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/

Welcome to Episode 16 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Dry October: A dry hot October, still

In the News:

• DMZ Honey: NY Times article on a beekeeper in Korea

Droning On:

• Deep Dive Into Midwest Cutouts: Luke and Steve talk about what tools, time, and knowledge you need before attempting a cutout.

Tune in to Episode 16 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/

American Bee Journal: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

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

Bumblebee Cutout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiuCkPap2V4

Welcome to Episode 15 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• Dry October: A dry hot October. What do we do, anything we should not be doing? 
• Fall Honey Stock: How do our hives look for winter? How are our flow hives doing? Is there anything we can do right now?
• Upcoming Cutouts: Looks like Luke and Steve will have some upcoming cutouts... will be covered extensively in episode 16.

In the News:

• Legislative Update: Check out October ABH for the Legislative Update in FIFRA. Laws are being passed that will impact our ability to treat hives.

Honeybee Hotline:

• Bald Faced Hornets: Good, bad, or ugly?

Droning On:

• Asters In Bloom: Should we be feeding still with Asters in bloom?

Tune in to Episode 14 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/

American Bee Journal: https://bluetoad.com/publication/?m=5417&i=830245&p=38&ver=html5

Welcome to Episode 14 of Beekeeping Buddies. The podcast where Steve and Luke talk about beekeeping in the Central Illinois area.

Around the Yard:

• More Unusual Weather: A dry hot September. What do we do, anything we should not be doing? 
• Fall Honey Stock: How do our hives look for winter? How are our flow hives doing? Is there anything we can do right now?
• To Insulate or Not to Insulate: Steve and Luke share what we do, and what we have seen in our hives.
• Starting Hive Setup: We share what we would use for a hive setup for a new beekeeper.

In the News:

• New voarra treatments: Great news in the beekeeping world as new treatments are being developed.

Honeybee Hotline:

• Taking Losses Now: What do I do with my weak hives?

Droning On:

• New Beekeeper Preparation: New beekeeper preparation.

Tune in to Episode 14 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/

Formic Pro: https://nodglobal.com/formic-pro/

VarroxSan: https://www.dadant.com/catalog/varroxsan-60-pack?srsltid=AfmBOooTSfAsRCfkifSXTaadHyqugCQbyf6jUD1F3JED6VhLQ1F0p3mk

Terra Vera: https://terravera.com/resources#bee-colony-health