Two Bees in a Podcast
We are excited to share our "Two Bees in a Podcast". To listen to the episodes, click here
Have questions or comments? Please contact us at honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Norman Carreck — Director of Carreck Consultancy Ltd. and Co-Editor of The Beekeepers Quarterly in the United Kingdom — to discuss Insignia-EU, an international citizen scientist environmental monitoring protocol. This episode ends with a Q&A segment. Check out our website: www.ufhoneybee.com for additional resources from today's episode. Episode 203 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 32:07)
- Can honey bees benefit from red light therapy?
- Since drone eggs are laid in different sized cells than worker cells, are the egg sizes different as well?
- How do bees hear one another since they do not have ears?
Resources
Norman Carreck: norman.carreck@btinternet.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Mike Allsopp—Senior Researcher in honey bee research for the Agricultural Research Council in Stellenbosch, South Africa to discuss beekeeping in South Africa. This episode ends with a Q&A segment. Check out our website: www.ufhoneybee.com for additional resources from today's episode. Episode 202 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 32:16)
- When a colony goes queen-less, why don’t their workers collect eggs from other hives?
- Will a clipped queen try to leave the hive during swarm season?
- What are the estimated number of visits nurse bees make to feed workers in comparison to queens?
Resources
Mike Allsopp: allsoppm@arc.agric.za
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 17th, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Antonios Tsagkarakis— Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture in the Department of Crop Sciences at the Agricultural University of Athens in Athens, Greece to discuss beekeeping in Greece as well as research that his lab is currently conducting. Episode 201 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 32:07)
- When using Formic Pro mite treatment, is there any information on queen mortality rates when following the treatment instructions on the label?
- Do bees dance to communicate that a food source is gone or used up?
- How disruptive is it for the bees when propolis is broken during an inspection?
Resources
Dr. Antonios Tsagkarakis: atsagarakis@aua.gr
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 10th, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis interviews our very own Amy Vu—to discuss the Leveling Up Extension program, through the USDA Beginner Farmer and Rancher Development Program, at the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory. Episode 200 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 23:41)
- What is the Demaree split and should beekeepers do it?
- Does feeding bees too much cause them to abscond?
- What are the differences between Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 3rd, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Brittney Goodrich—Assistant Professor in the Agriculture and Consumer Economics Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to discuss almond pollination contract analysis. Episode 199 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 32:16)
- Do you split your hives every year?
- If you split a colony, will it impact honey production?
- What do you look for to ensure that your splitting was successful?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 12th, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Dr. Andony Melathopoulos—Associate Professor of Pollinator Health Extension in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon—about updates on his lab and projects he’s working on. Episode198 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 26:20)
- When should you transfer a nuc over to an eight or ten framed hive body?
- Can small cell foundation be used to increase the population of the hive?
- Where should you put a frame feeder when installing nucs for the first time in an 8 or 10 frame box?
Resources
Dr. Andony Melathopoulos: melathoa@oregonstate.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on March 4, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Elizabeth Walsh- a USDA-ARS Research Entomologist at the Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana- to talk about "hangry" bees. Episode 197 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 20:44)
- When should you transfer a nuc over to an eight- or ten-framed hive body?
- Can small cell foundation be used to increase the population of a hive?
- Where should you put a frame feeder when installing nucs for the first time in a frame box?
Resources:
Dr. Elizabeth Walsh: Elizabeth.M.Walsh@usda.gov
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 26th, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Dewey Caron—a retired professor and the current content and communications specialist that oversees the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program in the Department of Horticulture with Oregon State University—about Citizen Science and The BeeMD. Episode 196 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 43:50)
- Do you have a recommendation of where to place frame feeders?
- If bees survive deformed wing virus and have a new queen after overwintering, does this make them resistant to deformed wing virus?
- Is there any research that shows any oils can treat Varroa?
Resources:
Dr. Dewey Caron: Dmcaron@udel.edu
The BeeMD Key to honey bee health conditions
UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab's Beekeeping Academy YouTube: Nectar or Honey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 18th, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Cliff Struhl—President and CEO of BeeSmart Designs—to talk about monetizing beekeeping beyond just bees and honey. Episode 195 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 37:20)
- What is the most surprising fact you’ve found out about honey bees?
- Is there research being done on the health aspect of bee venom on arthritis? Are there human trials being done?
- Should you set up your hive boxes on a pole structure instead of cinder blocks and wooden slats? Is this practical? Would a hive holder attached to a pole hinder the ability to move it? What is a standard setup and why?
Resources:
Cliff Struhl: info@beesmartdesigns.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 11th, 2025, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Cecilia Costa—a Senior Researcher with the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), based in Italy—to talk about an EU funded project called BeeGuards. Episode 194 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 41:00)
- Do all castes in the Apis species have the same developmental timeline?
- Are the stingless bees in Nicaragua or Brazil the same as the ones in Thailand?
- How do beekeepers harvest venom, and why do they do this? What is it used for?
Resources:
Dr. Cecilia Costa: cecilia.costa@crea.gov.it
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 17, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Gabriela Quinlan - a Research Ecologist with the USDA ARS who is currently based in North Carolina—to talk about winter bees. Episode 193 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 32:38)
- Are there specific pheromones emitted by individual colonies? Does one colony smell different than another?
- Would the bee lab be interested in testing bees’ aversion or attraction to different species of wood? Do bees prefer specific types of wood?
- How can beekeeping play a role for a family experiencing food insecurity?
Resources:
Dr. Gabriela Quinlan: Gmq5021@psu.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 10, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Kaitlin Deutsch - a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida—to talk about pathogen spillover between honey bees and native bees. Episode 192 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 22:37)
- How do bees deal with fungal or bacterial infestations in the hive?
- What do they do with bees before or after mosquito control performs any sort of spraying?
- What are Layens hives? Are Layens hives gaining popularity?
Resources:
Dr. Kaitlin Deutsch: Krdeutsch@ufl.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 3, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Mohamed Alburaki - a research entomologist at the Bee Research Laboratory with the USDA ARS in Beltsville, Maryland - to talk about his publishings on the status report of honey bee diseases in the United States from 2015-2022. Episode 191 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 40:20)
- What should you do if you find two queens in a hive?
- After catching a swarm, how long does it take for the queen to start laying?
- What is royal jelly and how is it made?
Resources:
Dr. Mohamed Alburaki: Mohamed.alburaki@usda.gov
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 19, 2024, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Ferhat Ozturk—an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas San Antonio in the Department of Biology, Health, and Environmental Sciences and, also the Director of Honey Pathway. Dr. Ozturk speaks about his class called “The Medicinal Properties of Honey”. Episode 190 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 40:14)
- Does the population of wax moths naturally go through ups and downs?
- What is going on with research on probiotics in bees? Is there research going on? What are we looking at as far as what probiotics can do for bees?
- Does a colony decide to swarm based on the nectar that is available?
Resources:
Dr. Ferhat Ozturk: Ferhat.ozturk@utsa.edu
In this special episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 12, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu relay important information on the Save The Bees License Plate. For more information, please visit https://www.savethebeesplate.com/ or email info@savethebeesplate.com with any questions. Episode 189.5 Transcription
Resources:
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 5, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Patrick Hardy—the Executive Director of Bee Platoon—to talk about Bee Platoon, a honey bee disaster response team based in California. Episode 189 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 38:55)
- Is it possible to give your bees too much water? Would that change the moisture content of honey?
- Is there ever a time you would not want to combine weak hives?
- There’s a colony with two deeps and two mediums. The two deeps are full of brood, and the first medium that’s closest to the deeps is full of honey. The second medium has very little in it. Can they leave the lower super on for the winter? If not, how do they get the bees to bring the honey down to the deep?
Resources:
Patrick Hardy: patrick@beeplatoon.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 29, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Geoff Williams—an Associate Professor at the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University—to talk about a hot global topic in the honey bee world: Tropilaelaps. Episode 188 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 31:24)
- What are your recommendations on what to do with honey after dealing with wax moths? What do you do after taking your frames out of the freezer? If I have wax moths, what did I do wrong?
- What are some interesting places that keep honey bees?
- Would you insulate hives in hot climates to keep them cooler?
Resources:
Dr. Geoff Williams: grw0010@auburn.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 22, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Jennifer Standley—who finished her master's degree here at the UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, and is now completing her PhD with Dr. Geoff Williams at his laboratory in the department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University—to talk about a research project that she did here at UF with Jamie titled, “Does consuming irradiated royal jelly affect Apis mellifera larvae development and survival to adulthood in vitro?”. Episode 187 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 25:16)
- What drew you to beekeeping, and if there was one thing that you could tell a newbie, what is that one thing you would recommend?
- Are you a screened or solid bottom board person?
- If bees cannot see the color red, why are bee suits white?
Resources:
Jennifer Standley: beekeeperjenn@gmail.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 15, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Ray Olivarez—the owner of Olivarez Honey Bees incorporated in Orland, California—to talk about queen production, pollination, and package production. Episode 186 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 42:28)
- Should you hang a swarm trap up in case your hive takes off? Is this something that beekeepers should do proactively to try to catch swarms in case your hives leave?
- Which bees—Italian, Russian mixes, Caucasian bees—are best suited to Florida?
- How do you develop better mite search/mite monitoring techniques? Is what we’re doing the best thing out there?
Resources:
Ray Olivarez: info@ohbees.com ; Matt@ohbees.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 8, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Kirk Anderson—the lead scientist, a molecular microbial ecologist, and research microbiologist at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center for the USDA Agricultural Research Service—to talk about his manuscript, “A longitudinal field study of commercial honey bees shows that non-native probiotics do not rescue antibiotic treatment, and are generally not beneficial.” Episode 185 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 26:51)
- Are we looking to selectively breed new types of bees that exhibit behaviors that reduce Vespa velutina’s effects on colony populations?
- Is bee venom collecting really a thing? Why would someone want to collect bee venom? How do you collect bee venom? Does it kill the bees?
- What is the future of honey bees, the population, and their survival?
Resources:
Dr. Kirk Anderson: kirk.anderson@usda.gov
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 1, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Huw Evans—a lead innovator for BeeHero X—to talk about his publication “Hive Orientation and Colony Strength Affect Honey Bee Colony Activity during Almond Pollination.” Episode 184 Transcription
Q & A (time stamp 28:56)
- How do you treat a bee sting? Should you remove the stinger?
- What are your thoughts on the feedback we received from listeners about what to do with slum gum?
- During a hive inspection, someone found a supersedure cell on the frame of drone comb. It was uncapped and there was larva inside. How is this biologically possible? Why would a supersedure cell be built on drone comb?
- Do bees produce cotton honey? If so, have you tried it and is it good?
Resources:
Dr Huw Evans: Huw@beehero.io
Hive Orientation and Colony Strength Affect Honey Bee Colony Activity During Almond Pollination
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 24, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Christina Grozinger—a Professor at Pennsylvania State University as well as the Director at the Center for Pollinator Research and the Technologies for Living Systems Center—to talk Beescape. Episode 183 Transcription
Q & A (32:06)
- Regarding wild, native bees versus honey bees, there are some posts online about honey bee rescues and removals, and people have been talking about honey bees being an invasive species, and that they're bad for native bees. Is there anything that a beekeeper can try to do to help all the pollinators live and prosper in harmony?
- What are your thoughts on trap-outs, especially on colonies that are difficult to access?
- How can some bees fly so fast and accurately while others are slow and clumsy?
Resources:
Dr. Christina Grozinger: cmgrozinger@psu.edu
Center for Pollinator Research: https://pollinators.psu.edu/
Beescape: https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/beescape
Bee Winterwise: https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/bee-winterwise
Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostics Lab: https://pollinators.psu.edu/research/the-penn-state-honey-and-pollen-diagnostic-lab
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 17, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Kelsey Graham—a Research Entomologist with the USDA ARS Pollinating Insects, Biology, Management, & Systematics Research Unit in Logan, Utah—to talk about her paper, “High pesticide exposure and risk to bees in pollinator plantings adjacent to conventionally managed blueberry fields.” Episode 182 Transcription
Q & A (22:55)
- Why are some of my bees able to fly away after a dish soap or alcohol wash?
- It takes about 16 days from egg-laying until a queen emerges. Is this a pretty consistent length of time? Does this change at all? What is the timeline and is this true for all queens?
- What would cause different colors of rendered wax?
Resources:
Dr. Kelsey Graham: Kelsey.graham@usda.gov
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 10, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Zac Lamas—a NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Jay Evans' Laboratory at the USDA ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland—to talk about his paper, “Nano Colonies: Rearing honey bee queens and their offspring in small laboratory arenas.” Episode 181 Transcription
Q & A (34:15)
- Is there a time before you go into your hives that you should smoke, let it sit, and then go in, or is it an immediate thing?
- If the queens are piping from within their cells, do you know why a queen who can’t defend herself would pipe from inside a queen cell when she would essentially be calling for execution?
- What is the best time to transfer bees over from your hive to your observation hive? What is the maximum time you can keep those frames in the observation hive? What type of hive design is best? Are there risks that the home colony could start replacing the queen if she’s away for a long period of time?
Resources:
Dr. Zac Lamas: Zaclamas@gmail.com
Nano Colonies: Rearing honey bee queens and their offspring in small laboratory arenas
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 3, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Kaylin Kleckner— a PhD candidate at the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory at the University of Florida—to talk about wild honey bee colonies as well as some specific research she is doing in South Africa. Episode 180 Transcription
Q & A (25:07)
- Do you have any recommendations for specific liquids used with fume boards?
- How do drones know where to find a drone congregation area (DCA)?
- How do virgin queens know?
- Do certain bees fight hornets? If so, can this behavior be taught?
Resources:
Kaylin Kleckner: kaylin.kleckner@ufl.edu
Koeniger, Koeniger, Ellis, and Connor: https://wicwas.com/project/mating-biology-of-honey-bees-apis-mellifera-32-00/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 27, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Dr. Mehmet Döke— an Assistant Professor at the University College of Utrecht in the Netherlands—to talk about a publication that he wrote, “Colony Size, Rather Than Geographic Origin of Stocks, Predicts Overwintering Success in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Northeastern United States.” Episode 179 Transcription
Q & A (27:39)
- What is hive collapse?
- How do you grow your bee yard quickly?
- Do small hive beetles travel with swarms?
- Once a swarm is contained, does this stress pheromone attract more small hive beetles? Is there a presence of yeast from the small hive beetles?
Resources:
Dr. Mehmet Döke: Malidoke@gmail.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 20, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Dr. Keith Delaplane— Professor, Walter B. Hill Fellow, & Honey Bee Program Director in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia to continue the discussion about biogeography evolution. Episode 178 Transcription
Q & A (34:55)
- Do drones exhibit hygienic behavior?
- Do drones exhibit grooming behavior and/or do workers try to groom drones?
- What is the best way to find a job in beekeeping?
Resources:
Dr. Keith Delaplane: Ksd@uga.edu
Honey Bee Social Evolution: Group Formation, Behavior, and Preeminence by Keith S. Delaplane
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 13, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Dr. Keith Delaplane— Professor, Walter B. Hill Fellow, & Honey Bee Program Director in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia to talk about biogeography evolution. Episode 177 Transcription
Q & A (37:45)
- Where and when do migratory beekeepers follow the flow?
- Do you need to paint hives different colors and patterns? If you do, why?
- How do you learn to work bees, without gloves, without getting stung?
Resources:
Dr. Keith Delaplane: Ksd@uga.edu
First Lessons in Beekeeping by Keith S. Delaplane
Honey Bee Social Evolution: Group Formation, Behavior, and Preeminence by Keith S. Delaplane
Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 6, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Robyn Underwood— an Extension Educator in Apiculture with the Department of Entomology at Penn State University to talk about the EPIQ Program. Episode 176 Transcription
Q & A (27:45)
- What would you recommend if a beekeeper with plastic hives has American foulbrood and doesn’t want to burn their hives?
- What are your recommendations on management of nucs?
- If you know you have had European foulbrood spores in your apiary and you wanted to sell your bees, what would you do?
Resources:
Dr. Robyn Underwood: Rmu1@psu.edu
Workshop empowers beekeepers to breed more resilient honey bees
Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations by Jamie Ellis
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 30, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Tom Seeley— a Professor of Biology in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University as well as the author of several books on honey bee behavior—to talk about his research on the honey bee colony as a honey factory as well as his new book: Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners. Episode 175 Transcription
Q & A (28:30)
- What can you do with alcohol washed bees or slum gum?
- What does the future of citrus and bees look like in Florida, especially with citrus greening?
- If the bees are short on pollen, how does the pollen substitute help with that brood rearing and help build that colony?
Resources:
Dr. Tom Seeley: Tds5@cornell.edu
Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners by Thomas D. Seeley
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 23, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Kaira Wagoner— a research scientist with the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as well as the CEO of Optera—to talk about the research paper, “Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Resistance to Varroa.” Episode 174 Transcription
Q & A (28:50)
- What are the impacts of using mating nucs to rear queens and allowing for bees to create emergency cells?
- Can yellow jackets be a problem in the colony and if so, at what point does it become an issue in a hive?
- Do bees communicate by sound and vibration that is transmitted through comb?
Resources:
Dr. Kaira Wagoner: Kaira@opterabees.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 16, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Pierre Lau— a research entomologist/ecologist at the Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit which is part of the USDA ARS—to talk about the research paper, “The nutritional landscape in agroecosystems: a review on how resources and management practices can shape pollinator health in agricultural environments.” Episode 173 Transcription
Q & A (23:36)
- What is the most unexpected thing you’ve ever witnessed while beekeeping?
- What is the most important thing for a new beekeeper to know before starting beekeeping?
- Why don't we selectively breed African honey bees for gentleness like Puerto Rico?
Resources:
Dr. Pierre Lau: Pierre.lau@usda.gov
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 9, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Marla Spivak—a McKnight Distinguished Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota —about breeding for Varroa resistance. Episode 172 Transcription
Q & A (32:09)
- What are good ways to get people close to me interested in bees when they are otherwise scared of them?
- What do you recommend doing if you have multiple queens in a swarm?
- When you’re doing a hive inspection, how important is it to put the frames back in the same exact order they were in?
Resources:
Common Reasons for Keeping Honey Bees | Beekeeping Academy | Ep. 1
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 2, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Michael Brown—a practicing family physician, a hobbyist beekeeper, the President of the Missouri State Beekeeper’s Association, and a Master Beekeeper in the Great Plains Master Beekeeper Program—about honey bee stings from a medical perspective. Episode 171 Transcription
Q & A (36:00)
- Why is it that in early spring a hive can be booming with bees, but there’s no queen or evidence of the queen, no eggs, no brood? What has happened to the queen? Why are the bees still there? At what point do you requeen on your own?
- Do worker bees eat royal jelly?
- Does the size or shape of a queen cell predict the queen quality?
Resources:
Dr. Michael Brown: michaelmed@gmail.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 25, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome back Ian Steppler —who is a commercial beekeeper and runs the Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog— to talk about one of the latest crazes in the bee world: indoor overwintering. Episode 170 Transcription
Q & A (38:17)
- Do bees naturally build up or down?
- Is anyone testing honey for contamination when using different treatments with honey supers on?
- Will bee swarms take over and use a bald-faced hornet nests? Will honey bees use the hornets' paper foundation, comb, or cells?
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/c/aCanadianBeekeeper%E2%80%99sBlog
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 18, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Kathy Clay, a retired Battalion Chief Fire Marshal and certified Master Beekeeper, about the link between mental wellness and beekeeping. Episode 169 Transcription
Q & A (22:54)
- If beekeepers have been using O.A. (oxalic acid) treatments, what additional treatments can they use that aren’t temperature sensitive and can be used with honey supers on?
- Has anyone looked at CO2 as a way to kill Varroa?
- There are different feed additives that beekeepers are using today. Are these additives added to honey? Do they end up in honey? Do they move around the colony? If they are in the honey, are they bad for us?
Resources:
Book: https://www.americanbookwarehouse.com/672448/?msclkid=67146101bf091b91d41a09196823d2cd
The Honey Bee Health Coalition Website: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/
Released on June 11, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Larry Connor, the owner and founding member of Wicwas Press, LLC, about his experience as a beekeeper, a bee scientist, and a bee educator as well as brood patterns and why they’re important. Episode 168 Transcription
Q & A (43:30)
- Why don’t we bring different Apis species that deal with Varroa better to the United States?
- What do we know about feral colonies and the pests and diseases they have, specifically with Apis mellifera?
- What is a queen retinue? Do bees rotate in and out of the retinue? How does it work?
Resources:
Released on June 4, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Derek Mitchell from the University of Leeds Institute of Thermofluids to talk about his research article: “Honeybee cluster—not insulation but stressful heat sink.” Episode 167 Transcription
Q & A (33:20)
- What is moonlight mating and is it used today?
- Do honey bee queens take orientation flights? If so, when?
- What is the Pettis Test?
Resources:
Article: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2023.0488
Released on May 28, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Leigh Boardman—an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis—about Environmental DNA (eDNA), how it works in the honey bee world, and how it might be beneficial to beekeepers in the future. Episode 166 Transcription
Q & A (25:45)
- Can you use roach bait in a hive to kill small hive beetles?
- Does cooking or heating honey lower the quality of the honey?
- What are your thoughts on the article, “The Beekeepers Who Don’t Want You to Buy More Bees”?
Resources:
Email: leigh.boardman@memphis.edu
Article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/edn3.419
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 21, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Jean Navarro—a beekeeper, pest control operator, and the owner of Mega Bee Rescues and Pest Control—about structural bee removal. Episode 165 Transcription
Q & A (26:55)
- Do termite bait systems impact honey bees?
- How does storing Apivar strips work? What do you do with extras?
- After this year’s honey harvest there were several uncapped supers of nectar. The water content was pretty high, so what should be done? What should you do with wet nectar?
Resources:
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 14, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Seth Cross, a National Program Manager for ELAP with the Farm Service Agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about what he manages on the national level: The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) Program. Episode 164 Transcription
Q & A (19:00)
- Brazilian pepper is now in full bloom in Florida, but there are no bees on it. Are these plants only putting out nectar during certain times in the day?
- There has been an increased awareness of Tropilaelaps. We have known about this mite for a while, but what has changed?
- What is the next step after doing a cutout? Is there any reason to replace any foundation?
Resources:
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 7, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Manuel Cornejo, a sideline beekeeper from Ecuador, about what it's like to be a beekeeper there and some of its unique aspects. Episode 163 Transcription
Questions (30:05)
- Has there been any research done on the survivor colonies of bees that have been kept naturally?
- What are your thoughts on honey bee defensiveness in the daughters of Russian queens?
- Is there a pollen sub out there that is not attractive to small hive beetles?
Resources:
Instagram: @honey.lyptus
Tik Tok: @honey.lyptus
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 30, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Frank Rinkevich, a Research Entomologist at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana about Amitraz resistance in Varroa. Episode 162 Transcription
Questions (42:50)
- Why would a beekeeper consider using nematodes on soil around hives to target small hive beetle?
- Are pollen products good for you? Are there health benefits to using pollen products?
- Is there any research that has been done on artificial drone comb to combat Varroa?
Resources:
Frank Rinkevich’s Email: frank.rinkevich@usda.gov
Frank Rinkevich’s Website: https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/people/frank-rinkevich/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 23, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Lewis Bartlett, an Assistant Professor at the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases at the Odum School of Ecology, about Darwinian beekeeping. Episode 161 Transcription
Questions (29:00)
- Is there anything you can do as a beekeeper to prevent European foulbrood? What do you look for to identify it? What do you do if you get it?
- What do you do when you are dealing with hive beetles and their larvae? After that, if wax moths are coming in, what should a beekeeper do?
- There’s a video on Instagram where bees are flying and the lights are on. Suddenly the lights are turned off and the bees drop to the ground. Can bees not fly in the dark? What is going on?
Resources:
The BeeMD:
University of Florida EDIS document on European foulbrood:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AA264
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 16, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. James Fulton, a research scientist at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Honey Bee Diagnostic Laboratory, about Vespa velutina—more commonly known as the yellow-legged hornet. Episode 160 Transcription
Questions (27:15)
- A queen from one of my hives is laying drones, while another queen is slowing down. What is going on here?
- Is 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit cold enough to prevent wax moths?
- Would the heat generated in the melting process from melting old comb be high enough to kill off anything harmful?
Resources:
Website to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Website to Georgia Department of Agriculture
Website to South Carolina Department of Agriculture
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 9, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Kim Morgan, an Extension Economist who is an associate professor at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center at the University of Florida. They discuss safety in the apiary, risk management, heat illness, the H-2A program, and more. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 159 Transcription
Questions (30:30)
- Are Varroa attracted to queen cells, and if so, why?
- What is considered honey? What is considered real honey? Is uncapped honey real honey?
- The questioner has a colony that’s queen-less with no eggs, no larvae, no capped brood, thankfully there aren’t any laying workers yet and so this person was told to put two frames of brood and all stages and eggs from a different colony into the colony that’s essentially queen-less and is not producing. They were told to leave it and check it in a month or so and see what happens. Do you agree with this? Is this the right thing to do? Is this common practice?
Resources:
Email for Dr. Kim Morgan: kimorgan@ufl.edu
Facebook: @ FLSTraining15
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 2, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Jeff Pettis, the President of Apimondia, about the organization, global challenges, the future of beekeeping, and more. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 158 Transcription
Questions (29:53)
- Describe more about the Cape honey bee and their potential for invasion with other Apis species?
- Does the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab have multiple hives that they keep bees in, and if so, is there a difference that we’ve seen in the health of the colonies? Have you noticed anything about the colony’s sanitation? Are there different hive structures that give different air float? Let’s discuss different hive structures.
- Do we know pollen substitutes affect small hive beetle?
Resources:
Apimondia: https://www.apimondia.org/
Jeff Pettis: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/guests/jeff-pettis/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 26, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Theresa Martin, a Cornell Master Beekeeper, about minimizing losses as a backyard beekeeper, sensors, logging, and more. This episode concludes with the Q & A segment. Episode 157 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 40:10)
- What is the research on feeding with powdered pollen vs. pollen patties? Do the bees use it (powdered pollen)?
- Have researchers seen bees throwing out natural pollen that they have already collected, and if this behavior has been noted, what does the research say is the reason for it?
Resources:
Theresa Martin: theresa@littlewolf.farm
Published Book: https://openlibrary.org/books/OL51619856M/Dead_Bees_Don't_Make_Honey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 19, 2024, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Leo Rukin, a commercial beekeeper here in Florida, about cranberry pollination, bogs, migratory beekeeping, and more. Episode 156 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 22:45)
- Would the process of bees using dyed pollen sub for brood food change the appearance of dye in the brood mass? So would changing dyed pollen sub into brood food erase the color of the dye?
- Can you still be a successful beekeeper by NOT feeding [pollen subs or supplemental feeding]?
- Do drones eat pollen or bee bread?
Resources:
Leo Rukin: contact@buzznbee.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 12, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Priya Basu, an assistant professor in pollinator health and apiculture at Mississippi State University, on honey bee health and nutrition. Episode 155 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 35:47)
- How do you feed bees natural pollen?
- Is old bee bread still a quality source of nutrients for bees?
- Do you notice an increase in small hive beetles if you're using pollen subs vs. natural pollen?
Resources:
Dr. Priya Basu: pb1090@msstate.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Mika Hardison, a beekeeper, educator, and founder of The Herban Bee in Jacksonville, Florida, on value added products and urban beekeeping to address food insecurity. Episode 154 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 35:08)
- Is a laying worker's life span different from a standard worker's? At what age does a bee become a laying worker?
- How many sperm cells does a queen release when fertilizing an egg?
- Can you train a bee with positive reinforcement? Why would you want to do this?
Resources:
Mika Hardison: www.theherbanbee.com
Social media: @theherbanbee_official
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 17, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Samir Moura Kadri, a post-doctoral research scholar (formerly at the UF Honey Bee Lab) in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from Sao Paolo State University in Brazil, on Brazilian beekeeping and research. Episode 153 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 33:45)
- What colors can bees see? Is it true they cannot see red?
- How does a pollen basket cling to a honey bee?
- What does the word “eusocial” mean?
Resources:
Samir Kadri: samirkbr@yahoo.com.br
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 10, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with James Wilkes, the founder of HiveTracks and a computer science professor at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, on using technology to understand how to improve your beekeeping operations. Episode 152 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 33:25)
- Do separate subspecies of small hive beetle exist in the United States?
- How many eggs do small hive beetle adults lay?
- What type of research happens with small hive beetles?
Resources:
James Wilkes: wilkesjt@appstate.edu
Hive Tracks: https://www.hivetracks.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Danielle Downey, with Project Apis m. on the work that they do and how it helps beekeepers. Episode 151 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 25:29)
- What is the best method for managing a "hot colony" or one that is potentially Africanized?
- If I re-queened, how long would it take to start seeing the characteristics of the new queen that I just introduced?
- If sugar water gets hot from the sun, do the bees still use the water? Does it take more energy to cool the hive if they're collecting warm water?
Resources:
Danielle Downey: danielle@projectapism.org
Project Apis m.: https://www.projectapism.org/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 21, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Guntima Suwannapong, a leader of the honey bee laboratory in the department of biology from Burhapa in Thailand, on beekeeping practices and research. Episode 150 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 41:40)
- What is extended-release oxalic acid?
- How viable is Amiflex as a new product solution?
- Is there no impact of oxalic acid on queens?
Resources:
Guntima Suwannapong: beefambuu@gmail.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 13, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Garrett Slater, a post-doctoral researcher, from USDA ARS Honey Bee Breeding Genetics and Physiology in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Episode 149 Transcription
Q&A (begins at 29:41)
- When is the best time to requeen?
- Is BT corn pollen bad for bees?
- Do immature honey bees killed by American foulbrood fluoresce?
Resources:
Garrett Slater: garett.p.slater@gmail.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 6, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Peter Neumann, the Director of the Institute of Bee Health in Switzerland, on the Cape Honey Bee and other areas of his research. Episode 148 Transcription
Q&A
- When transferring frames from strong to weak colony, is it better to do it with the bees or without?
- Is there any value to purposely have laying worker colonies to saturate queen production?
- What should I know about dipping hives into wax?
Resources
Peter Neumann: peter.neumann@unibe.ch
Compendium of scholarly works by Peter Neumann: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Neumann-7
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 29, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Ted Miksa, a queen breeder with Miksa Honey Farm and Chairman of the Florida Honey Bee Technical Council on generational beekeeping and queen breeding. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 147 Transcription
Q&A
- If you had to choose, which is more important: the queen itself or the drones’ genetics?
- So if they take calm drones from another colony, could it make the queen’s existing colony less defensive?
- When managing parts of the bee yard, some have high and low mite loads. How many need treatment?
Resources
Ted Miksa: miksahf@aol.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 3, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Steve Jimenez, a US veteran and founder of beekeeping nonprofit Hives for Heroes from Houston, Texas. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 146 Transcription
Q&A
- If you haven’t seen an egg or a queen, should you buy a mated queen?
- How is Apis mellifera capensis different than other Apis mellifera bees?
- What happens if a beekeeper purchases a queen cell or if you put queen cells into making a nuc earlier?
Resources
Hives for Heroes - https://hivesforheroes.com/
Steve Jimenez email contact: support@HivesForHeroes.com
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 28, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Brad Ohlinger, a PhD researcher from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, on honey bee communication and foraging systems. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 145 Transcription
Q&A
- Noticed drone cells outside the queen excluder, more than usual it seems. What is happening with that?
- The beekeeper has holes in the top of the frame. Do bees eat through wax foundation? Why might that happen?
- Blue fuzzy mold and dead bees appeared. Should a beekeeper be concerned? What should they do to fix this?
Resources
Brad Ohlinger: bdo@vt.edu
Dance-communicated distances support nectar foraging as a supply-driven system: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9428537/
Photo related to Question 2: Do bees eat through wax foundation?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 13, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Mary Duane and Lou Naylor, leaders from the Eastern Apicultural Society in Massachusetts, on the upcoming 2023 Eastern Apicultural Society’s annual conference. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 144 Transcription
Q&A
- How realistic is it to maintain a race with open mating and can drone yards dramatically preserve a race?
- Is smoke detrimental to beekeepers' health?
- With two colonies: one has mites, the other doesn’t have as many. If you treat both, should you take out the treatment after seeing no mites?
Resources
Eastern Apicultural Society (easternapiculture.org)
Mary Duane: presidentemeritus@easternapiculture.org
Lou Naylor: chairman@easternapiculture.org
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 5, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Bob Binnie, a commercial beekeeper and owner of Blue Ridge Honey Company from Lakemont, Georgia, on using social media to promote beekeeping! This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 143 Transcription
Q&A
- After a split, the hive became super productive again. Should they add a deep or split yet again?
- What is the best way to assist bees during times of drought? Can bees pick up on signals from the plants?
- What do drones look like as a result of laying workers?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 21, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Jason Graham, a former UF HBREL researcher and Program Director at Planet Bee Foundation in California, on his journey through academia, nonprofit beekeeping education, and outreach. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 142 Transcription
Q&A
- What is your best recommendation for ant management around hives?
- Is it effective to use cookie sheets with Vaseline on concrete blocks to prevent ants from entering the hives?
- Do you have any insights on how to install a package of bees?
Resources
Planet Bee Foundation: www.planetbee.org/our-mission
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 15, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Mohamed Alburaki, a researcher from USDA ARS in Beltsville, Maryland, on diversity and genetic testing of bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 141 Transcription
Q&A
- Should beekeepers treat proactively?
- How is climate change impacting honey bees?
- Is it ok to use soapy water as a replacement for alcohol in Varroa washes?
Resources
Dr. Mohamed Alburaki: Mohamed.Alburaki@usda.gov
Honey bee populations of the USA display restrictions in their mtDNA haplotype diversity: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.1092121/full
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 7, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Evan Palmer-Young, a USDA ARS post-doctoral researcher at the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, on the relationship between sunflowers and honey bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 140 Transcription
Q&A
- Are you required to have a mite treatment plan?
- Are drone foundation combs plastic? Why don’t they like making comb on it?
- What about oxalic acid treatments for hives like what Randy Oliver recommends?
Resources
Evan Palmer-Young email: ecp52@cornell.edu
Sunflower-Associated Reductions in Varroa Mite Infestation of Honey Bee Colonies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36573405/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 10, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Sierra Malnove, a beekeeper and small business owner of Creamed Honey Company from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on “concierge” and private beekeeping. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 139 Transcription
Q&A
- Where in the world is Jamie Ellis?
- What about using oxalic acid and rotating the methods for reducing resistance against Varroa?
- Do you think using drone comb increases the number of drones produced or does the ratio remain the same?
- Is natural swarming good for Varroa control?
Resources
Sierra Malnove: https://sierrasbees.com/about
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 19, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Lauren Goldstein, a graduate student researcher from Michigan State and former UF HBREL intern on imaging hives with infrared. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 138 Transcription
Q&A
- How much should queen cells and mated queens cost? When receiving them during winter or times when you wouldn’t normally reintroduce them, what would you do with them?
- Can you describe the nesting habits of wild honey bees?
- What should non-beekeepers do when they see bees after a natural disaster? Should they put out sugar water?
Resources
Lauren Goldstein: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DWA08GsAAAAJ&hl=en
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 12, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Beth Murphy, a beekeeper and owner of Sweet Southern Bees, LLC of High Springs, FL, on turning her products into profits at a local farmers' market. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 137 Transcription
Q&A
- What are recommended methods for banking queens?
- Do queens run free in the hive outside the queen bank?
- Is sunflower seed meal a good food source for bees?
- What is CBPV? Where does it come from? How do you deal with it?
Resources
Sweet Southern Bees- Beth Murphy contact: https://www.sweetsouthernbees.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 5, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Selina Bruckner, a postdoctoral researcher with Penn State and Nathalie Steinhauer, a University of Maryland Entomologist and science coordinator, all about the Bee Informed Partnership. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment.
The survey is open and accepting responses from April 1st to April 30, 2023. Please take a moment to submit your response to help us continue to inform beekeepers, researchers, policy makers, and the greater public about impacts to honey bee colony health. Visit beeinformed.org to join in the effort, learn more, and take the survey! Episode 136 Transcription
Q&A
- What does it mean if a colony is pollen bound or nectar bound?
- Can equipment soaked in water or damaged by water be reused following hurricanes or floods?
- Does soil health have an impact on our pollinators?
Resources
Bee Informed Partnership Survey: https://beeinformed.org/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 29, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Ellen Topitzhofer, a senior faculty research assistant from the Honey Bee Laboratory Department of Horticulture in Oregon State University and future extension agent at Cornell in New York about shipping queen cells. Episode 135 Transcription
Q&A
- Do queen breeders really ship queens or drone semen?
- Do bee viruses come from native bees or non-native/introduced honey bees?
- How are pest and disease distribution maps made and released?
Resources
Oregon State University Guide to Shipping Honey Bee Queen Cells
Ellen Topitzhofer: Ellen.Topitzhofer@cornell.edu
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 22, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Karen Boger, a beekeeper from Florida all about her artistic beekeeping hobbies and products. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 134 Transcription
Q&A
- Is it ok to split nucs in February? Would it be ok to have a new queens at this time of year as well?
- I have EFB in Colorado and 10 hives making it through the winter. Should I proactively treat for EFB when I have prescribed medication?
- How often do queens defensively sting outside the hive?
Resources
Karen Brock Boger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-brock-boger-6baa4a46
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 8, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Melanie Kirby, a queen breeder and owner of Zia Queenbees from New Mexico, on how she works with bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 133 Transcription
Q&A
- How big is a bee’s brain compared to the human brain?
- What is something that backyard beekeepers can do to help commercial beekeepers?
- If a queen stinger is a modified ovipositor, how can a queen also sting and lay eggs? (We have answered this one before, but we wanted to bring it back at ABF 2023)
Resources
Zia Queenbees: https://ziaqueenbees.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 1, 2023, Two Bees producer Serra Sowers speaks with Lauren Roberts, a beekeeper and current entomology undergraduate from the University of Florida in Gainesville, on beekeeping in Thailand. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment from Live! Two Bees in a Podcast at the American Beekeeping Federation Conference in Jacksonville from January 2023. Episode 132 Transcription
Q&A
- How did Jamie get his start in beekeeping?
- What are hygienic bees and why do people keep them?
- Are we putting too much emphasis on mite resistant strains and losing sight of good honey producers?
Resources
American Beekeeping Federation Conference: https://www.abfnet.org/mpage/2023ConferenceRegistration
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 22, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu follow-up with Mica Buteler, a researcher from CONISET National Institute for Science and Technology from Argentina, on microplastics and finding plastic in wax. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 131 Transcription
Q&A
- What is the lab doing right now to help the bees?
- What about dipping bee hives in hot wax or paraffin? Is there a service for this?
- Where can I find out about Martha Gillium’s work and who is continuing her research?
Resources
Microplastics Incorporated by Honeybees from Food are Transferred to Honey, Wax and Larvae: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35068598/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 15, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Nicky Faber, a PhD candidate from the laboratory of genetics in the department of plant sciences at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, on controlling Varroa through genetic technology. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 130 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there a difference between frames being perpendicular or parallel in the hive?
- What is the melting point of beeswax?
- What is happening with Varroa being found in Australia?
Resources
A gene drive does not spread easily in populations of the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35068598/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 8, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with award-winning honey producer Virginia Webb from Clarksville, Georgia on honey shows and making money with honey. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 129 Transcription
Q&A
- What is a foundress Varroa and what happens if an emerging bee has one?
- What do holes in brood capping mean?
- Why does Florida require a 6-foot barrier around honey bee hives?
Resources
https://www.folkschool.org/2023/02/14/cover-story-beekeeping-with-virginia-webb-2/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 25, 2023, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu introduce our new season and talk about trends in the industry expected this year. Episode 128 Transcription
Q&A
- Is crushed rock as a ground cover going to cause problems for small hive beetles around colonies?
- Given that ants produce formic acid, is there a relationship between ants and bees in a colony?
- So what is happening at the UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory this year?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 14, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Nuria Morfin, lead of Technology Research Program and researcher from the Honey Bee Research Center in Ontario, Canda, on surveillance of Varroa using synthetic acaricides. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 127 Transcription
Q&A
- Fat bodies: are the fat bodies what allows them to live longer during winter?
- Can summer bees survive through the winter with adequate food stores?
- When using nucs, how do you manage them without swarming or excessive growth?
Resources
Nuria Morfin: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nuria-Morfin
Surveillance of Viruses in Varroa destructor Samples Collected from Honey Bee Colonies in Ontario, Canada, between 2015 and 2019: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362828658_Surveillance_of_Viruses_in_Varroa_destructor_Samples_Collected_from_Honey_Bee_Colonies_in_Ontario_Canada_between_2015_and_2019
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu discuss best practices for managing bees in December. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 126 Transcription
Q&A
- Can you clone honey bees?
- How might power lines impact honey bee colonies or bee behavior?
- Can you feed bees organic brown sugar syrup?
Resources
Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 23, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Rosanna Punko, an Apiculture Inspector for the Bee Health Assurance Team in Alberta, Canada on Nosema management of indoor and outdoor overwintering of colonies. Episode 125 Transcription
Q&A
- How can you control wax moths? Does Certan work?
- Does Apiguard still work if it hardens or melts?
- Is there an update on Dr. Cameron Jack’s oxalic acid study?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 16, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Etienne Tardiff, a hobbyist beekeeper in Yukon, Canada on sub-Arctic beekeeping. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 124 Transcription
Q&A
- What is artificial intelligence and how does it apply to honey bees?
- How might remote monitoring be influenced by AI?
- What might technology look like in the near future for honey bees?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 9, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Gabriela Quinlan, an NSF postdoctoral research fellow from the department of entomology at Penn State University, on climate effects of grasslands on honey bees in the U.S. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 123 Transcription
Q&A
- Is it safe to have bees on an auto-salvage yard?
- Do bees have teeth?
- What does it mean to be lipophilic and is it a problem if miticides are lipophilic?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 5, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak about preparing hives for winter and cold weather in November. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 122 Transcription
Q&A
- What can be used to combat Varroa, wax moths, and small hive beetles that is still safe for bees?
- Can you describe how to correctly clip queen wings?
- Do you think pond salt or bleach in feeder jars is harmful?
Resources
Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 26, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Kathleen Dogantzis, a PhD candidate from the Zayed Lab with the Department of Biology at York University in Toronto, Canada, on the origins and evolution of Apis mellifera. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 121 Transcription
Q&A
- What is a slatted rack?
- If a queen is parasitized by a mite, can disease be transmitted vertically to the egg causing mass infection?
- Can colonies side-by-side create different honey? Why?
Resources
Vertical-transmission routes for deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6214870_Vertical-transmission_routes_for_deformed_wing_virus_of_honeybees_Apis_mellifera
The Evolution and Adaptive Radiation of the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) with Kathleen Dogantzis
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 19, 2022, Amy Vu speaks with Dr. Jamie Ellis, a researcher from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory on finding exposure to pesticides in urban and suburban areas within nectar and pollen. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 120 Transcription
Q&A
- What happens to laying workers when you requeen using a nuc?
- What are the pros and cons of open feeding?
- Between single and medium supers, do you recommend pulling out queen excluders in the winter time?
Resources
Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Exposure to Pesticide Residues in Nectar and Pollen in Urban and Suburban Environments from Four Regions of the United States: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35262221/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 12, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Jose Marcelino, a researcher from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory in Gainesville, Florida, on the ability and legality of moving honey bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 119 Transcription
Q&A
- What do beekeepers need to do when they don’t have resources post hurricane?
- How do you get colonies ready for a hurricane?
- Are there any studies that confirm that the solar level affects honey bee behavior?
Resources
The Movement of Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) Among U.S. States and Territories: History, Benefits, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies: https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.850600
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 5, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Mike Simone Finstrom, a researcher microbiologist from USDA-ARS Honey Bee breeding and physiology lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on viruses in honey bees. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 118 Transcription
Q&A
- What do you think about using mini-mating nucs?
- How can you maintain population numbers in backyard beekeeping and hives?
- Do bees use sugar around the hive? Does it move around the colony and get turned into honey?
Resources
Dr. Mike Simone Finstrom: https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/people/mike-simone-finstrom/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 29, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak all things monthly management. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 117 Transcription
Q&A
- Can seeds be planted in a septic drain field and when honey bees take from the plants, is that a problem for the honey they make?
- What happens if small hive beetles break into capped larva? Could they be the cause of an infestation?
- How does the queen lay eggs?
Resources
Florida Beekeeping Calendar, October 2022: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2022/09/30/florida-beekeeping-calendar-october-2022/
Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN869
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 21, 2022, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Rassol Bahreini, a researcher from Department of Biological Science at the University of Alberta in Alberta, Canada, on Varroa management. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 116 Transcription
Q&A
- What is the efficacy of a brood break to control Varroa?
- What is “clean water” for bees? Is it the same as what we think clean water is?
- Is it okay to work bees in the rain?
Resources
Miticidal activity of fenazaquin and fenpyroximate against Varroa destructor, an ectoparasite of Apis mellifera https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ps.6788
Integrated Pest Management Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Most Damaging Pest of (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) Colonies https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab058
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 7, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Joan Casanelles Abella, a researcher from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research in Switzerland, on the sustainability of urban beekeeping. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 115 Transcription
Q&A
- How do beekeepers prevent bees from overheating or not warming enough while in an observation hive?
- Can worker bees do all of the tasks within the hive, and do they skip certain tasks?
- How do you get rid of propolis from clothing and areas around the hive?
Resources
Dr. Joan Casanelles Abella https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan-Casanelles-Abella
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 31, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak on all things monthly management. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 114 Transcription
Q&A
- Does a queen sting her other sisters in the hive? Is the queen’s stinger her ovipositor? If she doesn’t sting, how does she ‘sting’ her sisters?
- What does a hive temperature and humidity sensor do? Can it help determine if there was a swarm? Is it possible that a new virgin queen swarmed, and the old queen left, or was there no swarm at all?
- After a deadout, my frozen frames that were reused developed a lot of small hive beetles. Did the small hive beetle eggs survive the freezer or was it coincidence?
Resources
Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 24, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Szymon Smolinski, a researcher from the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Poland, on the effect of autumn temperature changes on Varroa infestation. This episode concludes with a Q&A segment. Episode 113 Transcription
Q&A
- Why do bees “beard” at the front of the colony?
- If you want to introduce a queen, does moving her near other bees spread her pheromone?
- If two brood or capped frames from another hive are placed into a new one, how long will it take bees to decide what to do with them?
Resources
Raised seasonal temperatures reinforce autumn Varroa destructor infestation in honey bee colonies https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356243464_Raised_seasonal_temperatures_reinforce_autumn_Varroa_destructor_infestation_in_honey_bee_colonies
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 17, 2022, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu speak with Mica Buteler, a researcher at CONISET National Institute for Science and Technology in Argentina, on the effect of microplastics on honey bee health and foraging behavior. Episode 112 Transcription
Q&A
- What do bubbles in uncapped nectar or honey cells mean?
- How does temperature affect the queen’s egg laying, and does it affect brood rearing?
- Why are bees' claws curled upward?
Resources
Acute toxicity of microplastic fibers to honeybees and effects on foraging behavior https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35074382/#affiliation-1
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 3, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Vincent Ricigliano, a research entomologist with the USDA from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the effect of artificial diets on honey bee health. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 111 Transcription
Q&A
- How can you identify if your hive is having a feed problem and what should you do to supplement them?
- Why are the bees not taking to the sugar water provided? Is it too cold outside?
- How do you use thymol to control wax moths?
Resources
Effects of different artificial diets on commercial honey bee colony performance, health biomarkers, and gut microbiota https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=388316
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 27, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu talk all things management for the month of August. Episode 110 Transcription
Q&A
- Why do you only use swarm cells if you can’t get any other cells, and do you allow the colony to requeen?
- What are some minimum temperature ranges during colder months for different activities like brood inspections and making splits?
- After marking a queen, the queen froze and twitched. A few days later, eggs were found. What happened?
Resources
Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 20, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Justin Ruger, an author and beekeeper with Hippie Chick Apiary from Culpeper, Virginia, on beekeeping with disabilities. Episode 109 Transcription
Q&A
- Why would commercial beekeepers use a mini mating nuc vs. regular nuc or full-size colony when breeding queens?
- How many species of honey bees exist in the United States and worldwide?
- How high can drones fly? How high are drone congregation areas?
Resources
https://www.accessiblebeekeeping.org/survey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 13, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. William Meikle, a USDA research entomologist in Tucson, Arizona, on stimulation of bees that follows with insecticide usage. Episode 108 Transcription
Q&A
- Can bees recognize humans through their voices or hear music?
- Is there science on feeding bananas to bees?
- How can you use nuc boxes to produce honey? Where do I find out my local nectar flows?
Resources
Traces of a neonicotinoid pesticide stimulate different honey bee colony activities, but do not increase colony size or longevity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651322000422?via%3Dihub
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 6, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Julia Fine, a research entomologist with USDA in Davis, California, about insect growth disruptors effect on Apis mellifera queens. Episode 107 Transcription
Q&A
- Does a queen cell cup determine the quality of a queen?
- Are colonies more susceptible to diseases if they are being fed sugar water or pollen patties instead of foraging natural sources?
- Where can beekeepers find holes in their knowledge through online quizzes, programs etc.?
Resources
The Behavioral Toxicity of Insect Growth Disruptors on Apis mellifera Queen Care: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2021.729208/full
The Production of Queen Cups and Queen Cells in Relation to the General Development of Honeybee Colonies, and its Connection with Swarming and Supersedure: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00218839.1965.11100115
UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Program: https://ifas-honeybee.catalog.instructure.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 30, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu talk about best management strategies to practice in July. Episode 106 Transcription
Q&A
- Can you effectively combine Varroa treatments?
- Why are some wax white and others dark?
- What is the thin layer of silk that surrounds honey bee larvae?
Resources
UF/IFAS Beekeeping Management Calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 22, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Marian Hýbl & Petr Mraz from the Czech Republic, about using essential oils to fight Varroa. Episode 105 Transcription
Q&A
- Is nectar from white aster good for bees?
- How can you cull frames and still keep the bees?
- How do foragers bring in nectar, pollen, propolis, and water?
Resources
Evaluating the Efficacy of 30 Different Essential Oils against Varroa destructor and Honey Bee Workers (Apis mellifera): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34821845/
The control of water collection in honey bee colonies https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002650050402
Propolis and bee health: the natural history and significance of resin use by honey bees https://www.apidologie.org/articles/apido/full_html/2010/03/m09142/m09142.html
In this week’s episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on June 8, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu give tips and best strategies for maintaining your hives in June. Episode 104 Transcription
Q&A
- Should you use pollen patties? Does it help going into the winter?
- How long can dead bees still sting, and how long does the stinger stay active?
- After inspection, how fast does a colony tear down a queen cell after the queen emerges?
- Will a daughter colony and mother colony mate together?
Resources
Florida beekeeping management calendar June 2022: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2022/05/31/florida-beekeeping-management-calendar-june-2022/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 1, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with David Tarpy and Allison McAfee, a professor of applied ecology at NC State and post-doctoral research scholar in applied ecology at NC State, about their recent manuscript on the link between queen health and contact exposure to beeswax pesticides. Episode 103 Transcription
Q&A
- When requeening after a split, is it possible to transfer queen cells from another hive to the new one?
- In a queenless hive where there are queen cells, will the bees get rid of the other cells when a new mated queen is introduced?
- How long does it take worker bees to lay after they swarm if they are unsuccessful with requeening?
Resources
Honey bee queen health is unaffected by contact exposure to pesticides commonly found in beeswax: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34312437/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 25, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Jennifer Hagen, UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Sciences Agent from Lee County, Florida, about selling honey and cottage food laws. This episode is ended with a special Q&A segment on swarms. Episode 102 Transcription
Q&A
- What is the best time to check a hive after it has swarmed?
- What should you do with the swarm cells?
- Do secondary and tertiary swarms leave with the mated queen or virgin queens?
Resources
Jennifer Hagen Information: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leeco/author/jhagen/
Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Cottage Foods: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Food/Food-Establishments/Cottage-Foods
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 20, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Reed Johnson, an associate professor and researcher in the department of entomology from The Ohio State University, about pollen agrochemical treatments affecting livelihoods of queens. Episode 101 Transcription
Q&A
- If I bang metal together, will it make a swarm go where I want it to go?
- When moving a hive, how far or how close do you move it and how much time does it take to successfully move the colony?
- What is a good way to configure hives? What should I use: brood boxes or a queen excluder or a honey super?
Resources
Pollen Treated with a Combination of Agrochemicals Commonly Applied During Almond Bloom Reduces the Emergence Rate and Longevity of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Queens: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34723328/
Hive configurations: https://youtu.be/KyOAoYthLoc
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 27, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu celebrate our 100th episode with monthly management and a blooper reel! Thanks for joining us for our weekly episodes and supporting our show. Episode 100 Transcription
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 20, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Kent Pegorsch, a beekeeper with Dancing Bear Honey in Waupaca, Wisconsin, about sideline beekeeping for non-full-time beekeepers. Episode 99 Transcription
Q&A
- How does a beekeeper collect pollen and what do they do with the pollen? Can it be fed back to the bees?
- If recovering from AFB, what do you do with your hives, frames, and tools? Do they need to be sanitized?
- How do you find a drone congregation area?
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 13, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Bradley Metz, a research assistant in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, about pheromones and nursing larvae communicating needs to worker bees. Episode 98 Transcription
Q&A
- Is crystallized honey a problem for bees or just beekeepers?
- When do you put a honey super on and how do you know it is time?
- Can you eat honey from a hive treated with oxalic acid?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 6, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Meghan Milbrath, Assistant Professor of Entomology at Michigan State University, about English and American foulbrood diagnostics. Episode 97 Transcription
Q&A
- When do bees determine swarm size: before or after finding a suitable location?
- If workers lay drones, are they viable for mating? What does it look like in spreading genetics?
- Is small hive beetle larvae slime medicinal or useful in any way like maggots are?
Resources
Validation of Diagnostic Methods for European Foulbrood on Commercial Honey Bee Colonies in the United States: Validation of Diagnostic Methods for European Foulbrood on Commercial Honey Bee Colonies in the United States - PubMed
Honey Bee Democracy: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691147215/honeybee-democracy?srsltid=AfmBOop1ED12V70XwLboo9q7xLFOwg767meuLc7XHhUa3p0i_3nRY4eV
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 30, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu talk all things monthly management and how to take care of your hives in April. Episode 96 Transcription
Q&A
- Can you use stinging nettle for mite treatment?
- Can you use bee hives for insulation for floors or roofs since they self-regulate their temperature?
- How can you drive the queen down from the upper box (honey super) to the bottom box (brood box)?
Resources
Florida beekeeping management calendar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN848
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 23, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Miriam Bixby, a post-doctoral bee and economic researcher from Vancouver, Canada, about how COVID-19 has changed the beekeeping industry in British Columbia. Episode 95 Transcription
Q&A
- What is a slatted rack?
- Is it time to treat for Varroa? What antibiotics or treatment works best?
- How do you find a veterinarian for your colonies?
Resources
Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadian Beekeeping: Survey Results and a Profitability Analysis: https://honeycouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Impacts-of-COVID19-on-Canadian-Beekeeping-Survey-Results-and-a-Profitability-Analysis.pdf
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 16, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Matthieu Guichard, a research scientist with Agroscope Swiss Beekeeping Service and Apiservice extension, talking about beekeeping strategies in Switzerland. Episode 94 Transcription
Q&A
- After making a split, why did the colony still swarm even though there was no queen present?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of propolis deposition?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 2, 2022, Jamie and Amy speak with Dr. Michael Smith, an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences from Auburn University and affiliate member of the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, about imperfect comb construction and the architectural abilities of honey bees. Episode 93 Transcription
Q&A
- How important is it that hives face southeast or at least toward morning sun? What if you only have a location that faces west?
- When are bees more likely to swarm? I thought when it was warm and days longer?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 23, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu take a deep dive into best practices for hive management throughout the month of March! Episode 92 Transcription
Q&A
- After freezing and bagging wax moth infected frames, why would larva survive?
- What methods do you use to combine colonies? How can you rejoin a split?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 16, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome Alex Walton, a post-doctoral researcher in the department of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Episode 91 Transcription
Q&A
- Which colonies should be grafted from? What are the advantages and disadvantages of raising your own queen?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 9, 2022, Dr. Cameron Jack and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Eli Powell from the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas to discuss his new publication on Tylosin exposure impacts on honey bees and pathogen susceptibility. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the future of our management segment. Episode 90 Transcription
Q&A
- Do honey bees communicate with organs and pheromones? Do other insects use pheromones too?
- What are brood breaks? Are brood breaks an effective pest management strategy for Varroa?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on February 2, 2022, we are joined by Kaylin Kleckner, PhD candidate in the University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, to discuss testing new compounds against Varroa and safety of honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and mating. Episode 89 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- How do we know it is ok to inspect a colony after the winter and snow season to prevent swarming?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 26, 2022, we are joined by Dr. Rachel Mallinger, assistant professor and pollinator ecologist at the University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department to discuss hive visitation rates and colony stocking disease. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and grafting. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 88 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there reason for concern if there are cockroaches near or inside the hive?
- Do grease patties help with Varroa or hive beetle control?
- How can landowners find beekeepers interested in their property?
Resources
Dr. Rachel Mallinger: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/people-directory/rachel-mallinger/
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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 19, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Scott McArt, assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University and James Webb, founder of Beemmunity to discuss enzyme loaded microparticles and reducing toxicity in managed hives. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and establishing the kind of hives you need. Episode 87 Transcription
Q&A
- Why do honey bees go into torpor or hibernation in the winter?
- Do honey bees forage in the winter even if there is snow or not flowering plants?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on January 12, 2022, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Kelsey Graham, scientist at the USDA Agriculture Resource Service to discuss extreme weather impacts on wild bee populations. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss queen rearing and selecting your colonies. Episode 86 Transcription
Q&A
- How often should a beekeeper check their nucs during winter?
- What are the best techniques to use to clean and disinfect frames from dead outs?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 8, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Emily Noordyke, Online Learning and Content Developer at UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory to discuss pollen substitute patty use. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to collect propolis. Episode 85 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- What are some strategies for finding potential apiary sites, and how do beekeepers and property owners work together to put bees on properties?
- 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 Substitute Patties in Western Honey Bees: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356096497_Reviewing_the_Efficacy_of_Pollen_Substitutes_as_a_Management_Tool_for_Improving_the_Health_and_Productivity_of_Western_Honey_Bee_Apis_mellifera_Colonies
Tracing the Fate of Pollen Substitute Patties in Western Honey Bee: https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab083
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on December 1, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Jennifer Bond, Deputy Director of Outlook and Staff at USDA Economic Research Service to discuss honey bee movement around the U.S. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to collect pollen. Episode 84 Transcription
Q&A
- If you mash up apples with water and leave it out for the bees, are they able to get sugar out of it?
- Does soil pH influence small hive beetle larval development?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 17, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Yahya Alnaggar, post-doc fellow at the Institute of General Biology at Martin Luther University in Germany to discuss the risks of microplastics to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to process wax. Episode 83 Transcription
Q&A
- Why is it illegal to keep Africanized bees in the U.S.? Does smoke not help calm them?
- A hive was treated for mites, and pesticides were used to achieve this. However, some bees were harmed and lost. Would a combination of the use of pesticides and a treatment for mites impact the health of honey bees?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Nicole DesJardins, Grad Research Assistant at Arizona State University, to discuss the Pristine Impairing Olfactory Associative Learning in Honey Bees. We also have Lara Milligan, Natural Resource Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Pinellas County and Shannon Carnevale, Natural Resource Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Polk County discussing the Naturally Florida Podcast. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to collect wax. This episode is ended with a Q&A segment. Episode 82 Transcription
Q&A
- Can I freeze comb from sick hives and use them again in the spring? Will freezing kill the virus in the comb?
- 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?
- 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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on November 3, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Heather Grab, Senior Lecturer at the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University to discuss cannabis sativa and bee health. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on mammals. Episode 81 Transcription
Q&A
- Can honey be harvested if larva juice got into the honey during the extraction process?
- What time of year would be ideal to cage the queen and use trapping comb to reduce Varroa numbers?
