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 11th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Scarlett Howard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Deakin University in Australia, to discuss the impacts of urbanization on bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss mitigating the threat your bees pose to others. Episode 70 Transcription
1. An individual had recently uncapped their honey, processed it, and is now left with the cappings and pieces that came off. How should they utilize this?
2. Can you explain why wax looks so different from two hives in the same location?
3. When extracted frames are returned to the bees to be cleaned up and repaired, do bees use any of the wax debris, or is it rejected and removed?
Resources

Scarlett Howard: Scarlett Howard | Deakin

Urbanization on bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in1316

Threat with bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1297

Eradication of swarms and colonies: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/IN/IN77800.pdf

Episode 69: Understanding Pesticide Labels & Knowing Your Beekeeping Goals
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 4th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Brett Bultemeier, Extension Assistant Professor in Agronomy at the University of Florida to discuss pesticide labels: understanding them and their history. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss knowing your beekeeping goals. Episode 69 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are honey bee cocoons?
2. Is it effective to allow a Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) queen to raise as many drones as possible with the idea of contributing to the local honey bee gene pool?
3. What do you do with honey supers after you extract honey, and how do you store honey supers?
Resources

Brett Bultemeier: Dr. Brett Bultemeier, Author at UF/IFAS Pesticide Information (ufl.edu)

Pesticide Resistance: Does it Really Matter?: Pesticide Resistance: Does it Really Matter? - UF/IFAS Pesticide Information (ufl.edu)

Pesticide Record Keeping: Pesticide Record Keeping - UF/IFAS Pesticide Information (ufl.edu)

Episode 68: Repellency of Some Fungicides to Honey Bees & Sting Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 28th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Christelle Guédot, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to discuss the repellency of some fungicide to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss sting management and how to protect from them. Episode 68 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is being honey bound common, and if so, what do you do about it?
2. A listener had a hive that they split too heavily. They did 3 splits in the spring and noticed that it was queenless for over 28 days. They added a new queen a couple of weeks ago, then one of the colonies killed the new queen then took that colony and moved away from the apiary. What is going on?
3. Why are there different locations on the frame for the different kinds of queen cells? Is there any reason for this?
Resources

Protecting Pollinators & Improving Pollination: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A4155.pdf

Christelle Guédot: Christelle Guédot – UW Entomology (wisc.edu)

Natural Products for Managing Landscape and Garden Pests: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/IN/IN19700.pdf

Episode 67: Insulating your Hives in Summer & Sting Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 21st, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Derek Mitchell from the Institute of Thermal Fluids in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, U.K., to discuss why you should insulate your hives in the summer. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss sting management and body responses to stings. Episode 67 Transcription

Q&A
1. In April of this year, a person had a hive that absconded. One day they were there, and they were gone. This person doesn’t know where they went. They installed two nucs at the beginning of June. Several days later they saw robbing activity, so they put a robbing screen on. The robbing eventually continued, which led to them shutting down the small opening. The person thinks the absconded hive is trying to rob the new hive. What do you think about this?
2. If I were to requeen my hives annually, perhaps with a VHS (Varroa sensitive hygiene) queen, what is the best time of year to requeen?
3. Under what circumstances do hives have mother/daughter queens present at the same time?
Resources

Thermal Efficiency: https://www.beeculture.com/thermal-efficiency/

Summer and bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/aa264

Bee stings: https://ufdc.ufl.edu/IR00004422/00001

American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/the-honey-bee-sting/

Derek Mitchell: Derek Mitchell | School of Mechanical Engineering | University of Leeds

Episode 66: European Honey Bees & Sting Management
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 14, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Ralph Buechler, Director of the Bee Research Institute, to discuss European honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss sting management and how stings work. Episode 66 Transcription

Q&A
1. Do you know if there is anyone out there doing research into drone fertility and sperm load?
2. Are food resources gathered from robbing reflected by the field force through the waggle dance? How close to the hive can the waggle dance indicate food?
3. Why does the queen take 16 days to develop while the workers take 21 days, and the drones take 24 days?
Resources

Best Management Practices for Stings: ENY115/AA137: Best Management Practices for Siting Honey Bee Colonies: Good Neighbor Guidelines (ufl.edu)

European bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in1005

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/IN/IN100500.pdf

Difference between European and African bees: http://agrilife.org/masterbeekeeper/files/2017/04/Differences-Between-European-and-African-Honey-Bees.pdf

Dr. Ralph Buechler: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Buechler-Ralph

Episode 65: Infectious Disease Biology & Startup Cost
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 7th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Lewis Bartlett, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Georgia Honey Bee Program, to discuss infectious disease biology. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss hive types. Episode 65 Transcription

Q&A
1. Often times you see bees in or around soda cans. Would flat Sprite soda be a substitute for simple syrup?
2. If guard bees can tell the difference between one bee and another hours after the forager has left the hive, can they not tell the difference between the smell of bananas that I had with breakfast and the alarm pheromone?
3. I’ve been taking notes for years and now I'm at a loss of what’s important to record, how to use it, and what is just busy work?
Resources

Dr. Lewis Bartlett: https://www.bartlett.science/

Diseases due to pesticides: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1027

Nosema spores infection: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in1123

Profitability in mid-size beekeeping operation: https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/44/03/00001/AA08900.PDF

Colony collapse disorder: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/pestalert/Colony_Collapse_Disorder.htm

Episode 64: Heroes to Hives & Basic Swarm Management Techniques
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 30th, 2021, we are joined by Adam Ingrao, Veteran's Liaison for Michigan State University Extension and an Agricultural Entomologist, to discuss Heroes to Hives. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss basic swarm management techniques. Episode 64 Transcription

Q&A
1. How long can a queen stay in the cage and stay healthy until she is able to be put in a split? How do you take care of her (feed them, keep them alive, etc.)?
2. When a colony swarms, how long does it for a new queen to mate and then to begin laying eggs? How long is the brood break usually?
3. How often do hives have two mated and laying queens, and how and why does this happen?
Resources

Swarm control: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in970

Eradication of swarms: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in778

Adam Ingrao e-mail: ingraoad@msu.edu

Bee Wise Farms, LLC: https://www.beewisefarms.com/

Episode 63: Drone Contributions Impacting Queen Success & Stimuli that Lead to Swarming
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 23rd, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Elina Niño from the University of California- Davis to discuss drone contributions impacting queen success. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the stimuli that lead to swarming. Episode 63 Transcription

Q&A
1. When looking at heat treatments for Varroa control purposes, what are the pros and cons to different treatments?
2. To prevent inbreeding, a queen flies to a drone congregation area much further away than her colony's drones. By moving a drone source, are we potentially undermining this protection?
3. Is honey from hives treated with Apivar safe for consumption?
Resources

Dr. Elina Niño: https://elninobeelab.ucdavis.edu/people/elina-nino

Swarm control: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN970

Swarm management: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2019/07/15/swarm-management-basics/

Eradication of swarms: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in778

Honey bee drones' contributions to honey bee queen: https://res.mdpi.com/biology/biology-09-00174/article_deploy/biology-09-00174.pdf

Episode 62: Honey Bee Waggle Dance & Hive Type Perspectives
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 16th, 2021, we are joined by Margaret Couvillon from Virginia Tech to discuss waggle dances and honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss hive types from historical and practical perspectives. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 62 Transcription

Q&A
1. In order to maintain gentle behavior, is it necessary to bring in new genetics every couple of seasons, or can I leave my genetics be?
2. Have you heard of honey bees eating food from bird feeders?
3. How long does brood capping take?
Resources

Margaret Couvillon: https://www.ento.vt.edu/people/Faculty0/Couvillon.html

The Langstroth Hive: 3,-March-2014,-Langstroth-Hive,-low-res.pdf (ufl.edu)

Observation Bee Hives: ENY131/MG320: Observation Bee Hives (ufl.edu)

Field Guide to Beekeeping: 26,-February-2016,-Thermoregulation-and-Dance-Language,-low-res.pdf (ufl.edu)

The Tasks of a Worker Honey Bee: 22,-October-2015,-Tasks-of-Worker-Bees,-low-res.pdf (ufl.edu)

Episode 61: Beekeeping-Landowner Relations & Installing Packages
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 9, 2021, we are joined by J.K. Yarborough, livestock and natural resources extension agent from Seminole County, to discuss the relationship between beekeepers and landowners. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss package installation. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 61 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is there anything anyone can do under the hive to impair small hive beetle reproduction?
2. Why are brood cappings darker and non-translucent compared to honey cappings?
3. What is the best way to put packages into drawn comb?
Resources

J.K.Yarborough: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/agriculture-and-natural-resources/agriculture-and-natural-resources/

Sample Pollination Agreement: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AA169

Installing Packages and Nucs: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/16,-April-2015,-Installing-Packages-and-Nucs,-low-res[1].pdf

Small Hive Beetle: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in854

Episode 60: Varroa IPM & Acquiring Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 2, 2021, we are joined by Kim Skyrm, Massachusetts Chief Apiary Inspector, and Jen Lund, Maine Bee Inspector, to discuss Varroa IPM. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to acquire bees and queens. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 60 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is cross-wire foundation and does it differ from crimped wire?
2. Is it true that queens are dying earlier than they used to historically?
3. I want to move all of my stock to VSH. What is the best way to do this?
Resources

Kim Skyrm: https://www.mass.gov/apiary-program-honey-bees

Jen Lund: http://mainebeekeepers.org/beekeeping-resources/maine-bee-inspector/

Northeastern IPM Center: https://www.northeastipm.org/

Varroa Mite IPM: Four-Part Series for a Healthy Hive (2020): https://www.northeastipm.org/index.cfm/ipm-in-action/the-ipm-toolbox/varroa-mite-ipm-four-part-series-for-a-healthy-hive-in-2020/

Apiary Inspectors of America: https://apiaryinspectors.org/

Acquiring Bees and Queens:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h0xfamw26tbsz32/AADa6ntEDyQlxHMX4OeTnXHDa?dl=0&preview=13%2C+January+2015%2C+Acquiring+Bees+and+Queens%2C+low+res.pdf

Episode 59: Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus & How to Requeen
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 26, 2021, we are joined by Adam Dolezal, Assistant Professor of Entomology from the University of Illinois, to discuss Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to requeen a colony. Episode 59 Trasncription

Q&A
1. Is there anything that can be used to deter wax moths?
2. Are we making our bees lazy by feeding them instead of encouraging them to forage?
3. Is there a certain percentage of dead bees that is acceptable upon being delivered in the mail?
Resources

Adam Dolezal: https://sib.illinois.edu/profile/adolezal

IAPV causes changes in behavior: https://www.pnas.org/content/117/19/10406.short

Requeening a Beehive: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/requeening-a-beehive/

Requeen Using Nucs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in869

Wax Moth Control: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa141

Episode 58: Best Management Practices for Backyard Beekeepers & Why to Requeen Colonies
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 20, 2021, we are joined by Kelly Kulhanek, Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University, to discuss best management practices for backyard beekeepers. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss why you should requeen colonies. Episode 58 Trasncription

Q&A
1. Do you recommend a certain brand of nematode to treat small hive beetle larvae?
2. What are some ways I can get a more accurate mite count?
3. Is there a scientific name for the substance that the queen uses to glue eggs to the bottom of cells?
Resources

Kelly Kulhanek: https://beeinformed.org/bip_team/kelly-kulhanek/

BMP’s for Backyard Beekeepers: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348532279_Survey-derived_best_management_practices_for_backyard_beekeepers_improve_colony_health_and_reduce_mortality

Requeening a Beehive: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/requeening-a-beehive/

Episode 57: Carpenter Bees as Pests & Requeening Using a Nuc
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 13, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Bill Kern, Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology & Nematology at the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center of the University of Florida, to discuss carpenter bees being a pest to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to requeen colonies using a nuc. Episode 57 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are screened bottom boards even good for?
2. Do I need to close my screened bottom boards based on the time of year or humidity?
3. Are we helping bees with thermoregulation by using screened bottom boards?
Resources

Bill Kern: https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-william-kern/

Carpenter Bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_carpenter_bees

Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in869

Episode 56: Buckfast Bees, YouTube, & Hiving a Nuc
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 6, 2021, we are joined by Paul Kelley, Staff Apiarist at the University of Guelph in Canada, to discuss Buckfast Bees and educational YouTube content. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to hive a nuc. Episdoe 56 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is there a recommended temperature range for using oxalic acid vaporization treatments?
2. Do you have a recommended sugar water recipe?
3. How long must Apis mellifera (or any non-native species) be in an area before it’s considered native, or will it always be considered non-native?
Resources

Paul Kelly: https://ses.uoguelph.ca/people/paul-kelly

Buckfast Bee Breeding: https://honeybee.uoguelph.ca/buckfast-breading/buckfast-breeding-presentation/

Paul Kelly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkHR7FlPvlQ

Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in869

Oxalic Acid Vaporization Dose: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00218839.2021.1877447

Episode 55: 2021 New Ruling on Oxalic Acid and Marking Queens
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 22, 2021, we are joined by our very own Dr. Cameron Jack, assistant professor in the UF Entomology and Nematology Department, to discuss the new ruling on oxalic acid in honey and how this impacts its use in hives. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the why’s and how’s of marking queens. Episode 55 Transcription

Q&A
1. How long do you wait between catching a swarm and putting it in their permanent hive?
2. How long does sugar water last in the refrigerator?
3. What is washboarding?
Resources

Cameron Jack: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/people-directory/cameron-jack/

Efficacy of Oxalic Acid Vaporization: https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/113/2/582/5697464?login=true

Episode 54: The Benefits of Pollen to Bees & Using a Smoker
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 15, 2021, we are joined by Gloria Degrandi-Hoffman, Research Leader at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, to discuss the benefits of pollen to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to use a smoker when working colonies. Episode 54 Transcription

Q&A
1. Like many beekeepers, I’ve dealt with laying workers. I’m curious if those bees might be in that middle ground between a worker and a queen. Has there been any research done to explore that middle ground or is it an all or nothing switch during development?
2. I have a totally "off label" use for QMP. I use one when doing a removal to get all the bees to go into to box when I am not 100% sure if I have the queen.
  I was doing one last week and all the bees got in the box by evening. I tried to directly release the queen into the hive not even 24 hours later, and the bees appeared to ball her. I don't yet know if she made it or if they killed her. The QMP was in the hive overnight, but I took it out as soon as I opened them up the next morning. I really felt that with such a short time they would accept her, but maybe the overnight out of the hive shut her down just enough. What happened?
3. If we are looking to start a queen-rearing program, should we purchase artificially inseminated VSH Breeder queens? We will not be able to control the drones at the DCAs. We can purchase breeder queens each year, but that is not sustainable. Would it better to use local over-wintered queens as our breeders?
Resources

Gloria Degrandi-Hoffman: https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/tucson-az/carl-hayden-bee-research-center/people/gloria-degrandi-hoffman/

The Hive Tool and Smoker: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/5,-May-2014,-Hive-Tool-and-Smoker,-low-res.pdf

Episode 53: Tropilaelaps Mites & Characteristics of Healthy Honey Bee Colonies
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 8th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Sammy Ramsey to discuss the Tropilaelaps mite. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the characteristics of healthy honey bee colonies. Episode 53 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are the different types of sugars to feed bees?
2. How do you feel about communal feeding? Does it spread disease? Does it enhance or promote robbing?
3. What is the best way to brand my boxes? Do I burn first and then paint, or the other way around?
Resources

Sammy Ramsey:https://www.drsammy.online/about

Tropilaelaps mites- EDIS: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1061

Tropilaelaps mites- BeeAware: https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/tropilaelaps-2/#ad-image-0

Characteristics of Healthy Honey Bee Colonies: https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=293541&article_id=2422343&view=articleBrowser&ver=html5

Episode 52: Impact of Land Use on Pollinators & Colony Inspection Techniques
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 1st, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Clint Otto from the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center to discuss the impact of land use changes on honey bees and other pollinators. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss proper colony inspection techniques. Episode 52 Transcription

Q&A
1. Do hives turn drone comb back into worker brood?
2. What is the impact of pollinator gardens on crop pollination?
3. Is there any research regarding the effects on queen pheromones on humans?
Resources

Clint Otto:https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/clint-otto

Best Management Practices for Maintaining European Honey Bee Colonies: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in874

FDACS Apiary Inspection: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Bureaus-and-Services/Plant-and-Apiary-Inspection/Apiary-Inspection

Conducting a Hive Inspection: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/39,-July-2017,-Conducting-a-Hive-Inspection[1].pdf

Episode 51: Beekeeping in Denmark & Picking Apiary Locations
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 25th, 2021, we are joined by Flemming Vejsnæs to discuss beekeeping in Denmark and his role in the Danish Beekeeper’s Association. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to pick a location for your apiaries. Episode 51 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is “tanging” bee swarms a real thing? If so, what is the science behind the fact that a swarm of bees is attracted to the sound of metal being hit together?
2. Do Varroa-related issues affect value-added products such as the quality of the honey, wax, etc.?
3. How do you manage honey moisture in dry climates?
Resources

Flemming Vejsnæs: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Flemming-Vejsnaes

Choosing the Right Location for Your Apiary: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/9,-September-2014,-Choosing-Apiary-Site,-low-res.pdf

Swarm Control for Managed Beehives: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in970

Varroa: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/AA09000-Pests-and-Diseases.pdf

Honey Equipment: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/34,-November-2016,-Basic-Equipment-Needed-to-Extract-and-Bottle-Honey.pdf

Episode 50:  Insulating Honey Bees & Good Neighbor Guidelines
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 18th, 2021, we are joined by Bill Hesbach to discuss over-wintering and insulating honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to be a good neighbor when it comes to beekeeping. Episode 50 Transcription

Q&A
1. If I wanted to requeen a hive and were to put a stick of Queen Mandibular Pheromone when removing the old queen, would the bees not sense queenlessness and therefore not build queen cells? After the window of opportunity passes for them to make queen cells (aged larvae greater than 3 days old?), would they then be more amenable to accepting my new queen?
2. If a beekeeper should accidentally drop a full frame of bees and brood on the ground, will the youngest of the nurse bees on that frame be able to find their way back inside the hive? If the hive is on a hive stand 18 inches above the ground, does this mean any bees crawling back to the hive will be doomed? On the same lines, what would happen to a queen if she fell off the frame during an inspection?
3. What is the optimal way for bees to build new comb (as well as store new nectar) as the spring flow is about to start? Should I add only built out foundation so that the bees have ready storage?
Resources

Mitigating the Threat Your Bees Pose to Others: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/29,-May-2016,-Mitigating-the-Threat-Your-Bees-Pose-to-Others,-low-res.pdf

Choosing an Apiary Site: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/9,-September-2014,-Choosing-Apiary-Site,-low-res.pdf

Best Management Practices: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa137

Bill Hesbach and Winter Management: https://www.beeculture.com/winter-management/

Episode 49:  Social Media & Rules and Regulations
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 11, 2021, we are joined by Ian Steppler, who discusses his commercial beekeeping and his large social media platform. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the rules and regulations of beekeeping. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 49 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why is swarm control so important other than for high honey yields and preventing being pests to others?
2. How do I prevent mosquito breeding in my water sources without changing/agitating the water every couple of days? Should I utilize mosquito fish, or would they bother the bees?
3. What’s the best method of storing supers and deep frames season to season?
Resources

Rules and regulations:

Field Guide to Beekeeping: Beekeeping Rules and Regulations

https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Bureaus-and-Services/Plant-and-Apiary-Inspection/Apiary-Inspection

A Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQVs6-xm3mVNdwW4Zt8McQ

Honey Bee Swarming: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in874

Supers: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/11,-November-2014,-Assembling-Supers,-low-res.pdf

Episode 48: Extension & Time Dedication to Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, we are joined by Randall Cass from Iowa State University, who will be discussing his role in extension and outreach, including providing beekeeping information to predominately Spanish-speaking communities. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the time dedication required for beekeeping depending on the number hives and season. This episode is concluded with a Q&A segment. Episode 48 Transcription

Q&A
1. I am preparing for the spring and currently have a single deep. Eventually I would like to have one deep and one medium. When should I put the medium on? Or is something else recommended? Also, if I plan on adding a queen excluder and another medium super, would I add both the medium boxes at the same time?
2. Can you explain what you mean when you say you are “dissecting” a hive?
3. If I have a large hive with a small Varroa load, should I use a hard control to target the small percentage of Varroa, or should I use a soft control to maybe stress the bees less, or does it not make a difference?
Resources

Randall Cass’s e-mail: randall@iastate.edu

Randall Cass’s Instagram: @iowastatebees

Varroa Decision Guide: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroatool/

Beekeeping Time Dedication: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in848

Episode 47: Cape Honey Bees & Benefits of Starting Colonies with a Nuc
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Madeleine Beekman from the University of Sydney, who will be discussing Cape honey bees and worker policing. In the 5 Minute Management segment, we will be discussing the benefits of starting a colony with a nuc. This episode will be ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 47 Transcription

Q&A
1. Do nematodes survive in the winter? What do nematodes have to do with honey bees?
2. Is there a way to extend a nectar flow? What are some heavy-duty nectar producers that can be grown in pots?
3. Could a hobbyist beekeeper successfully integrate any of these tolerant and/or hygienic genetics into their apiaries?  
Resources

Madeleine Beekman: https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/madeleine-beekman.html

Worker Policing: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsbl.2005.0294

Cape bee: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2593727/

Nematodes and Small Hive Beetles: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in854

Episode 46: Kim Flottum & Starting Colonies with Packages of Bees
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, we are joined by Kim Flottum, the former Editor of Bee Culture magazine, who continuously gets information out about bees through numerous podcasts and books. In our 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy will focus on starting colonies with packages of bees. We end today’s episode with a Q&A segment. Episode 46 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can a queen excluder be used if it is rusted? How can the rust be removed safely?
2. Do queens lay different sized eggs in different cell types? What is the cell size difference?
3. If you are able to capture a swarm that happens before the honey flow, is it possible to return some of the workers back to the parent hive?
Resources

Kim Flottum: https://www.beeculture.com/kim-flottum-bee-culture-editor/

Beekeeping Today Podcast: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/

Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com/

2 Million Blossoms: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/2-million-blossoms-kirsten-traynor-s2-e09/

Honey Bee Swarming: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in874

Episode 45: Suppressed in Ovo Virus Infection & Necessary Beekeeping Equipment for Beginners
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Dirk de Graaf from Ghent University, who discusses suppressed in ovo virus infection (SOV). In our 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy will discuss the beekeeping equipment that is necessary for getting started in beekeeping. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 45 Transcription

Q&A
1. Has there been any research to determine if moving an egg is a honey bee behavior?
2. Honey bees rob each other for different resources. Would it be possible for honey bees to rob eggs from different colonies?
3. What do you think about using a leaf blower to remove bees from honey supers? Is this harmful to bees or is there another method that you prefer to remove bees from honey supers?
Notes and additional resources

