Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab

Two Bees in a Podcast

We are excited to share our "Two Bees in a Podcast". Have questions or comments? Please contact us at honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu

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. This episode ends with a Q&A segment.

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 larva 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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

FL 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is concluded with a Q&A.

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. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment.

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! This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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, we are joined by Alex Walton, a post-doctoral researcher in the department of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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.

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: https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-economic-entomology/volume-114/issue-4/toab111/Blueberry%20Yields%20Increase%20With%20Bee%20Visitation%20Rates,%20but%20Bee%20Visitation%20Rates%20are%20not%20Consistently%20Predicted%20by%20Colony%20Stocking%20Densities/10.1093/jee/toab111.full

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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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, we 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. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment.

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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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
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In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2021, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. If you mash up apples with water, and leave it out for the bees, are they apple 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.   

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 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 and Naturally Florida Podcast & How to Collect Wax
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2021, we 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 Count 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.   

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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 sound being made and nobody has been able to explain the source of the sound. 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 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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 queens wings be clipped? What other techniques can be used to prevent swarming?
Resources

Pollen nutrition fosters honeybee 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 on 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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 you setting yourself 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. What is the purpose of drilling 1” 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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 Pest
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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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

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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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/wpcontent/uploads/2021/06/Commercial_Beekeeping_060621.pdf

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. Do heating pads or cages apply to provide heat to the cooler months for a honey bee hive?
2. Is there a diet different between the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) and whether there is a diet difference that leads to the 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 Threat
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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. An individual had recently uncapped their honey and processed it and is not left with the capping's 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 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. What are honey bee cocoons?
2. Is it effective to allow 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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. Is being honey bound common and 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 have 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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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, they put a robbing screen on, but 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 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, we 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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 Buchler: https://www.unlv.edu/people/ralph-buechler

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 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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

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 bee keeping 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

Q&A
1. How long can a queen stay in the cage and stay healthy until they are able to be put in a split? How do you take care of them (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: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/adam_ingrao

Heros to Hives: https://www.canr.msu.edu/veterans/background

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, we are joined by 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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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 drone. 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.

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.

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.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

HumbertoBoncristiani: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.

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.

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.

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/

Supressed mite reproduction (SMR) explained by the behaviour 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 incorprate 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.

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.

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.

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 determing 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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, who’s segment focuses on the use of oxalic acid as a pest management tool.

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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?