- There have been strange sounds coming from inside the hive. A YouTube video was found of the same sounds being made and nobody has been able to explain the source of the sounds. Do you know how they are being produced or why?
Resources
Heather Grab: Heather Grab | CALS (cornell.edu)
Bee Community of Cannabis Sativa and Corresponding Effects:
Bee Community of Cannabis sativa and Corresponding Effects of Landscape Composition
“Weird Sounds Inside the Beehive”: Weird Sounds Inside the Beehive
In this episode of Two bees in a Podcast, released on October 27, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Christian Pirk, a Professor in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria to discuss the behavior of Cape/African honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss bottling honey. Episode 80 Transcription
Q&A
- How is it possible for an unfertilized honey bee egg to develop into a drone?
- Do queens ever lay multiple eggs in a cell?
- How specifically should the queen's wings be clipped? What other techniques can be used to prevent swarming?
Resources
Pollen nutrition fosters honey bee tolerance to pesticides: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210818
Antibiotic treatment impairs protein digestion in the honeybee, Apis mellifera: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-019-00718-4
Nutrition affects survival in African honey bees exposed to interacting stressors:
https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.12226
Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 20th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Kit Prendergast, a PhD graduate from Curtin University in Australia to discuss impacts of introduced honey bees on Australian bee-flower network. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss processing honey. Episode 79 Transcription
Q&A
- What are some best management guidelines or strategies for non-chemical control of Varroa?
- 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?
- When bees are swarming, who is leaving and who is a part of that process?
Resources
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroa/
Honey and Its Uses: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AA154
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 13th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Jennifer Han, an Assistant Research Professor at Washington State University, Dr. Nick Naeger, Research Assistant Professor at Washington State University, and Dr. Steve Sheppard, Entomology Department Chair and Professor at Washington State University, to discuss the evolution of Metarhizium fungus. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss making honey. Episode 78 Transcription
Q&A
- Do honey bees respond to the release of carbon dioxide from people breathing?
- Is there a correlation between the age of a queen and the hive’s general temperament?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on October 6th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Andrea Lopez-Incera, a Ph.D. student at the institute for theoretical physics, at the University of Innsbruck, and Dr. Morgane Nourvian, a research fellow at Zukunftskolleg, to discuss bee communication during collective defense. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey harvesting. Episode 77 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- 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?
- Are we setting ourselves up for failure if we allow our honey bees to requeen themselves? It is preferred to order mite-resistant queens from a reliable source?
Resources
Andrea Lopez Incera: https://www.philosophie.uni-konstanz.de/ag-mueller/andrea-lopez-incera/
Dr. Morgane Nourvian: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskolleg/news/current-news/single-news/We-welcome-Morgane-Nouvian-to-the-Zukunftskolleg/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 29th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Jennie Durant, USDA-NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Davis, to discuss toxic pesticide use during almond bloom. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on reptiles and amphibians. Episode 76 Transcription
- What is the purpose of drilling 1-inch holes into brood or honey supers as a secondary entrance? Is there any benefit in doing so?
- Does colony size have any impact on overall hive temperament?
- 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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 22nd, 2021, we are joined by Reed Johnson, Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, to discuss honey bee toxicology. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on insects. Episode 75 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- 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?
- 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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 15th, 2021, we are joined by Doug McGinnis, former president of Tropical Blossom Honey Company, to discuss creating a standard of honey identity in the U.S. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on viruses. Episode 74 Transcription
- 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?
- 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?
- Is there any research coming out discussing the nutrient content of different types of honey?
Resources
Doug McGinnis contact: doug1952@cfl.rr.com
Viruses: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in855
Honey Identity: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN918
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 8th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Potter, Professor in Urban Landscape Entomology at the University of Kentucky, to discuss how to support bees in urban spaces. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss honey bee pest management, focusing on fungi. Episode 73 Transcription
Q&A
- What is Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), why would beekeepers use it, and what are Dr. Ellis’ recommendations?
- 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?
- 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
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on September 1st, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by George Hansen, a commercial beekeeper based in Oregon and owner of Foothill Honey Company, and Christ Hiatt, a commercial beekeeper based in California, owner of the Hiatt Honey Company, to discuss a new document called Guide to Varroa Mite Control for Commercial Beekeepers. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the management of honey bee pests. Episode 72 Transcription
Q&A
- When do we know to feed? How do we know?
- When people feed their bees sugar syrup and the bees turn that into honey, is that actually honey? Can you collect it?
- Is there any information about mixed race bees? Should you avoid mixing bee races?
Resources
2021 Guide to Varroa Mite Controls for Commercial Beekeeping Operations: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroacontrolsguide/
Foothills Honey Company: https://www.foothillshoney.com/
American Beekeeping Federation: https://www.abfnet.org/
American Honey Producers Assocation: https://www.ahpanet.com/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/
2018 Guide to Varroa Mite Control for Commercial Beekeeping Operations: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HBHC-Guide_Varroa_Interactive_7thEdition_June2018.pdf
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 25, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Entomology in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University, to discuss impacts of management practices on bee health. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss American foulbrood. Episode 71 Transcription
Q&A
- Do heating pads or cages work to provide heat in the cooler months for a honey bee hive?
- Is there a diet difference between the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)? If there is a diet difference, does that lead to a different way that Varroa is managed?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 11th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Scarlett Howard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Deakin University in Australia, to discuss the impacts of urbanization on bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss mitigating the threat your bees pose to others. Episode 70 Transcription
- An individual had recently uncapped their honey, processed it, and is now left with the cappings and pieces that came off. How should they utilize this?
- Can you explain why wax looks so different from two hives in the same location?
- When extracted frames are returned to the bees to be cleaned up and repaired, do bees use any of the wax debris, or is it rejected and removed?
Resources
Scarlett Howard: https://howard-lab.com/people/
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on August 4th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Brett Bultemeier, Extension Assistant Professor in Agronomy at the University of Florida to discuss pesticide labels: understanding them and their history. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss knowing your beekeeping goals. Episode 69 Transcription
Q&A
- What are honey bee cocoons?
- Is it effective to allow a Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) queen to raise as many drones as possible with the idea of contributing to the local honey bee gene pool?
- 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)
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 28th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Christelle Guédot, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to discuss the repellency of some fungicide to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss sting management and how to protect from them. Episode 68 Transcription
Q&A
- Is being honey bound common, and if so, what do you do about it?
- A listener had a hive that they split too heavily. They did 3 splits in the spring and noticed that it was queenless for over 28 days. They added a new queen a couple of weeks ago, then one of the colonies killed the new queen then took that colony and moved away from the apiary. What is going on?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 21st, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Derek Mitchell from the Institute of Thermal Fluids in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, U.K., to discuss why you should insulate your hives in the summer. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss sting management and body responses to stings. Episode 67 Transcription
Q&A
- In April of this year, a person had a hive that absconded. One day they were there, and they were gone. This person doesn’t know where they went. They installed two nucs at the beginning of June. Several days later they saw robbing activity, so they put a robbing screen on. The robbing eventually continued, which led to them shutting down the small opening. The person thinks the absconded hive is trying to rob the new hive. What do you think about this?
- If I were to requeen my hives annually, perhaps with a VHS (Varroa sensitive hygiene) queen, what is the best time of year to requeen?
- 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
Derek Mitchell: Derek Mitchell | School of Mechanical Engineering | University of Leeds
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 14, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Ralph Buechler, Director of the Bee Research Institute, to discuss European honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss sting management and how stings work. Episode 66 Transcription
Q&A
- Do you know if there is anyone out there doing research into drone fertility and sperm load?
- 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?
- Why does the queen take 16 days to develop while the workers take 21 days, and the drones take 24 days?
Resources
Best Management Practices for Stings: ENY115/AA137: Best Management Practices for Siting Honey Bee Colonies: Good Neighbor Guidelines (ufl.edu)
European bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in1005
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/IN/IN100500.pdf
Difference between European and African bees: http://agrilife.org/masterbeekeeper/files/2017/04/Differences-Between-European-and-African-Honey-Bees.pdf
Dr. Ralph Buechler: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Buechler-Ralph
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on July 7th, 2021, we are joined by Dr. Lewis Bartlett, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Georgia Honey Bee Program, to discuss infectious disease biology. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss hive types. Episode 65 Transcription
Q&A
- Often times you see bees in or around soda cans. Would flat Sprite soda be a substitute for simple syrup?
- If guard bees can tell the difference between one bee and another hours after the forager has left the hive, can they not tell the difference between the smell of bananas that I had with breakfast and the alarm pheromone?
- I’ve been taking notes for years and now I'm at a loss of what’s important to record, how to use it, and what is just busy work?
Resources
Dr. Lewis Bartlett: https://www.bartlett.science/
Diseases due to pesticides: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1027
Nosema spores infection: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in1123
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 30th, 2021, we are joined by Adam Ingrao, Veteran's Liaison for Michigan State University Extension and an Agricultural Entomologist, to discuss Heroes to Hives. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss basic swarm management techniques. Episode 64 Transcription
Q&A
- How long can a queen stay in the cage and stay healthy until she is able to be put in a split? How do you take care of her (feed them, keep them alive, etc.)?
- 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?
- How often do hives have two mated and laying queens, and how and why does this happen?
Resources
Swarm control: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in970
Eradication of swarms: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in778
Adam Ingrao e-mail: ingraoad@msu.edu
Bee Wise Farms, LLC: https://www.beewisefarms.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 23rd, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Elina Niño from the University of California- Davis to discuss drone contributions impacting queen success. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the stimuli that lead to swarming. Episode 63 Transcription
Q&A
- When looking at heat treatments for Varroa control purposes, what are the pros and cons to different treatments?
- To prevent inbreeding, a queen flies to a drone congregation area much further away than her colony's drones. By moving a drone source, are we potentially undermining this protection?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 16th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. 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. Episode 62 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- Have you heard of honey bees eating food from bird feeders?
- How long does brood capping take?
Resources
Dr. Margaret Couvillon: https://www.ento.vt.edu/people/Faculty0/Couvillon.html
Observation Bee Hives: ENY131/MG320: Observation Bee Hives (ufl.edu)
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 9, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 61 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there anything anyone can do under the hive to impair small hive beetle reproduction?
- Why are brood cappings darker and non-translucent compared to honey cappings?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on June 2, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 60 Transcription
Q&A
- What is cross-wire foundation and does it differ from crimped wire?
- Is it true that queens are dying earlier than they used to historically?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 26, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Adam Dolezal, Assistant Professor of Entomology from the University of Illinois, to discuss Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to requeen a colony. Episode 59 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there anything that can be used to deter wax moths?
- Are we making our bees lazy by feeding them instead of encouraging them to forage?
- Is there a certain percentage of dead bees that is acceptable upon being delivered in the mail?
Resources
Dr. Adam Dolezal: https://sib.illinois.edu/directory/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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 20, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Kelly Kulhanek, Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University, to discuss best management practices for backyard beekeepers. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss why you should requeen colonies. Episode 58 Transcription
Q&A
- Do you recommend a certain brand of nematode to treat small hive beetle larvae?
- What are some ways I can get a more accurate mite count?
- Is there a scientific name for the substance that the queen uses to glue eggs to the bottom of cells?
Resources
Dr. Kelly Kulhanek: https://beeinformed.org/bip_team/kelly-kulhanek/
BMPs 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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 13, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. William Kern, Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology & Nematology at the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center of the University of Florida, to discuss carpenter bees being a pest to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to requeen colonies using a nuc. Episode 57 Transcription
Q&A
- What are screened bottom boards even good for?
- Do I need to close my screened bottom boards based on the time of year or humidity?
- Are we helping bees with thermoregulation by using screened bottom boards?
Resources
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on May 6, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 56 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there a recommended temperature range for using oxalic acid vaporization treatments?
- Do you have a recommended sugar water recipe?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 22, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by our very own Dr. Cameron Jack, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS 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 whys and hows of marking queens. Episode 55 Transcription
Q&A
- How long do you wait between catching a swarm and putting it in their permanent hive?
- How long does sugar water last in the refrigerator?
- What is washboarding?
Resources
Dr. Cameron Jack: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/people-directory/cameron-jack/
Efficacy of Oxalic Acid Vaporization: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31909423/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 15, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ells and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Gloria Degrandi-Hoffman, Research Leader at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, to discuss the benefits of pollen to honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to use a smoker when working colonies. Episode 54 Transcription
Q&A
- Like many beekeepers, I have 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?
- 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? - 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
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 8th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Sammy Ramsey to discuss the Tropilaelaps mite. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the characteristics of healthy honey bee colonies. Episode 53 Transcription
Q&A
- What are the different types of sugars to feed bees?
- How do you feel about communal feeding? Does it spread disease? Does it enhance or promote robbing?
- What is the best way to brand my boxes? Do I burn first and then paint, or the other way around?
Resources
Dr. 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.youtube.com/watch?v=tlvyV5d7Vqc
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on April 1st, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Clint Otto from the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center to discuss the impact of land use changes on honey bees and other pollinators. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss proper colony inspection techniques. Episode 52 Transcription
Q&A
- Do hives turn drone comb back into worker brood?
- What is the impact of pollinator gardens on crop pollination?
- Is there any research regarding the effects on queen pheromones on humans?
Resources
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 25th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Flemming Vejsnæs to discuss beekeeping in Denmark and his role in the Danish Beekeeper’s Association. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to pick a location for your apiaries. Episode 51 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- Do Varroa-related issues affect value-added products such as the quality of the honey, wax, etc.?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 18th, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Bill Hesbach to discuss over-wintering and insulating honey bees. In the 5 Minute Management segment, Jamie and Amy discuss how to be a good neighbor when it comes to beekeeping. Episode 50 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- 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?
- 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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, released on March 11, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 49 Transcription
Q&A
- Why is swarm control so important other than for high honey yields and preventing being pests to others?
- 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?
- 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
A Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQVs6-xm3mVNdwW4Zt8McQ
Supers: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/11,-November-2014,-Assembling-Supers,-low-res.pdf
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released March 4, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 48 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- Can you explain what you mean when you say you are “dissecting” a hive?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released February 25, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 47 Transcription
Q&A
- Do nematodes survive in the winter? What do nematodes have to do with honey bees?
- Is there a way to extend a nectar flow? What are some heavy-duty nectar producers that can be grown in pots?
- 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on February 18, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 46 Transcription
Q&A
- Can a queen excluder be used if it is rusted? How can the rust be removed safely?
- Do queens lay different sized eggs in different cell types? What is the cell size difference?
- 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/
Honey Bee Obscura: https://www.honeybeeobscura.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released February 11, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 45 Transcription
Q&A
- Has there been any research to determine if moving an egg is a honey bee behavior?
- Honey bees rob each other for different resources. Would it be possible for honey bees to rob eggs from different colonies?
- 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?
Resources
Professor Dirk de Graaf: https://biblio.ugent.be/person/800000008061
Beekeeping Equipment: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/beekeeping-equipment/
Robbing Behavior in Honey Bees: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1064
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released February 4, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 44 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- My equipment came into contact with a Raid fumigator. Can it still be used if it is aired out for a while?
- 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?
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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on January 28, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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. Episode 43 Transcription
Q&A
- Has there been any research to show that red lights in the hive control small hive beetle?
- Are there any scientific studies concerning the claim that pollen present in raw honey can relieve allergy symptoms?
- Have there been any studies regarding drone numbers near commercial queen-mating yards vs. drone numbers in a similar ecosystem without mating nucs?
- Are there recommendations for the number of drone source colonies per number of mating nucs in an area?
Resources
Dr. 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
In today’s episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released January 21, 2021, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Ben Powell, apiculture and pollinator protection specialist from Clemson University, who discusses pesticides and their impacts on honey bees. Next, Jamie has 5 minutes to break down today’s management topic: properly storing unused equipment. We will end today’s episode with everybody’s favorite question and answer segment, Stump the Chump. Episode 42 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- 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?
- Can a laying queen immediately be placed into a queen-less colony?
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released November 19, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu dedicate an entire segment to how you, our listeners, can help us improve this podcast. But first, we are joined by Dr. Victoria Soroker who will be discussing pheromonal communication in honey bees. Finally, we end with everyone’s favorite game show, Stump the Chump. Episode 41 Transcription
Q&A
- How do you differentiate between uncapped honey not ready for harvest and uncapped honey that is ready?
- What is it about the taste of honey that tells you it has fermented?
- Is honey considered a liquid or solid in the mail?
Resources
Dr. Victoria Soroker: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Victoria-Sorokerco.za/citations?user=D6X0PLEAAAAJ&hl=en
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
In today’s episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on November 12, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu welcome 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. Episode 40 Transcription
Q&A
- By the end of October, why does my hive dwindle down to a handful of bees?
- Do Slovenian and top-bar constructions offer an advantage from an inspection standpoint?
- One of my 40 hives is being robbed heavily. What do I need to do?
Resources
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released November 5, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with 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 UF/IFAS HBREL on the World Honey Bee Health project. Episode 39 Transcription
Q&A
- Will an unmated queen leave with a swarm?
- Is it safe to use bamboo to make equipment for honey bees?
- Is a stinger both an ovipositor and a stinger, or does something change?
Resources
Dr. 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/
Dr. Humberto Boncristiani: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/about-us/people/
World Honey Bee Health: http://worldhoneybeehealth.com/
Swarm Control for Managed Beehives: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in970
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on October 29, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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, they 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. Episode 38 Transcription
Q&A
- How do I know if where I live is a good place for making honey?
- Why do four of my hives consistently have more Varroa than the others, despite receiving the same treatment?
- Do queen excluders cause bees to die more quickly? Why do some people call them "honey excluders"?
Resources
American Honey Producers Association: https://www.ahpanet.com/
Dr. Thomas Seeley: https://nbb.cornell.edu/thomas-seeley
The Lives of Bees by Dr. Tom Seeley: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691166766/the-lives-of-bees
Honeybee Democracy by Dr. Tom Seeley: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691147215/honeybee-democracy
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released October 22, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu 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 interviews Jamie on arthropod invaders in honey bee colonies. Episode 37 Transcription
Q&A
- How do you limit the growth of a colony?
- When should I add a honey super in Florida during fall?
- Is it possible to pay for a type of honey bee that has traits which can reduce the need to treat for Varroa?
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released October 15, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu host Dr. Ashley Mortenson from Plant and Food Research in New Zealand, who talks about drone congregation areas. Then they interview Dr. Raffaele Dall’Olio, an independent honey bee research and extension specialist in Italy, who discusses queen bee production in Europe. Episode 36 Transcription
Q&A
- What is the significance of the three-honeycomb pattern on your logo?
- Why don't we hear more about essential oils to assist with diseases, Varroa, or small hive beetles?
- Do drones have the ability to produce wax? Do they have wax glands?
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
Suppressed mite reproduction (SMR) explained by the behavior of adult bees: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00218839.2005.11101141
Locally adapted honey bee breeding: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335777659_IHBBN_reducing_colony_losses_by_breeding_locally_adapted_honey_bees
Impacts of neonicotinoids on queens: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283955459_Field_assessment_of_impacts_of_different_neonicotinoids_on_honey_bee_queens_and_drones
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on October 8, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Steve Martin, a professor from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom, who discusses his research on natural Varroa-resistant honey bees. This will be followed by a segment where Cameron interviews Jamie on small hive beetles. Episode 35 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- Are there winter bees in the south? What makes a winter bee develop differently in the north versus the south?
- Have direct-fed probiotics been studied for Nosema control?
Resources
BBKA News - Natural Varroa-Resistant Honey Bees: https://www.bbka.org.uk/shop/bbka-special-edition-natural-varroa-resistant-honey-bees?srsltid=AfmBOoq0_B6wKMduA4SZKLYtnPLZ8dBFNDJBWFRmrX2-w1GfA6lbJyxt
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released October 1, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Ben Oldroyd, a professor from the University of Sydney in Australia, who discusses 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. Episode 34 Transcription
Q&A
- Is it wrong to install honey supers on a colony during mite treatment?
- 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?
- When working Africanized bees, people will breathe through a 50ft tube to avoid producing carbon dioxide so that the bees don't know they are coming. Is this common?
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on September 10, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Jeff Harris from Mississippi State University, an expert on Varroa Sensitive Hygiene traits. This is followed by a segment where Jamie and Amy discuss overwintering colonies in different climates. Episode 33 Transcription
Q&A
- Has there been any research on combining two or more different chemical treatments at the same time to treat Varroa?
- If the daughter of a non-local queen has survived a season, does that mean she has been adapted to the colony?
- Is there more than one type of Varroa? Do they look the same?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on September 3, 2020, we are joined by Logan Cutts to talk about his experience as a fifth-generation beekeeper. This is followed by a segment where Jamie and Amy discuss the commercial beekeeping industry. Episode 32 Transcription
Q&A
- What's the deal with Manuka honey? Why is it so fancy, and why do people want it?
- 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?
- Can bees survive in observation hives? Does the placement of these hives matter?
Resources
Industry Updates for Florida Beekeepers
Economic Value of Commercial Beekeeping
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on August 27, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Juliana Rangel, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Texas A&M University, to talk about scout bees. This is followed by a segment where Jamie and Amy discuss bee stings. Episode 31 Transcription
Questions
- Can sugar water go bad?
- Do we remove supers to prevent amitraz contamination?
- When a commercial beekeeper is loading a pallet of hives, what are the bees doing?
Resources
Bee Stings:
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast released on August 20, 2020, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Geoff Williams, Associate Professor and Program Officer (Bee Health and Management) at Auburn University, to discuss the 2020 Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) preliminary survey. Then Amy and Jamie talk about queen bees. Episode 30 Transcription
Q&A
- When removing supers, should burr comb be melted and applied to frames to encourage honey bees building into that super?
- What are "zom-bees"?
- I heard foundationless frames made smaller worker bees, which led to less Varroa. Is this true?
Resources
BIP Loss and Management Survey
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. David Tarpy of North Carolina State University's Queen and Disease Clinic to learn what it means to have quality queen bees. Then Amy and Jamie discuss the biggest stressors that honey bee colonies face according to the Bee Informed Partnership.
Episode 29 Transcription
Q&A
- I harvested my honey and there are a lot of bubbles. Is this OK or should I wait before putting a lid on it?
- What kind of hive stand is the best?
- Would it be OK if I got rid of deeps and used a different size hive box?
Resources:
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with Dr. Keith Delaplane, Professor, Walter B. Hill Fellow, and Honey Bee Program Director at the University of Georgia, about queen mating behavior. For the second segment, Jamie and Amy discuss the role of labels and how to interpret them. Episode 28 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there a way to control mold in a hive?
- How can you tell the difference between wax moths and small hive beetle larvae?
- How do you deal with high moisture content in your honey?
Resources:
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with 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, they go more in depth into how this program was developed and how you can begin one in your area. Episode 27 Transcription
Q&A
- Is honey safe to eat when pregnant? Can bacteria in honey cause botulism? Does the bacteria affect the bees?
- Why do queens have different colored abdomens?
- Why do bees sometimes exhibit behavior called wash boarding?
Resources:
Black Bee Honey
https://www.blackbeehoneyhq.com/Home
https://www.blackbeehoneyhq.com/About-PKZ
Q&A resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Dr. Tammy Potter, Kentucky State Apiarist, to discuss the role of women in beekeeping. Then they speak with Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda about what it means to be an Extension Specialist, her programs in Tennessee, and some emerging topics in the honey bee world. Episode 26 Transcription
Q&A
- When moving a hive, is it true that you need to move them 'two feet a day or two miles away'?
- How can we incorporate integrated pest management when using a top bar hive?
- Are there any essential oils we should not be using in the hive that attract small hive beetle?
Resources
Dr. Tammy Potter:
https://www.beeculture.com/tammy-horn-potter/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bees-in-america-tammy-horn/1100312731
https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/about-the-coalition/
Dr. Jennifer Tsuruda:
https://epp.tennessee.edu/people/directory/dr-jennifer-tsuruda/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu discuss recent research conducted by lead scientist, Dr. Martin Bencsik, of Nottingham Trent University, who studied honey bee queen "duets". Then we hear from Dr. Malcolm Sanford, professor emeritus from the University of Florida, about his research and career experiences. Episode 25 Transcription
Q&A
- What does it mean when beekeepers are 'treatment free'?
- Is Amdro safe to use around hives?
- How many dead bees is enough to cause concern?
