Libsyn Directory

Plain Talk: About Drone Layers (238)

Release Date: 07/03/2025

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Locust Tree Nectar Flows with Anne Frey (237)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Plain Talk: Queen and Drone Traps (236)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Exploring Mysteries of the Bee Yard (235)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Plain Talk: The Lost Swarm (234)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Bee Talk with Eugene & Diane Makovec (233)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Plain Talk: Predicting Swarms (232)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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...

Plain Talk: Releasing Tew Queens (231)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

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,...

Plain Talk: Installing Tew Packages (230)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew takes listeners into the bee yard to share his experience installing two packages of bees. He discusses the realities of package season, including unexpected challenges like ants, and reflects on why starting with two colonies is often better than one. Jim compares two common package installation techniques: the fast “shake and dump” method and a slower, less disruptive approach where bees migrate into the hive on their own. He explains why he’s favoring the slower method this year and offers practical advice on preparing equipment, managing...

Rosario Candelero: Student Bee Vet (229)

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes special guests Rosario Candelero, a veterinary student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Jason Ferrell, a beekeeper and IT specialist. Together, they explore how beekeeping in Mexico differs from practices in the United States. Rosario shares insights from her veterinary training, where bee health is treated as part of veterinary medicine, not entomology. She describes common honey bee diseases in Mexico, including Varroa, American foulbrood, chalkbrood, and the rarer stonebrood. Jim and Rosario discuss how Mexican...

More Episodes

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)

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