In this episode, Jim Tew shares a messy and mysterious beekeeping challenge that begins with two unrelated problems—a failing observation hive and a suspected drone-laying queen. The result is a tangle of questions, classic troubleshooting, and a fair bit of head scratching.

Jim walks listeners through his efforts to identify whether he’s dealing with a drone-laying queen, laying workers, or a queenless colony with atypical brood patterns. As he methodically shakes out bees, uses a long-retired queen and drone trap, and searches for elusive signs of a queen, the deeper story unfolds: what happens when the standard beekeeping “rules” don’t seem to apply?

The saga continues as he attempts to recapture a swarm queen, reassess a failed observation hive setup, and carefully plan the combination of two problematic colonies—all while trying not to irritate a close neighbor allergic to bee stings.

This episode offers an honest, real-world look at the unpredictable nature of beekeeping, especially when multiple problems collide. It’s a reminder that, despite years of experience, bees don’t always follow the book—and sometimes, neither can we.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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

They swap observations on nectar flow patterns, weather and soil influences, and how different regions experience blooms. Anne highlights the importance of preparation and timing, while Jim reflects on the hard-earned lessons of missed harvests and misread cues. The conversation shifts to honey harvesting strategies for sideliners, including the pros and cons of triangle escapes, fume boards, and bee blowers. They even touch on sticky floors, steam uncappers, and creative ways to rescue lost bees in the extraction room.

If you’ve ever been puzzled by empty supers during a full bloom or are planning your next harvest, this candid and practical discussion will help you be ready—because, as Anne says, “Mother Nature doesn’t wait.”

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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

Jim revisits a mostly forgotten tool of the trade and tests its function in real time. Does it stop the swarm? Not quite. But it does raise questions about how much we really know about our bees and their behavior. Why was the queen outside the hive? Were those young bees left behind confused or just waiting? Did the swarm even come from his own apiary?

This episode is a perfect listen for beekeepers who appreciate the unpredictable, curious moments that remind us why we fell in love with bees in the first place. It’s also a good reminder that, sometimes, the tools we put aside might still have a use—just maybe not the one we expected.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

On this rainy and unseasonably chilly spring day, Jim Tew heads out to his bee yard with longtime friend and former lab assistant Jason Ferrell. While the original plan was to inspect a package colony, the weather—and some unexpected bee behavior—had other ideas.

What began as a routine day in the yard quickly turned into a puzzling observation. Why were a dozen bees congregating on a white hive cover in 51°F drizzle? Their tongues extended, their abdomens pulsating—Jim and Jason speculate: Are they foraging? Are they confused? Is there something special about that surface? It’s another one of those small but intriguing mysteries that beekeepers often encounter.

The episode also touches on the ebb and flow of spring colony energy, why some hives fly in the rain while others stay dormant, and how Jim experiments with brood transfers to test for queen presence.

Sometimes in beekeeping, the biggest lessons come from days when things don’t go as planned. Join Jim and Jason for this spontaneous, thought-provoking walk through a quiet bee yard, filled with questions and quiet observations.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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

From initial excitement at spotting the swarm nestled low on a hibiscus branch to the scramble for equipment and the disappointment as the bees slipped away, Jim walks listeners through the emotional highs and lows of the day. Along the way, he shares candid thoughts on swarm management, the unpredictable nature of bees, and the importance of humility in beekeeping. Jim’s firsthand account captures both the technical and personal sides of losing a swarm, offering listeners a chance to reflect on their own beekeeping experiences.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hand, this episode is a sobering reminder: sometimes, despite preparation and good intentions, the bees have their own plans.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes Eugene and Diane Makovec to his sunny Ohio bee yard for a rare in-person conversation. Eugene, editor of American Bee Journal, shares the winding path that led him from journalism school to the printing industry and ultimately to the editor’s chair of one of beekeeping’s oldest and most respected publications. Alongside him, Diane reflects on her own introduction to beekeeping and how their shared passion for bees has grown over time.

Together, they explore the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers, navigating misinformation in the digital age, and the vital role that reputable sources like ABJ and local bee clubs play in fostering sound beekeeping practices. Eugene offers candid insights into the pressures of producing a monthly magazine, from tight deadlines to sourcing quality photos, while Diane adds warmth and perspective as a beekeeping enthusiast and advocate.

Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or simply curious about what it takes to keep a historic publication humming, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the people and passion behind the pages of American Bee Journal.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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

Jim shares how to distinguish scouting from robbing, discusses the importance of scent and hive condition, and reflects on whether to clean out dead bees to make the equipment more attractive. A week later, he’s proven right: a swarm moves in, occupying the old inner cover and making the stack of neglected boxes their new home.

Jim talks listeners through the clues that suggested a swarm was imminent and offers advice on how to passively attract swarms with minimal effort—no ladders, no traps, just wisely placed empty equipment. It’s a rewarding reminder that sometimes, doing nothing can be a beekeeper’s best move. This episode is both a meditation on patience and a masterclass in reading bee behavior.

______________________

Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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

Jim explains his reasons for preferring direct release and shares observations about bee behavior, queen acceptance, and the potential dangers involved. He details his cautious approach, including how he assesses queen health, minimizes colony disruption, and avoids smoke to reduce stress. Listeners get a real-time feel for the subtle dynamics between bees and their newly introduced queens.

From carpenter ants to cage-clinging bees, Jim encounters surprises and offers practical tips along the way—like why he uses towels to shield queens and why he marks queens with colors he can actually see. He even recounts a memorable mishap involving a lost queen during a rainy release and the unexpected recovery that followed.

Whether you’re considering releasing queens directly or prefer the traditional slow-release method, this episode is packed with plain talk, seasoned insight, and a deep respect for the bees.

______________________

Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC