Welcome to Episode 26 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Nuc Pickup and Dispersion Adventure: Luke and Steve pick up some nucs!
• House Cutout: What happens to bees where they are not supposed to be?

In the News:

• Honeybee Losses: Honeybee losses hit the mainstream!

Droning On:

• Hive Checks: What we are seeing in our hives.
• Queen Grafting: Queen grafting classes.

Tune in to Episode 26 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/

Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs

How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ

The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/

Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8

Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Welcome to Episode 25 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Spring Weather: Cold weather keeping you out of your hives?
• Feed or Not: Should we be feeding still?
• Speaking to Groups: How and when do we talk about bees?
• First Dandelions!
• Getting Nucs: What is the process of getting 50 nucs of bees?

In the News:

• Tariffs: How will the tariffs impact beekeepers?
• Pollination Services: Do farmers understand pollination requirements?
• North American Honeybee Expo: Luke shares some details about the Expo

Honeybee Hotline:

• Electrical Flower Discharge: Bees can see electrical charges?
•  Survival Rates and Treating with Oxalic Acid: Should we be changing the way we treat or bees?

Droning On:

• Sneaking in Hive Checks: Find some nice warm weather to check your hives.
• Classes and Nuc Pickup: We talk about nuc pickup and classes.

Tune in to Episode 25 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/

Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs

How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ

The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/

Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8

Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Handbook: https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf

Welcome to Episode 24 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Spring Treatment: OA treatment in our hives.
• Canadian Beekeeper Blog Breakdown: Mite count theory that holds some water.
• To Feed or Not to Feed: What we are we feeding and how?
• Bees are Working: Are the girls able to get out and about?
• Do We Reverse Hives: Steve and Luke talk about if we do reversals?

In the News:

• Grafting Queens: We review an meeting we went about grafting queens.
• Queen Grafting Course: Luke and Steve will be running a queen building course.
• Feral Bees: How did the US bees do this winter? The news is not great.

Honeybee Hotline:

• Selling Wax: What do you sell wax for?
• When Can I Graft: Luke and Steve discuss when to graft.

Droning On:

• Nuc Delivery
• Clover Nectar Grab

Tune in to Episode 24 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Randy Oliver Mite Calculator Calendar: https://scientificbeekeeping.com/randys-varroa-model/

Canadian Beekeeper Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TqtT4YA7zs

How RRA Makes Fondant: https://youtu.be/CAiOF3onmBQ

The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/

Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8

Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Welcome to Episode 23 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Spring Feeding: In order to build up our hives for spring, we are feeding our bees.
• Winter Losses: How did we do with our hives? Steve and Luke report.

In the News:

• Why Are Poor Queens Poor (ABJ Article): Reviewing the article in this month ABJ.
• North American Bee Survey: How did the US bees do this winter? The news is not great.

Honeybee Hotline:

• German Dark Forest, Arizona Mesquite Desert Wildflower, and French Lavender Honey: Our thoughts on some different honey types we were able to try.

Tune in to Episode 23 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

The American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/

Project Apis m. Bee Survey Video 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCis4ZPfp8

Project Apis m. Website: https://www.projectapism.org/events/i8yr94doxarjvh453lchfhr0xf3bvq

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Welcome to Episode 22 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Break in the Winter: A break gives us a peek at some of Steve's hives.
• Yucatan Honeybee Update: Luke went to visit some Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula and got to work some Africanized bees, and also visted some Apis Melapona bees!
• HOIBA Meeting Speaker: Joe Curless is a farmer who is working with clover as a cover crop for his farmland that keeps weeds down, lowers erosion, and improving pollinator habitat.

In the News:

• Dalan Animal Health: We get to talk to Everett Hendrixon from Dalan Animal Health about their AFB vaccine!

Honeybee Hotline:

• Wanting to Exit: How do you exit from beekeeping and what to do with your equipment and bees.
• Expanding Your Apiary: Our opinions on how to expand your apiary.

Tune in to Episode 22 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Riverivew Road Apiary: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Helath: https://dalan.com/

• Contact Information
  • Phone Number: 941-549-4971
  • Email: [email protected]

American Bee Journal: https://americanbeejournal.com/

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Ian Steppler Vaccination Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz_DBItMu3w

Winter Losses 2024-2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGxjbZPQExQ

Welcome to Episode 21 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

North American Honeybee Expo: Widgets we purchased, reivew of Cory Stevens and if we are going to try instrumental insemination of queens, and Randy Oliver's review on varroa mites.

Propola Hive Body: https://www.premierbeeproducts.com/shop/hives?gad_source=1

Apimaybe Bottom Board: https://apimaye-usa.com/collections/apimaye-for-wooden-hives/products/bottom-board-for-wooden-beehives

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Cory Stevens: https://www.stevensbeeco.com/

Dr. Jamie Ellis Podcast: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/podcast/

Bob Binnie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bobbinnie9872

North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Welcome to Episode 20 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area. This Episode we are going to talk to our shopping special and ideas we have for beekeepers this holiday season! Please note there are Amazon Affiliate Links here that give us 3% of the overall purchase price if you do click on any of these links.

