Beekeeping For Newbees

This Bees in the News edition covers four fascinating stories from around the world, from new species discoveries to the first honeybee vaccine. We look at how research and innovation continue to change our understanding of bees, their intelligence, and the threats they face.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Discovery of the horned “Lucifer” bee in Western Australia’s goldfields
• How small hive beetle larvae convert excess pollen into usable food
• New research showing that bees can perceive and measure time
• The first successful vaccine for American foulbrood disease
• A misleading viral post about queen bee insemination and why it’s wrong
• How social media often distorts beekeeping practices for clicks
• Final reflections on seasonal slowdown and winter beekeeping prep

Why Listen to This Episode?

It’s an engaging round-up of bee science, discovery, and controversy, highlighting what’s real, what’s hype, and what it all means for everyday beekeepers.

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This episode is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about Pennsylvania’s proposed bee legislation. We move from the 2024 Senate Bill 1198 to the newly filed 2025 House Bill 1277, breaking down what changed, why it matters, and how the bill expands the state’s authority over beekeepers.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• What happened to the 2024 Senate Bill and why it expired
• How HB 1277 was reintroduced with stronger enforcement language
• Expanded licensing that now includes hobbyist beekeepers
• What “risk-based inspections” really mean and why they are undefined
• The department’s new powers to enter property and destroy hives
• How fines, fees, and licensing revenue now fund enforcement directly
• Why “exclusive jurisdiction” language limits local flexibility
• What small-scale beekeepers can do before this moves forward

Why Listen to This Episode?

You’ll get a clear explanation of how Pennsylvania’s new bill evolved, what it means for local beekeepers, and why it could set the tone for future pollinator legislation across the country.

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This episode takes a closer look at Pennsylvania’s proposed Plant and Pollinator Protection Act (SB 1198) and why it’s raising concerns among beekeepers across the country. I break down how it rewrites the long-standing Bee Law, what new powers it gives the Department of Agriculture, and why even backyard beekeepers could be affected.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• What SB 1198 actually proposes and why it matters
• How it expands licensing and inspection powers
• What “risk-based inspections” could mean for hobbyists
• How unregistered hives could be seized or destroyed
• The shift from a $10 registration to open-ended licensing fees
• New record-keeping and reporting requirements
• Why this legislation could set a national precedent

Why Listen to This Episode?

You’ll learn what’s buried in the fine print of SB 1198, how it could reshape state-level beekeeping regulation, and what actions Pennsylvania beekeepers should take before this bill advances further.

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In this Bee Buzz episode I tackle common late-season questions about treating Varroa mites before winter, dealing with moisture and ventilation, replacing old comb, wrapping hives, and whether it’s safe to move colonies near a windbreak this time of year. We also look at what “too much insulation” really means, how to manage condensation safely, and why mite counts in early spring matter more than any single fall treatment.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• How late you can safely treat for Varroa before winter
• Why most mite treatments don’t work well during clustering
• Whether to treat for Nosema or other diseases in fall
• How to tell if mite levels are low enough to survive winter
• When and how to replace dark, old comb safely
• Whether tilting the hive helps manage condensation
• How much ventilation is too much in cold climates
• When to wrap hives, move colonies, or open them midwinter

Why Listen to This Episode?

It’s a straight-talking Bee Buzz focused on the realities of overwintering, from managing mites and moisture to balancing insulation and airflow for stronger colonies next spring.

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In this Bee Buzz episode I answer listener questions about using drone comb to reduce Varroa without chemicals, getting bees to accept plastic foundation, managing weak colonies before winter, handling late season queen loss, and how to think about brood frames, pollen patties, and uncapped nectar as the season winds down.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• How drone comb helps pull Varroa mites out of the colony
• Ways to coat or prep plastic foundation for better acceptance
• When to combine weak colonies before winter hits
• What to do if your colony goes queenless late in the year
• Why removing unused brood boxes saves energy and stress
• When pollen patties hurt more than they help
• How to move honey frames safely between colonies
• Why genetics beat feeding when it comes to overwintering success

Why Listen to This Episode?

It’s a practical Bee Buzz packed with seasonal advice, field experience, and honest talk about what really works when prepping hives for winter.

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