Professor Dirk de Graaf: https://biblio.ugent.be/person/800000008061

Scientific Reports: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-71388-x

Beekeeping Equipment: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/beekeeping-equipment/

Robbing Behavior in Honey Bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1064

Episode 44: Local Honey Bees in the UK & Foundation Type Pros & Cons
In this episode, we are joined by Norman Carreck, a beekeeper from the UK and Carreck Consultancy, who discusses local honey bees and adaptation. This is followed by our 5 Minute Management section, where Jamie and Amy discuss the pros and cons of the different types of foundation. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 44 Transcription

Q&A
1. One day, I check my hives and everything looks good. The next day, there are hundreds of dead bees on the bottom screen and the ground outside of the hive. What causes this? Where can I have an autopsy done?
2. My equipment came into contact with a Raid fumigator. Can it still be used if it is aired out for a while?
3. We know that a colony will replace their queen if she is "damaged". Has any research been done on what constitutes damage? If I clip a queen's wing, is she more likely to be perceived as damaged?
Notes and additional resources

Norman Carreck: https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p230460-norman-carreck

British Beekeeping Association: https://www.bbka.org.uk/find-beekeeping-near-you

COLOSS: https://coloss.org/

The BeeMD: http://www.thebeemd.com/

Episode 43: Temperature Stress of Queen Quality and Types of Foundation
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Alison McAfee from NC State University, who discusses the impact of temperature stress on queen honey bee quality. This is followed by our 5 Minute Management section, where Jamie and Amy discuss the different types of foundation. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 43 Transcription

Q&A
1. Have there been any research to show that red lights in the hive control small hive beetle?
2. Are there any scientific studies concerning the claim that pollen present in raw honey can relieve allergy symptoms?
3. Have there been any studies regarding drone numbers near commercial queen-mating yards vs. drone numbers in a similar ecosystem without mating nucs?
4. Are there recommendations for the number of drone source colonies per number of mating nucs in an area?
Notes and additional resources

Alison McAfee: https://cals.ncsu.edu/entomology-and-plant-pathology/people/amcafee/

Vulnerability of honey bee queens to heat-induced loss of fertility: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-0493-x?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=commission_junction&utm_campaign=3_nsn6445_deeplink_PID100011630&utm_content=deeplink

Beekeeping Equipment: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/beekeeping-equipment/

Small Hive Beetle: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in854

Honey and Health: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/osceolaco/2018/06/06/honey/

Honey Bee Mating Biology: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/24,-December-2015,-Mating-Biology,-low-res.pdf

Episode 42: Introducing a New Format & Discussing Pesticides
In today’s episode, we are joined by Ben Powell, apiculture and pollinator protection specialist from Clemson University, who will be discussing pesticides and their impacts on honey bees. Next, Jamie has 5 minutes to break down today’s management topic: properly storing unused equipment. We will end today’s episode with everybody’s favorite question and answer segment, Stump the Chump. Episode 42 Transcription

Q&A
1. Most people are constrained by space- in an ideal world, what would be the ultimate distance between hives to mitigate disease transmission, robbing and drifting?
2. My colonies of Russian strains dramatically shut down on brood and size when pollen and nectar sources are slow. What causes this colony size decrease?
3. Can a laying queen immediately be placed into a queen-less colony?
Notes and additional resources

Ben Powell: https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/bpowel2

South Carolina State Beekeepers Association: https://scstatebeekeepers.com/

Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1027

Mosquito Control and Beekeepers: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in813

Protecting Bees and Other Pollinators from Pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection

Robbing behavior: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1064

Bee Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bee_ipm

Episode 41: Honey Bee Pheromones and How to Provide Extension Program Feedback
In this episode, Amy and Jamie will dedicate an entire segment to how you, our listeners, can help us improve this podcast. But first, we will be joined by Dr. Victoria Soroker who will be discussing pheromonal communication in honey bees. Finally, we end with everyone’s favorite game show, Stump the Chump. Episode 41 Transcription

Q&A
1. How do you differentiate between uncapped honey not ready for harvest and uncapped honey that is ready?
2. What is it about the taste of honey that tells you it has fermented?
3. Is honey considered a liquid or solid in the mail?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Victoria Soroker: https://www.agri.gov.il/people/767.aspx

Olfaction as a Target for Control of Varroa: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333156122_Olfaction_as_a_Target_for_Control_of_Honeybee_Parasite_Mite_Varroa_destructor

COLOSS: https://coloss.org/

Bottling, Labeling and Selling Honey in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in918

Episode 40: Pesticide Applicator Training & Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungal Pathogens
In today’s episode we will be interviewing Dr. Andony Melathopoulos from Oregon State University who will discuss pesticide applicator training. We will follow that with a segment where Amy and Jamie discuss honey bee viruses, bacteria and fungal pathogens. We end with Q&A. Episode 40 Transcription

Q&A
1. By the end of October, why does my hive dwindle down to a handful of bees?
2. Do Slovenian and top-bar constructions offer an advantage from an inspection standpoint?
3. One of my 40 hives is being robbed heavily. What do I need to do?
Notes and additional resources

Andony Melathopoulos:https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/users/andony-melathopoulos

Minimizing honey bee exposure to pesticides: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1027

Protecting bees and other pollinators from pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection

Robbing behavior in honey bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1064

Biotic stressors of honey bee colonies:

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/31,-July-2016,-Biotic-Stressors-of-Honey-Bees,-low-res.pdf

Diseases and pests of the honey bee:

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/AA09000-Pests-and-Diseases.pdf

Episode 39: USDA Honey Bee Lab in Baton Rouge & World Honey Bee Health
In this episode we will be interviewing Dr. Mike Simone-Finstrom, acting research leader at the USDA honey bee breeding, genetics, and physiology lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We will follow that by interviewing our very own, Dr. Humberto Boncristiani, from the HBREL on the World Honey Bee Health project. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 39 Transcription

Q&A
1. Will an unmated queen leave with a swarm?
2. Is it safe to use bamboo to make equipment for honey bees?
3. Is a stinger both an ovipositor and a stinger, or does something change?
Notes and additional resources

Mike Simone-Finstrom:https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/people/mike-simone-finstrom

Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association: http://www.russianbreeder.org/

Humberto Boncristiani:http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/about-us/people/

World Honey Bee Health: http://worldhoneybeehealth.com/

Swarm Control for Managed Beehives: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in970

Episode 38: Hive on Public Land and How Honey Bees Choose New Sites
In this episode, we are joined by Eric Silva, a consultant for the American Honey Producers Association who will be talking about keeping honey bee colonies on public land. Then, we will interview Dr. Tom Seeley, a professor at Cornell University and world expert on honey bee swarm biology, who will be discussing how honey bees choose nest sites. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 38 Transcription

Q&A
1. How do I know if where I live is a good place for making honey?
2. Why do four of my hives consistently have more Varroa than the others, despite receiving the same treatment?
3. Do queen excluders cause bees to die more quickly? Why do some people call them "honey excluders"?
Notes and additional resources

American Honey Producers Association: https://www.ahpanet.com/

Thomas Seeley:https://nbb.cornell.edu/thomas-seeley

Thomas D. Seeley Website: http://pages.nbb.cornell.edu/seeley.shtml

The Lives of Bees, Dr. Tom Seeley: https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Bees-Untold-Story-Honey/dp/0691166765

Honeybee Democracy, Dr. Tom Seeley: https://www.amazon.com/Honeybee-Democracy-Thomas-D-Seeley/dp/0691147213

Episode 37: History of the Honey Industry & Arthropod Invaders
In this episode, we are joined by Doug McGinnis, former owner of Tropical Blossom Honey, who is an expert on the history of the honey industry and importing and exporting honey. Then, Amy will interview Jamie on arthropod invaders in honey bee colonies. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 37 Transcription

Q&A
1. How do you limit the growth of a colony?
2. When should I add a honey super in Florida during fall?
3. Is it possible to pay for a type of honey bee that has traits which can reduce the need to treat for Varroa?
Notes and additional resources

Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA): https://www.susta.org/

Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in918

Diseases and Pests of the Honey Bee: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/AA09000-Pests-and-Diseases.pdf

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Bureaus-and-Services/Office-Locations/Apiary-Inspector-Directory

Episode 36: Drone Congregation Areas & Queen Bee Production in Europe
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ashley Mortenson from Plant and Food Research in New Zealand, who will be talking about drone congregation areas. Then we will interview Dr. Raffaele Dall’Olio, an independent honey bee research and extension specialist in Italy, who will be discussing queen bee production in Europe. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 36 Transcription

Q&A
1. What is the significant of the three honeycomb pattern on your logo?
2. Why don't we hear more about essential oils to assist with diseases, Varroa, or small hive beetle?
3. Do drones have the ability to produce wax? Do they have wax glands?
Notes and additional resources

Segment 1

Ashley Mortenson Bio: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/2029829747-Ashley-N-Mortensen

Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/oHVDNbDyXr8GDHNn8

NZ Plant and Food Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantandfood/

NZ Plant and Food Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantandfood

NZ Plant and Food Twitter: https://twitter.com/plantandfood

Varroa on drones at DCA’s: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-018-6035-z

Apis mellifera scutellata drones at regional mating areas: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0161331

Segment 2

Dr. Raffaele Dall'Olio: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Raffaele_DallOlio

Dr. Raffaele Dall’Olio: https://coloss.org/profile/913/

Bee Breed: www.BeeBreed.eu

Effects of shipping on queen quality: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340045709_Effect_of_shipping_boxes_attendant_bees_and_temperature_on_honey_bee_queen_sperm_quality_Apis_mellifera

International Honey Bee Breeding Network: https://ihbbn.org/

COLOSS: http://coloss.org/what-we-do/

Suppressed mite reproduction (SMR) explained by the behavior of adult bees: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00218839.2005.11101141

Locally adapted honey bee breeding: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335777659_IHBBN_reducing_colony_losses_by_breeding_locally_adapted_honey_bees

Impacts of neonicotinoids on queens: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283955459_Field_assessment_of_impacts_of_different_neonicotinoids_on_honey_bee_queens_and_drones

Episode 35: Natural Varroa-Resistant Honey Bees and Small Hive Beetles
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Steve Martin, a professor from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom, who will be discussing his research on natural Varroa-resistant honey bees. This will be followed by a segment where Cameron interviews Jamie, on small hive beetles. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 35 Transcription

Q&A
1. When do queen bees and nurse bees sleep or rest? How do bees tell the difference between night and day if it's dark in the hive?
2. Are there winter bees in the south? What makes a winter bee develop differently in the north versus the south?
3. Have direct-fed probiotics been studied for Nosema control?
Notes and additional resources

BBKA News - Natural Varroa-Resistant Honey Bees: https://www.bbka.org.uk/shop/bbka-special-edition-natural-varroa-resistant-honey-bees-new

Varroa destructor reproduction and cell re-capping in mite-resistant Apis mellifera populations: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-019-00721-9

Small Hive Beetle Resources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/small-hive-beetles

Episode 34: Drone Congregation Areas and Nosema
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ben Oldroyd, a professor from the University of Sydney in Australia, who will be discussing his new research on the use of drones at drone congregation areas to estimate the density of wild honey bee colonies. This will be followed by an interview with Dr. Cameron Jack from the University of Florida, who is an expert on Nosema. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 34 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is it wrong to install honey supers on a colony during mite treatment?
2. I've tried the Demaree method, but the bees keep filling back in the empty brood frames of honey so I end up with half-filled frames and then nothing to return down to the brood chamber. Is there a way to prevent this?
3. When working Africanized bees, people will breathe through a 50ft tube to avoid producing carbon dioxide so that the bees don't know they're coming. This is common?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Benjamin P. Oldroyd Publications

Assessing the Density of Honey Bee Colonies at Ecosystem Scales

Estimating the density of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

The density of feral honey bee colonies in South East Australia

Swarm Control for Managed Beehives: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in970

Episode 33: Varroa Sensitive Hygiene & Various Beekeeping Climates
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jeff Harris from Mississippi State University, an expert on Varroa Sensitive Hygiene traits. This is followed by a segment where Dr. Ellis and Amy discuss overwintering colonies in different climates. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 33 Transcription

Q&A
1. Has there been any research on combining two or more different chemical treatments at the same time to treat Varroa?
2. If the daughter of a non-local queen has survived a season, does that mean she's been adapted to the colony?
3. Are there more than one type of Varroa? Do they look the same?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Jeff Harris

Bee Informed Partnership

Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Control

Varroa species comparison

Episode 32: Generational & Commercial Beekeeping
In this episode, we are joined by Logan Cutts to talk about his experience as a fifth-generation beekeeper. This is followed by a segment where Dr. Ellis and Amy discuss the commercial beekeeping industry. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 32 Transcription

Q&A
1. What's the deal with Manuka honey? Why is it so fancy, and why do people want it?
2. Should we keep bees in the sun or the shade? Where is the best placement, and should the entrances be faced in a certain direction?
3. Can bees survive in observation hives? Does the placement of these hives matter?
Notes and additional resources

Industry Updates for Florida Beekeepers

Economic Value of Commercial Beekeeping

Getting to Know Commercial Beekeepers

Revenue Sources for a Commercial Beekeeping Operation in the Pacific Northwest

Operational Equipment Expenses for a Commercial Beekeeping Operation in the Pacific Northwest

Keeping Bees in Florida

Beekeeper Registration in Florida

Episode 31: Scout Bees & Bee Stings
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Juliana Rangel to talk about scout bees. This is followed by a segment where Dr. Ellis and Amy discuss bee stings. We end this episode with Q&A. Episode 31 Transcription

Q&A
1. Can sugar water go bad?
2. Do we remove supers to prevent amitraz contamination?
3. When a commercial beekeeper is loading a pallet of hives, what are the bees doing?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Juliana Rangel

Bee Stings:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig099

https://ufdc.ufl.edu/IR00004422/00001

Episode 30: 2019-2020 BIP Colony Loss Survey and Queen Bees
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Geoff Williams to discuss the 2020 Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) preliminary survey. Then Amy and Jamie talk about queen bees. Episode 30 Transcription

Q&A
1. When removing supers, should burr comb be melted and applied to frames to encourage honey bees to building into that super?
2. What are "zom-bees"?
3. I heard foundationless frames made smaller work bees, which led to less Varroa. Is this true?
Notes and additional resources

Geoff Williams

BIP Loss and Management Survey

Queens

Episode 29: Quality Queens and the Top Honey Bee Stressors
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. David Tarpy to learn what it means to have quality queen bees and about his Queen and Disease Clinic at North Carolina State University. Then Amy and Jamie discuss the biggest stressors that honey bee colonies face according to the Bee Informed Partnership. We end with a Q&A. Episode 29 Transcription

Q&A
1. I harvested my honey and there are a lot of bubbles. Is this OK or should I wait before putting a lid on it?
2. What kind of hive stand is the best?
3. Would it be OK if I got rid of deeps and used a different size hive box?
Notes and additional resources

David Tarpy

Queen and Disease Clinic

Bee Informed Partnership

Episode 28: Queen Polyandry and the Label is the Law
In this episode we speak with Dr. Keith Delaplane about queen mating behavior. For the second segment, Dr. Ellis and Amy discuss the role of labels and how to interpret them, and we finish up with Q&A. Episode 28 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is there a way to control mold in a hive?
2. How can you tell the difference between wax moths and small hive beetle larva?
3. How do you deal with high moisture content in your honey?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Keith Delaplane

Honey Bee Breeding: Fact or Fiction?

Pesticide Labeling

Introduction to Pesticide Labels

Episode 27: Black Bee Honey
In this episode we speak to Black Bee Honey, a non-profit organization aiming to turn ‘food deserts to food oases,’ and encourage young entrepreneurs. The first segment describes how they provide youth the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship. In the second segment, we go more in depth into how this program was developed and how you can begin one in your area. Episode 27 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is honey safe to eat when pregnant? Can bacteria in honey cause botulism? Does the bacteria affect the bees?
2. Why do queens have different colored abdomens?
3. Why do bees sometimes exhibit behavior or wash boarding?
Notes and additional resources

Black Bee Honey

https://www.blackbeehoneyhq.com/Home

https://www.blackbeehoneyhq.com/About-PKZ

Q&A resources

Infant Botulism and Honey

Wash Boarding

Episode 26: Women in Beekeeping
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Tammy Potter to discuss the role of women in beekeeping. Then we speak with Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda about what it means to be an Extension Specialist, her programs in Tennessee, and some emerging topics in the honey bee world. Episode 26 Transcription

Q&A
1. When moving a hive, is it true that you need to move them 'two feet a day or two miles away'?
2. How can we incorporate integrated pest management when using a top bar hive?
3. Are there any essential oils we should not be using in the hive that attract small hive beetle?
Notes and additional resources

Tammy Potter:

https://www.beeculture.com/tammy-horn-potter/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bees-in-america-tammy-horn/1100312731

https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Power-Establishing-Pollinator-Habitat/dp/187807556X

https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/about-the-coalition/

https://www.projectapism.org/pam-board-of-directors.html

https://www.easternapiculture.org/about-eas/eas-contacts.html

Jennifer Tsuruda:

https://epp.tennessee.edu/people/directory/dr-jennifer-tsuruda/

https://epp.tennessee.edu/masterbee/

Episode 25: Queen 'Duets' and the Story of Honey Bee History
In this episode we discuss recent research conducted by lead scientist, Dr. Martin Bencsik, who studied honey bee queen ’duets’. Then we hear from Dr. Malcolm Sanford, professor emeritus from the University of Florida, about his research and career experiences. Episode 25 Transcription

Q&A
1. What does it mean when beekeepers are 'treatment free'?
2. Is Amdro safe to use around hives?
3. How many dead bees is enough to cause concern?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Martin Bencsik:https://www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/science-technology/martin-bencsik

Queen bees ‘toot’ to instruct colony to keep them safe

https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2020/06/queen-bees-toot-to-instruct-colony-to-keep-them-safe

Dr. Malcolm Sanford: http://apisenterprises.com/vita.htm

Apis Enterprises: http://apisenterprises.com/apis_ent.htm

Apis Information Resource News: https://beekeep.info/apis-newsletter

What Scientists and Beekeepers Want: https://beekeep.info/a-treatise-on-modern-honey-bee-management/bee-research-what-scientists-and-beekeepers-want/

The State of Bee Science: http://apisenterprises.com/papers_htm/BC2006/The%20State%20of%20Bee%20Research.htm

Video with Humberto: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMvo1IUOsOfUrz-PIKi7d9gKKUA6NWP9

Books for Malcolm T. Sanford: https://www.workman.com/authors/malcolm-t-sanford

Episode 24: BeeMD and Honey Labeling Guidelines
In this episode we discuss BeeMD with Dr. Dewey Caron and Dr. Debbie Delaney. Then we hear from Chris Hiatt, the vice president of the American Honey Producers Association (AHPA) to discuss AHPA, some of their initiatives, including a hot topic in the commercial beekeeping industry: honey labeling guidelines. Episode 24 Transcription

Q&A
1. Is there a resistance to amitraz?
2. What does it mean when beekeepers talk about mite resistance or Varroa sensitivity?
3. Where would someone find queens who are resistant to certain problems?
Notes and additional resources

BeeMD: http://www.thebeemd.com/

Dewey Caron:http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/pollinationpodcast/2017/10/23/dr-dewey-m-caron/

Debbie Delaney:https://www.udel.edu/canr/departments/entomology-and-wildlife-ecology/faculty-staff/debbie-delaney/

American Honey Producers Association (AHPA): https://www.ahpanet.com/about-ahpa

AHPA App: https://www.ahpanet.com/latest-news

Chris Hiatt: https://www.ahpanet.com/officers-executive-board

Episode 23: Best Management Practices and Factors That Determine a Worker vs a Queen
In this episode we discuss the five best and worst commercial beekeeping management practices with Dan Aruell and Matt Hoepfinger from the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP). Then we hear from Dr. Julia Bowsher, to learn about her research on the factors that determine whether a female larvae will become a worker or queen bee. Episode 23 Transcription

Q&A
1. I have a hive with screen bottom boards. I coat the plastic bottom boards with oil to collect 'all the good stuff'. I've heard of others who use diatomaceous earth. What are the pros and cons of diatomaceous earth?
2. How does someone recognize forage resources around them and are there resources for determining what kind of forage is around you? Are there quantitative measures?
Notes and additional resources

Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) https://beeinformed.org/about/

Dan and Matt’s Bio: https://beeinformed.org/about/staff/

Julia Bowsher Lab Page:https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~jbowsher/BowsherLab/Home.html

Royal Jelly Does Not A Queen Make https://www.insidescience.org/news/royal-jelly-does-not-queen-make

Episode 22: Blue Calamintha and ‘Found in Translation’
In this episode we discuss the re-discovery of the blue calamintha bee with Dr. Chase Kimmel. Then we hear from Dr. Jay Evans, to learn about his column, ‘Found in Translation’. Episode 22 Transcription

Q&A
1. How do you deal with bull ants?
2. I just installed a package of bees into a new hive, the queen is in her cage with a sugar cork. The bees are clustering on the outside of the nest entrance and the cluster is getting bigger. What should I do?
3. What qualifies someone as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced beekeeper?
Notes and additional resources

Blue calamintha bee:

https://www.prevention.com/life/a32613640/rare-blue-calamintha-bees-florida/

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/daniels-lab/chase-kimmel/

Found in Translation

Bee Optimism

Additional Information on Ants:

Two Bees in a Podcast: Even Though I'm an Entomologist, I'm Not an "Ant"omologist

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1181

Episode 21: USDA Research Labs and State Beekeeping Associations
In this episode we hear from Dr. Jay Evans, and learn about the role of USDA Bee Research Laboratories and what they do for beekeepers. This is followed by a discussion with Jennifer Holmes, the Florida State Beekeepers Association president, on state beekeeper associations. Episode 21 Transcription

Q&A
1. After I work my bees, I smell like smoke the rest of the day. Is there a trick to removing smoke?
2. When you first receive a package, I've been told that I should seal the entrance for the first day or two, is this true?
3. Several times in a few weeks, I've seen small swarms head out over water and then return. When we captured the swarm, there was no queen, but the bees began to return to their hive. Have you seen this behavior before?
Notes and additional resources

USDA Research Labs

Baton Rouge, LA :

https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/

Beltsville, MD:

https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/bee-research-laboratory/

Logan, UT:

https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/pollinating-insect-biology-management-systematics-research/

Tucson, AZ:

https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/tucson-az/carl-hayden-bee-research-center/

State Beekeeper Associations

https://flstatebeekeepers.com/

https://www.abfnet.org/general/custom.asp?page=florida

https://www.abfnet.org/

National, regional, and state associations:

https://www.honeytraveler.com/honey-by-country-region/united-states/united-states-beekeeping-associations/

Episode 20: The Role of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and Mosquito Control
In this episode we discuss the role of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and their relationship with apiculture. In the second segment of this podcast episode, we speak with Caitlin Gill from the Florida Department of Agriculture, about mosquito control for beekeepers. Episode 20 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are things that beekeepers can do to prevent mosquitoes?
2. What ratio do you recommend for sugar water, and why?
3. I have a split that didn't re-queen. I added a new frame of eggs, there is an empty queen cell but no sign of her. It is poorly populated... is it a loss?
Notes and additional resources

Florida Farm Bureau Federation

Mosquito Control

https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Mosquito-Control

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in813

http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2017/09/22/mosquito-control-florida-beekeepers/

Episode 19: Social Immunity and Swarms
In this episode we are joined by Distinguished McKnight Professor, Dr. Marla Spivak, to learn about social immunity. Amy and Jamie have a discussion on swarms, and we wrap up with Q&A. Episode 19 Transcription

Q&A
1. How soon should I put a honey super on a newly split ten frame hive?
2. Can you tell us about treating for mites prophylactically?
3. Are supers safe to reuse if they have tested positive for European foulbrood in the past?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. Marla Spivak

Propolis

European Foulbrood

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1272

https://beeinformed.org/2013/04/05/european-foulbrood-efb-identification/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05tCHtUyNHM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyiaV222JoQ

Episode 18: Honey Bee Friendly Landscaping and Equipment Tips and Tricks
In this episode we are joined by UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Agent, Brooke Moffis, to learn about landscaping for bees. We wrap up this episode with a discussion on commonly asked question about specific beekeeping equipment such as woodenware and bottom boards. Episode 18 Transcription

Q&A
1. How did beetles find my hive only hours after installing them?
2. What are small cell foundations?
3. What is the best way to move frames in a hive without crushing the queen?
Notes and additional resources

Brooke Moffis

Landscaping for Honey Bees

Beekeeping Equipment

Asian Giant Hornet Special: Truths and Myths about Vespa mandarinia

In this episode we are joined by Chris Looney, Entomologist for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, who discusses the current situation surrounding the Asian giant hornet.

Notes and additional resources

Washington State Department of Agriculture

Asian Giant Hornet Information

FAQ

Vespa mandarinia Featured Creatures

Asian Giant Hornet EDIS

Other resources

Vespa velutina

Episode 17: Beekeeping in Barbados and a Look into the Use of Oxalic Acid
In this episode we are joined by David Small, who discusses his experiences and knowledge of beekeeping in the Caribbean and how Varroa have affected the industry. We wrap up this episode with Dr. Cameron Jack, whose segment focuses on the use of oxalic acid as a pest management tool. Episode 17 Transcription

Q&A
1. Should you select and remove drones?
2. Do drones take resources away from the larvae?
3. Can you get different sizes of drone within your colony?
Notes and additional resources

David Smalls

Varroa

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/varroa/

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in855

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5vVrAy6CEU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HyBbs9454&feature=youtu.be

https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroa/

Dr. Cameron Jack

Efficacy of Oxalic Acid Vaporization

Episode 16: When You Have Competition, It Raises the Quality of a Product
In this episode we are joined by Michael Young, who discusses Honey Judging, and we wrap up Bill Kern's pest series with a conversation about miscellaneous pests. Episode 16 Transcription

Q&A
1. What are books and resources for beekeepers?
2. Can you combine frames from two hives to make one walkaway split?
Notes and additional resources

Michael Young

UF/IFAS Honey Judge Program

Dr. Bill Kern

Bee Pests

Jamie's References

Honey Bees and Beekeeping: A Year in the Life of an Apiary

Storey's Guide to Keeping Bees

The Beekeeper's Handbook

Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping

The Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden

The Hive and the Honey Bee

ABC & Xyz of Bee Culture: An Encyclopedia of Beekeeping

COVID-19 Special: Updates on the Beekeeping Industry

In this very special episode, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on beekeepers and how it connects with our food system. We are joined by Jason Mathis from Florida Farm Bureau, and Tony Hogg who is a beekeeper and the chair of the Apiary Advisory committee for the Florida Farm Bureau.

Notes and additional resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tony Hogg

Jason Mathis

Florida Farm to You

Episode 15: Popular Beekeeping Journals
In this episode we discuss available resources and beekeeping journals by editors around the country: Eugene Makovec, the editor of American Bee Journal, and Jerry Hayes, the editor of Bee Culture (who has a little surprise for our podcast listeners!). Episode 15 Transcript

Q&A
1. Why doesn’t the Africanized honey bee gene pool get watered down?
2. Is checking a hive once a week (or more) bad for the colony?
3. What to do about swarms?
Notes and additional resources

Eugene Makovec: American Bee Journal

Jerry Hayes: Bee Culture

Differences Between European and African Honey Bees

Time Commitment Associated with Keeping Bees

Swarms

Episode 14: Once a Bear Finds an Apiary, It Will Keep Going Back
We are accompanied by Sarah Red-Laird, the founder and executive director of The Bee Girl Organization, to talk about bee nutrition, forage, and regenerative agriculture, we will be continuing our Apiary Pest discussion with Bill Kern talking about bears, and Q&A. Episode 14 Transcript

Q&A
1. Should you bottom super or top super? If you bottom super, what’s the order to do that?
2. Is there any information on Azaleas and honey bees?
3. I have honey bees in my tree. What can I do to remove them?
Notes and additional resources

Sarah Red-Laird

Bee Girl

Ted Talk

Habitat installation Guide

Dr. William Kern

Florida Bears and Beekeepers

Florida Black Bear Management

Episode 13: Top 10 Tips for Beekeepers
In this episode, Dave Westervelt discusses the history of beekeeping, we continue our pest series with Dr. Kern discussing wasps, and Dr. Ellis lists his top ten tips for beekeepers. Episode 13 Transcript

Q&A
1. Can you smoke bees too much?
2. How does the hive keep a balance between drones and workers?
3. Can the queen lay different types of eggs?
Notes and additional resources

David Westervelt

Dr. Bill Kern

Wasps and Bees

Dr. Jamie Ellis

Jamie's Top 10 Tips (Page '34')

Episode 12: Scientifically Rigorous Information
Interviews with key members of the International Bee Research Association, including Professor Dr. William Kirk, discussing the history of IBRA, Dr. Robert Brodschneider, the editor of the journal Bee World, and Dr. Maria Bouga, the editor of the Journal of Apicultural Research. Jamie and Cameron include a synopsis of what it means to publish academic research. Episode 12 Transcript

Q&A
1. Why should we care about the honey bee gut?
2. What are super sisters?
3. What is the difference between orientation flights, swarming, and robbing?
Notes and additional resources

Dr. William Kirk

International Bee Research Association

IBRA Introductory Leaflet

COLOSS

Dr. Robert Brodschneider

Bee World

Dr. Maria Bouga

Journal of Apicultural Research

Episode 11: Even Though I'm an Entomologist, I'm Not an “Ant”omologist
An interview with 2020 American Honey Princess, Sydnie Paulsrud, about the American Beekeeping Federation and the Honey Queen Program, followed by Bill Kern beginning our “Pests in the Apiary” series with a discussion about ants, and Q&A. Episode 11 Transcript

Q&A
1. How many hives are needed per acre in almond pollination?
2. Are top bar hives a better choice for bee health?
3. When should a beekeeper be worried about hive beetles?
Notes and additional resources

American Honey Princess

Honey Queen Program and Brochures

Dr. Bill Kern

Ants in the Apiary

Almond Pollination

Top Bar Hives

Small Hive Beetle

Episode 10: Honey Bees Are Animals and They Deserve to Be in Good Health
An interview with Dr. Meghan Milbrath about European foulbrood, followed by a discussion with Dr. Milbrath about Honey Bee Treatments, Dr. Bill Kern talks about Africanized Honey Bees, and we finish with Q&A. Episode 10 Transcript

Q&A
1. I treated my colonies for Varroa, and about two months afterward, I started seeing Varroa again and my bees had deformed wing virus. What happened?
2. Do honey bees dislike bananas?
3. Why do you have to pay for bee removal?
Notes and additional resources

European Foul Brood
Milbrath: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/meghan_milbrath
EFB Bee Informed Partnership: https://beeinformed.org/2013/04/05/european-foulbrood-efb-identification/
European Foulbrood: A Bacterial Disease Affecting Honey Bee Brood: https://impact.extension.org/extension-articles/

Treatment
Diagnosis of Honey Bee Diseases: https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/_2016_disease_pdf_version_s.pdf

Africanized Honey Bees
Kern: https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/william-kern/
African Honey Bee, Africanized Honey Bee, Killer Bee, Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in790
Differences Between European and African Honey Bees: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in784

Episode 9: The First Responders in Bee Health Issues
A discussion with the Florida Assistant Bureau Chief of Apiary Inspection, Brandi Stanford, an interview with pollination ecology expert, Dr. Rachel Mallinger, and Q&A. Episode 9 Transcript

Q&A
1. Logan Cutts wants to know, how many retweets until you will let him do a bee-beard at Bee College?
2. How long can mites survive after the colony dies?
3. How many mites can be eliminated with a brood break?
4. Do some people still consider honey bees an invasive species?
Notes and additional resources

Rules and Regulations: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Bees-Apiary/Apiary-Inspection

Mallinger Lab: http://www.rachelmallinger.com/

Episode 8: Commercial Beekeeping… One Day at a Time, One Issue at a Time
An interview with Dr. Josette Lewis with the Almond Board of California, a discussion with Sarah Stern, a commercial beekeeper/co-owner of Concord Farms about her life as a commercial beekeeper, and Q&A. Episode 8 Transcript

Q&A
1. Do commercial beekeepers do preventative treatments for AFB?
2. What government programs are available to help commercial beekeepers in the event of heavy colony losses?
3. Is theft a problem in your operation?
4. Are you concerned about pests and pathogens when transporting bees?
Notes and additional resources

Almond Board of California: https://www.almonds.com/

Concord Farms Bees: https://www.concordfarmsbees.com/

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/

Honey Bee Protection in Florida: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Bees-Apiary/Honey-Bee-Protection-in-Florida

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP): https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index

Beekeepers hit hard by thefts of hives: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/05/bee-thieves-cost-beekeepers-thousands/

Catch the Buzz- Almond Pollination Colonies: https://www.beeculture.com/catch-the-buzz-almond-pollination-colonies-being-stolen-again-know-your-beekeeper-mark-your-hives-hide-your-hives/

Identification and Treatment of European Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1272

Episode 7: Risk Is Simply the Product of Multiplying Toxicity and Exposure
An interview with Dr. Judy Wu-Smart, Extension & Research Entomologist University of Nebraska-Lincoln, on her pesticide research, Jamie and Amy discuss pesticide risk and what that really means, and Q&A. Episode 7 Transcript

Q&A
1. Is there anything interesting about the bees’ knees?
2. Do commercial beekeepers do preventative treatments for AFB, and should backyard beekeepers be doing it?
3. Are heat treatments for mites effective?
4. What methods do you recommend to prevent and recover from heavy colony losses, such as winter losses?
Notes and additional resources

Judy Wu-Smart: https://entomology.unl.edu/faculty/dr-judy-wu-smart

UF HBREL Pesticides: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/pesticides/

Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides

Episode 6: If Your Goal Is to Keep Your Bees Alive
An interview with Randy Oliver about monitoring Varroa destructor, a discussion about the Bee Informed Partnership with Anne Marie Fauvel and Nathalie Steinhauer, and Q&A. Episode 6 Transcript

Q&A
1. What do you do if you want to keep bees but your HOA doesn’t allow it?
2. What do you recommend about buying bees online?
3. What’s the proper balance of reading and researching versus hands-on experience and learning as you go?
Notes and additional resources

Randy Oliver: http://scientificbeekeeping.com/

Varroa Information: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/pest-and-disease-resources/varroa/

Bee Informed Partnership: https://beeinformed.org/

Honey Bee Biology: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/honey-bee-biology/

Honey Bee Management: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/management/

Episode 5: Species Without Natural Enemies
What to do about honey bee dead-outs with Dr. Humberto Boncristiani, a discussion on invasive species with Dr. Jim Cuda, and Q&A. Episode 5 Transcription

Q&A
1. We are trying to save the bees, but what about wasps and yellow jackets?
2. Is it appropriate to include frames of wax in a bait hive when trying to attract a swarm?
3. Should you destroy queen cells in thriving colonies?
Notes and additional resources

HBREL Honey Bee Husbandry Research: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/research/honey-bee-husbandry/

HBREL Beekeeping Equipment: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/beekeeping-equipment/

James P. Cuda:http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/people-directory/james-cuda/

Carey Minteer: https://irrec.ifas.ufl.edu/minteer-/

What is happening with the Brazilian Peppertree: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2019/09/11/what-is-happening-with-the-brazilian-peppertree-schinus-terebinthifolia-insect-release/

Brazilian peppertree thrips: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BENEFICIAL/Pseudophilothrips_ichini.html

Yellow Brazilian peppertree leaf-galler: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/Calophya_latiforceps.htm

Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN11400.pdf

How Scientists Obtain Approval to Release Organisms for Classical Biological Control of Invasive Weeds: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN60700.pdf

Brazilian Peppertree Seed Chalcid, Megastigmus transvaalensis: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN45300.pdf

Brazilian Peppertree Control: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/AA/AA21900.pdf

Episode 4: What It Takes to Provide Purposeful Education
A summary of Extension and Research, and an interview with Dr. Meghan Milbrath from Michigan State University discussing her 50/50 Research/Extension appointment. Episode 4 Transcription

Q&A
1. How did you (Dr. Jamie Ellis) get into entomology?
2. What are the best ingredients to put into a smoker to calm bees?
Notes and additional resources

Land-Grant University Website Directory: https://nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory

HBREL Extension: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/

UF/IFAS Extension: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/

HBREL Research: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/research/

HBREL Research Publications: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/research/honey-bee-husbandry/publications-by-topic/

Dr. Meghan Milbrath: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/meghan_milbrath

The Sand Hill: http://www.sandhillbees.com/

Episode 3: The Mite Is Free to Move About the Cabin
A general overview of Varroa, honey bee pollen and nutrition, Master Beekeepers Programs, and Q&As. Episode 3 Transcription

Q&A
1. Why might you see bees in your landscape one year, but suddenly the next year they are gone?
2. What’s really going on when bees do the waggle dance?
3. What happens if the queen dies during swarming?
4. When do bees swarm?
Notes and additional resources

Varroa, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in855

Nutrition and Bee Plants: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/nutrition-and-bee-plants/

UF IFAS Master Beekeeper Program: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/events-and-activities/master-beekeeper-program/

Episode 2: The UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory
Learn about the HBREL, UF Instructional Programs, and what it means to have a Healthy Colony. Episode 2 Transcription

Q&A
1. What about ants?
2. What’s with worker bees laying eggs?
3. Do we have African bees here?
4. Should we be scared of having them?
Notes and additional resources

Instruction: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/instruction/

Cameron Jack: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/about-us/people/cameron-jack/

William Kern: https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/william-kern/

EDIS Ant Control in the Apiary: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1181

Episode 1: Introduction to the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab
Meet your “Two Bees in a Podcast” hosts, learn about their positions and experiences, find out more about what to expect from this podcast, and how you can be more involved! Episode 1 Transcription

Q&A
1. What do you think about the Flow Hive?
2. Can you use Oxalic acid treatment on the frames?
3. What is parasitic mite syndrome?
4. How effective are beetle blasters and dryer sheets?
5. How often should check beetle traps or blasters?