9 Frame Spacers

• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m00874-9-frame-spacers-each
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZKrg9F
• Amazon Spacer Tool (not recommended) - https://amzn.to/4gKH1EA

Refractometer

• Amazon - https://amzn.to/49MiInb
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m005961-refractometer-standard

Ez Mite Check

• Amazon - https://amzn.to/404LPPi
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/varroa-easy-check-m014908
• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/varroa-easycheck/

Mouse Guard/Entrance Reducer

• Luke's Choice Amazon - https://amzn.to/4fvn5US
• Steve's Choice Amazon - https://amzn.to/41Km7RB

Bee Veil

• Amazon - https://amzn.to/49JkJRb
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/v01108-hat-veil-pullover-combo 

Hive Tool

• Luke's Choice Amazon - https://amzn.to/4iDtiRw
• Luke's Choice Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/deluxe-hive-tool?_pos=4&_sid=9973edb39&_ss=r
• Luke's Choice Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hive-tools/multifunctional-hive-tool/
• Steve's Choice Amazon - https://amzn.to/4goPIof
• Steve's Choice Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/j-hook-hive-tool?_pos=1&_sid=9973edb39&_ss=r
• Steve's Choice Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m00856-j-hook-hive-tool
• Steve's Choice Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/beekeeping-tools-more/hive-tools/10-1-2-frame-lifter-and-scraper-hive-tool/

Queen Rearing Kit

• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/queen-rearing/complete-queen-rearing-kit/?srsltid=AfmBOoomfcINdTDn3cWnU_BC596ITxtNr9-dChLdGbJrihOxZ0w-I5Bq
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3DtwXS4
• Hillco - 
• Dadant -

Grafting Tool

• • Master Grafting Tool (US version)
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m00654-master-grafting-tool
• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/queen-rearing/master-queen-grafting-tool/
  • Simple Grafting Tool
• Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/simple-grafting-tool?_pos=1&_sid=47f71bcda&_ss=r
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m01941-plastic-grafting-tool
• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/queen-rearing/chinese-grafting-tool/
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/4fudBcw
  • German Grafting Tool
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3P4s6sU
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m01942-stainless-grafting-tool-each
• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/queen-rearing/metal-german-grafting-tool/

JZ BZ Kit

• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3VKonEH

Candle Mold

• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/search-results/?search_query=candle%20mold
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3BzDCcJ

Lip Balm Kits

• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZP2HIy
• Luke's 50 Kit Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZIY0A1
• Pyrex Measuring Cup - https://amzn.to/3VNYfJ6
• Double Boiler - https://amzn.to/4frHWbF

Bee Suit

• Hillco Vented Suit (need baseball hat) - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/featherlite-ventilated-beekeeper-jacket?_pos=1&_sid=4707b1863&_ss=r
• Hillco Vented Suit (round veil) - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/featherlite-ventilated-beekeeper-jacket-round-veil?_pos=2&_sid=4707b1863&_ss=r
• Dadant Vented Suit - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/economy-vent-jacket
• Amazon Mann Lake - https://amzn.to/3P4ypwv

Car Year End Detail

• Favorite Local Detailer - https://pioneerautocenteranddetailing.com/

Smoker Fuel

• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m00808-40-lb-wood-pellet-smoker-fuel
• Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/burlap-smoker-fuel-12-pack?_pos=1&_sid=d09a6b2ab&_ss=r
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/4foetPT

Smoker Fuel Bucket Screw On Lid

• • Smoker Fuel
• Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/burlap-smoker-fuel-12-pack?_pos=1&_sid=f1bf81259&_ss=r
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m00808-40-lb-wood-pellet-smoker-fuel
• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/beekeeping-tools-more/1/2-lb-smoker-fuel/
• Amazon - https://amzn.to/41HCePO
• Screw On Bucket Lids - https://amzn.to/4gJKdjB

Propant Torch Kit

• Menards - https://www.menards.com/main/tools/torches-soldering-tools/mag-torch-reg-self-light-propane-torch-kit/mt525/p-1571380065594-c-8533.htm?exp=false
• Home Depot - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-Utility-Torch-Kit-with-14-1-oz-Propane-Gas-Cylinder-and-Adjustable-Flame-WK2301/202539561

Bee Cozy - Help keep your hive warm this winter season. Helps keep the hive temperature consistent.