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they discuss BeeMD with Dr. Dewey Caron and Dr. Debbie Delaney. Then they welcome Chris Hiatt, the vice president of the American Honey Producers Association (AHPA) to discuss AHPA, some of their initiatives, including a hot topic in the commercial beekeeping industry: honey labeling guidelines. Episode 24 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there a resistance to Amitraz?
- What does it mean when beekeepers talk about mite resistance or Varroa sensitivity?
- Where would someone find queens who are resistant to certain problems?
Resources
BeeMD: http://www.thebeemd.com/
Dr. Dewey Caron: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/pollinationpodcast/2017/10/23/dr-dewey-m-caron/
Dr. Debbie Delaney:https://www.udel.edu/canr/departments/entomology-and-wildlife-ecology/faculty-staff/debbie-delaney/
American Honey Producers Association (AHPA): https://ahpanet.com/
Chris Hiatt: https://ahpanet.com/officers-and-executive/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, Jamie and Amy 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 of North Dakota State University to learn about her research on the factors that determine whether a female larva will become a worker or queen bee. Episode 23 Transcription
Q&A
- I have a hive with screened 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?
- How does someone recognize forage resources around them, and are there resources for determining what kind of forage is around you? Are there quantitative measures?
Resources:
Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) https://beeinformed.org/about/
Dan's and Matt’s Bios: https://beeinformed.org/about/staff/
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they discuss the re-discovery of the blue calamintha bee with Dr. Chase Kimmel of the University of Florida. Then we hear from Dr. Jay Evans, to learn about his column, ‘Found in Translation’. Episode 22 Transcription
Q&A
- How do you deal with bull ants?
- 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?
- What qualifies someone as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced beekeeper?
Resources
Blue calamintha bee:
https://www.prevention.com/life/a32613640/rare-blue-calamintha-bees-florida/
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/daniels-lab/chase-kimmel/
Additional Information on Ants:
Two Bees in a Podcast: Even Though I'm an Entomologist, I'm Not an "Ant"omologist
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they welcome Dr. Jay Evans, research entomologist with the USDA ARS, to learn about the role of USDA Bee Research Laboratories and what they do for beekeepers. This is followed by a discussion with Jennifer Holmes, the Florida State Beekeepers Association president, on state beekeeper associations. Episode 21 Transcription
Q&A
- After I work my bees, I smell like smoke the rest of the day. Is there a trick to removing smoke?
- 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?
- 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?
Resources:
Baton Rouge, LA :
https://www.ars.usda.gov/southeast-area/baton-rouge-la/honeybeelab/
Beltsville, MD:
Logan, UT:
Tucson, AZ:
https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/tucson-az/carl-hayden-bee-research-center/
State Beekeeper Associations
https://flstatebeekeepers.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they discuss the role of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and their relationship with apiculture in the state. In the second segment of this podcast episode, Jamie and Amy speak with Caitlin Gill from the Florida Department of Agriculture, about mosquito control for beekeepers. Episode 20 Transcription
Q&A
- What are things that beekeepers can do to prevent mosquitoes?
- What ratio do you recommend for sugar water, and why?
- 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?
Resources:
Florida Farm Bureau Federation
Mosquito Control
https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Mosquito-Control
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2017/09/22/mosquito-control-florida-beekeepers/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Distinguished McKnight Professor at the University of Montana, Dr. Marla Spivak, to learn about social immunity. Amy and Jamie have a discussion on swarms, and they wrap up with Q&A. Episode 19 Transcription
Q&A
- How soon should I put a honey super on a newly split, ten frame hive?
- Can you tell us about treating for mites prophylactically?
- Are supers safe to reuse if they have tested positive for European foulbrood in the past?
Resources
European Foulbrood
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1272
https://beeinformed.org/2013/04/05/european-foulbrood-efb-identification/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Agent, Brooke Moffis, to learn about landscaping for bees. Jamie and Amy wrap up this episode with a discussion on commonly asked questions about specific beekeeping equipment, such as woodenware and bottom boards. Episode 18 Transcription
Q&A
- How did beetles find my hive only hours after installing them?
- What are small cell foundations?
- What is the best way to move frames in a hive without crushing the queen?
Resources
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
Vespa mandarinia Featured Creatures
Other resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by David Small, who discusses his experiences and knowledge of beekeeping in the Caribbean and how Varroa have affected the industry. They wrap up this episode with Dr. Cameron Jack, whose segment focuses on the use of oxalic acid as a pest management tool. Episode 17 Transcription
Q&A
- Should you select and remove drones?
- Do drones take resources away from the larvae?
- Can you get different sizes of drones within your colony?
Resources
Varroa destructor resources:
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu are joined by Michael Young, international Senior Honey Judge who founded the Welsh Honey Judge Program, discussing honey judging. Jamie and Amy then wrap up Dr. Bill Kern's pest series with a conversation about miscellaneous pests. Episode 16 Transcription
Q&A
- What are books and resources for beekeepers?
- Can you combine frames from two hives to make one walkaway split?
Resources
Jamie's References
Honey Bees and Beekeeping: A Year in the Life of an Apiary
Storey's Guide to Keeping Bees
Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping
The Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu discuss available resources and beekeeping journals by editors around the country: Eugene Makovec, editor of American Bee Journal, and Jerry Hayes, editor of Bee Culture (who has a little surprise for our podcast listeners!) Episode 15 Transcription
Q&A
- Why doesn’t the Africanized honey bee gene pool get watered down?
- Is checking a hive once a week (or more) bad for the colony?
- What do we do about swarms?
Resources
Eugene Makovec: American Bee Journal
Jerry Hayes: Bee Culture
Differences Between European and African Honey Bees
Time Commitment Associated with Keeping Bees
Swarms
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they 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, Afterwards, Jamie and Amy continue their apiary pest discussion with Dr. Bill Kern talking about bears. Episode 14 Transcription
Q&A
- Should you bottom super or top super? If you bottom super, what’s the order to do that?
- Is there any information on azaleas and honey bees?
- I have honey bees in my tree. What can I do to remove them?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, guest Dave Westervelt, former Chief of Apiary Inspection for the State of Florida, discusses the history of beekeeping. Jamie and Amy continue the pest series with Dr. Bill Kern discussing wasps, and Dr. Ellis lists his top ten tips for beekeepers. Episode 13 Transcription
Q&A
- Can you smoke bees too much?
- How does the hive keep a balance between drones and workers?
- Can the queen lay different types of eggs?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu interview key members of the International Bee Research Association, including Professor Dr. William Kirk, discussing the history of IBRA, Dr. Robert Brodschneider, the editor of the journal Bee World, and Dr. Maria Bouga, the editor of the Journal of Apicultural Research. Jamie and Cameron include a synopsis of what it means to publish academic research. Episode 12 Transcription
Q&A
- Why should we care about the honey bee gut?
- What are super sisters?
- What is the difference between orientation flights, swarming, and robbing?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu interview 2020 American Honey Princess, Sydnie Paulsrud, about the American Beekeeping Federation and the Honey Queen Program. This is followed by Dr. Bill Kern beginning our “Pests in the Apiary” series with a discussion about ants. Episode 11 Transcription
Q&A
- How many hives are needed per acre in almond pollination?
- Are top bar hives a better choice for bee health?
- When should a beekeeper be worried about small hive beetles?
Resources
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu interview with Dr. Meghan Milbrath - Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology at Michigan State University- about European foulbrood. This is followed by a discussion with Dr. Milbrath about honey bee treatments. Finally, Dr. Bill Kern talks about Africanized honey bees. Episode 10 Transcription
Q&A
- 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?
- Do honey bees dislike bananas?
- Why do you have to pay for bee removal?
Resources
Dr. Meghan 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://bee-health.extension.org/european-foulbrood-a-bacterial-disease-affecting-honey-bee-brood/
Diagnosis of Honey Bee Diseases: https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/_2016_disease_pdf_version_s.pdf
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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu speak with the Florida Assistant Bureau Chief of Apiary Inspection, Brandi Stanford. This is followed by an interview with pollination ecology expert, Dr. Rachel Mallinger, from the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. Episode 9 Transcription
Q&A
- Logan Cutts wants to know: how many re-tweets until you will let him do a bee-beard at Bee College?
- How long can mites survive after the colony dies?
- How many mites can be eliminated with a brood break?
- Do some people still consider honey bees an invasive species?
Resources
Rules and Regulations: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Bees-Apiary/Apiary-Inspection
Mallinger Lab: http://www.rachelmallinger.com/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they interview with Dr. Josette Lewis with the Almond Board of California. This is followed by a discussion with Sarah Stern, a commercial beekeeper/co-owner of Concord Farms about her life as a commercial beekeeper. Episode 8 Transcription
Q&A
- Do commercial beekeepers use preventive treatments for AFB?
- What government programs are available to help commercial beekeepers in the event of heavy colony losses?
- Is theft a problem in your operation?
- Are you concerned about pests and pathogens when transporting bees?
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/
Identification and Treatment of European Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1272
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy, they speak with Dr. Judy Wu-Smart, Extension & Research Entomologist at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, on her pesticide research. Then Jamie and Amy discuss pesticide risk and what that really means. Episode 7 Transcription
Q&A
- Is there anything interesting about the bees’ knees?
- Do commercial beekeepers use preventive treatments for AFB, and should backyard beekeepers be doing it?
- Are heat treatments for mites effective?
- What methods do you recommend to prevent and recover from heavy colony losses, such as during winter?
Resources
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast with Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, they interview Randy Oliver about monitoring for Varroa destructor. This is followed by a discussion about the Bee Informed Partnership with Anne Marie Fauvel and Nathalie Steinhauer. Episode 6 Transcription
Q&A
- What do you do if you want to keep bees but your homeowner association (HOA) doesn’t allow it?
- What do you recommend about buying bees online?
- What’s the proper balance of reading and researching versus hands-on experience and learning as you go?
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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu ask what to do about honey bee dead-outs with Dr. Humberto Boncristiani, formerly of the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab. They follow that with a discussion on invasive species with Dr. Jim Cuda of UF/IFAS. Episode 5 Transcription
Q&A
- We are trying to save the bees, but what about wasps and yellow jackets?
- Is it appropriate to include frames of wax in a bait hive when trying to attract a swarm?
- Should you destroy queen cells in thriving colonies?
Resources
UF/IFAS HBREL Honey Bee Husbandry Research: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/research/honey-bee-husbandry/
UF/IFAS HBREL Beekeeping Equipment: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/beekeeping-equipment/
Dr. James P. Cuda: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/people-directory/james-cuda/
Dr. 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
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu provide a summary of Extension and Research in land grant institutions. Then they interview Dr. Meghan Milbrath from Michigan State University to discuss her 50/50 Research/Extension appointment. Episode 4 Transcription
Q&A
- How did you (Dr. Jamie Ellis) get into entomology?
- What are the best ingredients to put into a smoker to calm bees?
Resources
Land-Grant University Website Directory: https://nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory
UF/IFAS HBREL Extension: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/
UF/IFAS Extension: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/
UF/IFAS HBREL Research: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/research/
UF/IFAS 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/
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu provide a general overview of Varroa destructor, honey bee pollen and nutrition, and Master Beekeeper Programs. Episode 3 Transcription
Q&A
- Why might you see bees in your landscape one year, but suddenly the next year they are gone?
- What’s really going on when bees do the waggle dance?
- What happens if the queen dies during swarming?
- When do bees swarm?
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: Online Extension Courses - Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS
In this episode of Two Bees in a Podcast, Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu introduce the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, UF instructional programs, and what it means to have a healthy colony. Episode 2 Transcription
Q&A
- What can be done about ants?
- What’s with worker bees laying eggs?
- Do we have African bees here? Should we be scared of having them?
Resources
Instruction: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/instruction/
Cameron Jack: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/about-us/people/cameron-jack/
Ant Control in the Apiary: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1181
In this episode, meet your “Two Bees in a Podcast” hosts - Dr. Jamie Ellis and Amy Vu, learn about their positions and experiences, find out more about what to expect from this podcast, and how you can be more involved! Episode 1 Transcription
Q&A
- What do you think about the Flow Hive?
- Can you use oxalic acid treatment on the frames?
- What is parasitic mite syndrome?
- How effective are Beetle Blasters and dryer sheets?
- How often should check beetle traps or blasters?