• Amazon Link -= https://amzn.to/41Jq0WR

Heated Honey Uncapping Knife

• Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZOyk52
• Dadant - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/m003391-speed-king-knife-220-volt
• Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/heated-uncapping-knife?_pos=1&_sid=35a5e8172&_ss=r
• Mann Lake - https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-uncapping-tanks-tools/uncapping-knife-north-american-model/

Beekeeping Journal

• American Bee Journal - https://americanbeejournal.com/
• Bee Culture - https://www.beeculture.com/

Bee Book Ideas

• Honeybee Democracy - https://amzn.to/4gjgHkW
• Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners - https://amzn.to/4gmJQM1
• Following the Bees - https://amzn.to/4gESF3u
• Beekeeper Bible - https://amzn.to/4iKVVfG
• Langstroth's Hive and the Honeybee - https://amzn.to/49LgRiq

Paul Kelly's Bee Belt

• https://www.dancingbeeequipmentusa.com/products/bee-belt?srsltid=AfmBOop_1eKlY4dnVjrX34TqaCS8zrWn0mzpyRM49WCvwNNDx76ryX1X
• https://hiddenhollowhoney.com/products/bee-belt?srsltid=AfmBOoqqMj5ckSinlPiapyNroYr8N0Rjpp1IoF3bPveBp3CeI0L_WbBj
• Leather Softener - https://amzn.to/4fx5xI2

Flir Camera

• We suggest the Flir One Edge Bluetooth - https://amzn.to/3ZKuTMP

Nuc

• Riverview Road Apiary - https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc
• Pro Nuc - https://www.dadant.com/catalog/pro-nuc-box-m01515

Swarm Trap

• Hillco - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/swarm-trap?_pos=1&_psq=swarm&_ss=e&_v=1.0
• Hillco Swarm Commander - https://www.hillco.buzz/products/swarm-commander-1oz-gel?_pos=3&_psq=swarm&_ss=e&_v=1.0
• Amazon Swarm Commander - https://amzn.to/400QYrU

Honey Harvest Consumables

• Bee Quick Amazon - https://amzn.to/3BA8Wbl
• Honey Robber (foul smelling but effective) - https://www.brawes-bee-farm.com/products/honey-robber
• Hillco Escape Board -  https://www.hillco.buzz/products/triangle-bee-escape-board-10-frame?_pos=1&_psq=escape+boa&_ss=e&_v=1.0
• Amazon Escape Board - https://amzn.to/4gJ4tlA

Beekeeping Classes

• HOIBA Class ($65) - https://hoibees.org/membership/
• CIBA Class - https://drive.google.com/file/d/10RG_WuQcO2cCR743TB5oNPYDKpVjF4qo/view
• Riverview Road Apiary - https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/fall-2022-apprenticeship

Managed Hive Program

• Riverview Road Apiary Beefriend - https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/honey-bee-stewardship

Beekeeping Vacation Package

• Cuba Bee Tours - http://www.cubabeetours.com/

Beekeeping Buddies Email - [email protected]

Welcome to Episode 19 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Final OA Treatment: One last OA treatment for the year!
• Winter Prep: Buttoning up for winter

In the News:

• Beekeeping 101: Drones and how they help the hive!
• Upcoming Beekeeping Courses: Find your local club and get signed up for your annual beekeeping beginner course.
• Upcoming Holiday Markets: Keep an eye out for your local beekeeper as they brave the cold in the holiday markets.

Tune in to Episode 19 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/

Christmas In the Village Peoria, IL: https://christmasinthevillagepeoria.com/

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Welcome to Episode 18 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Final OA Treatment: One last OA treatment for the year!
• Suit Cleaning: Have an older suit? How do you clean it?

In the News:

• Beekeeping 101: Queen and how she works and what she does!
• Nucs vs Packages: What Steve and Luke think about bees vs packages. We also cover our new offering!

Honeybee Hotline:

• Pollen Bound: What is a pollen bound hive and what do you do with it?

Tune in to Episode 18 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Riverview Road Apiary Nucs: https://riverviewroadapiary.com/products/spring-2025-nuc

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Dr. Jamie Ellis Podcast: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/podcast/

Bob Binnie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bobbinnie9872

North American Honeybee Expo: https://www.nahbexpo.com/

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/

Welcome to Episode 17 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Reading for Winter: Feeding hives, making fondant and candy boards for winter,
• How to Make Candy Board Video: https://youtu.be/3UI0BGBJs8M?si=eMji3lGv4ezXNaXy 

In the News:

• Beekeeping 101: Workers and what they do in the hive.
• AFB Vaccine: AFB and how that is passed on to the queen bee.

Honeybee Hotline:

• Collapsed Hives: Luke and Steve talk about a collapsed hive, what was found and our thoughts on why it failed.

Honeybee Biology Deep Dive: How does the honeybee immune system actually work?

Tune in to Episode 17 for all this and more as we delve into the world of beekeeping in Central Illinois, providing you with practical advice, the latest news, and answers to your buzzing questions.

Heart of Illinois Beekeeping Club: https://hoibees.org/

Dalan Animal Health Queens: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Beekeeping Buddies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/beekeepingbuddies/