Beekeeping For Newbees®

In this episode we pick up right where we left off and continue the install process, including a mistake I made and how to handle it if it happens to you. We also walk through what to do after installation, how to handle feeding, and what to expect in those first few days. This wraps up the install process and sets you up for your first inspections. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• What happens if you remove the wrong cork on a queen cage and how to fix it

• Why leaving your bees alone after install is one of the most important steps

• How and when to check queen release without disturbing the colony

• Feeding strategies after install and when to start tapering off

• Differences in feeding and management between packages and nucs

• Common mistakes like over-inspecting and delaying installs too long

• What to expect in the first week and how to prepare for early inspections

Why Listen to This Episode?

Even small mistakes during install can have a big impact if you do not know how to handle them. This episode helps you recover from those moments and sets clear expectations for what comes next.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

Installing Bee Packages: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8

Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtube.com/shorts/bd6cEeE_kSk

Swarm Trap Prep and Bait Video: https://youtu.be/VOn8nv4ZqKE

Building a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we walk through the process of installing package bees and what to expect on day one. We break down the differences between packages and nucs, how to prepare your hive, and the exact steps to get your bees settled in safely. This is part one of a two-part series, focusing on setup and install before moving into early follow-up and inspections. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• The key differences between package bees and nucs and how that affects your starting point

• Why protective gear is still important even when bees are less defensive during install

• How and when to feed new packages

• Using a sprayer to calm bees during install

• Positioning the queen cage for a safe release

• Getting frames back in place and closing up the hive without crushing bees

Why Listen to This Episode?

Installing bees is one of the most important moments for a new beekeeper. This episode walks you through the process so you can avoid common mistakes and start your colony off strong.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

Installing Packages: https://youtu.be/wSAXt4kODz8

Checking Queens: (links forthcoming)

Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg

Mixing 2:1 in a Bucket: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ

Never Take Hive Notes Again: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we jump into a Bee Buzz and work through a series of listener questions from around the country. We cover a range of real-world scenarios including equipment cleanup, feeding decisions, splits, brood development, and adding space. This is a practical Q&A focused on what beekeepers are dealing with right now. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• How to clean used frames and what to watch out for when reusing old equipment

• Feeding decisions during spring buildup and how syrup fits into comb production

• How to set up new packages and when to expand from a single box

• Timing splits and why drone availability is critical for successful mating

• Why bees may ignore pollen patties and how to use them safely

• Uneven brood expansion between colonies and what is considered normal

• When to add honey supers and how to avoid becoming honey bound

Why Listen to This Episode?

These Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from real beekeepers. If you are working through spring decisions and want straightforward guidance, this episode gives you practical answers you can use right away.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we take a step back from the hive and talk about some important updates. We start with a big thank you to the community and supporters who help keep everything going, then dive into the Master Beekeeper program, what it was designed to do, and why things have shifted. We also introduce the new coaching app and how it is shaping the future of how this content is delivered. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• A sincere thank you to listeners and Buy Me a Coffee supporters and how that support directly impacts the work being done

• Hitting a major milestone in podcast downloads and what that growth means for the community

• What the Master Beekeeper program was designed to accomplish and who it was built for

• Why the original course rollout was delayed and the challenges behind the scenes

• The vision of creating a more accessible path for beekeepers with unique challenges or limitations

• How the new coaching app works and how it delivers training, tracking, and resources in one place

• What the shift to the app means for future content, training, and ongoing development

Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode gives you a clear look at where everything is heading and why certain decisions were made. If you follow the podcast or are interested in the upcoming training tools, this connects all the pieces.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we walk through feeding bees during the active season and when it actually makes sense to step in and help. We cover sugar syrup, protein sources, common feeding scenarios, and the mistakes that can cause more harm than good. If you have ever wondered when to feed and when to leave them alone, this will help you make better decisions. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• What feeding really means and the difference between carbohydrates and protein for bees

• When feeding makes sense including spring buildup, dearth periods, and late season preparation

• Situations where feeding is created by beekeeper actions like splits and new packages

• Why feeding at the wrong time can lead to problems like overstimulation or swarming pressure

• How to mix 1:1 and 2:1 sugar syrup and when each approach is used

• The most common feeder types and the pros and cons of each

• Common feeding mistakes and how to avoid creating bigger problems in the hive

Why Listen to This Episode?

Feeding can help your colonies grow and survive, but doing it at the wrong time or the wrong way can set you back. This episode helps you understand when feeding is useful and how to approach it without creating unintended issues.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg

2:1 Sugar Syrup Mix: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ

Water Feeder: https://youtu.be/wXTMhxdLW_I

Pollen Feeder: https://youtu.be/7tnRS83jw6s

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we break down one of the most overlooked parts of beekeeping: frames and foundation. We walk through the different frame styles, foundation options, and how each choice impacts how your bees build comb and how you manage your hives. Whether you are brand new or just want to simplify your setup, this episode helps you understand what actually works and why. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• The different types of wooden frames including groove, wedge top, and split bottom designs

• How plastic and wax foundation compare and when each one makes sense

• Why bees often reject plastic foundation and how to pre-treat it for better acceptance

• Using wired wax foundation for strength and avoiding blowouts during honey extraction

• How to use starter strips for foundationless frames and guide natural comb building

• Common issues like wonky comb and how to fix it early before it becomes a problem

• When to replace old brood comb and how to rotate frames over time

Why Listen to This Episode?

Frames and foundation choices directly impact how your bees build comb and how easy your hives are to manage. This episode simplifies the options so you can choose a setup that works for both you and your bees.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we walk through how to choose and configure a Langstroth hive setup and what decisions you need to make before installing bees. We talk through box sizes, equipment options, and how standardizing your setup can make management easier as your apiary grows. 

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Understanding the Langstroth hive and why it is the most commonly used system

• Choosing between 8 frame and 10 frame equipment and what that means long term

• How box size decisions affect weight, inspections, and honey production

• Why standardizing your equipment can simplify management as you expand

• Key components you need before installing bees including boxes, frames, bottom boards, and covers

• How future plans like splits and swarm traps connect back to your initial setup

• Avoiding common mistakes when selecting your first hive configuration

Why Listen to This Episode?

The hive setup you choose affects everything from inspections to expansion to long-term management. This episode helps you make those early Langstroth equipment decisions with a clearer understanding of what will be easiest to manage and scale.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

Vented Inner Cover: https://youtu.be/qJ0q3plIL1I

New Beekeeper Hive Options: https://youtu.be/3VLYhm4ieoA

Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtu.be/SyIcnkIwKig

Build a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE

Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0

Hive Placement Guide: https://youtu.be/UbJRAhoCD9Q

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode we talk about getting ready for the upcoming bee season and the things every beekeeper should have prepared before the first inspections begin. We walk through personal gear, hive tools, smokers, checking equipment from last season, preparing frames and boxes, and thinking ahead about inspections and mite management. Whether this is your first year with bees or you are getting ready for another season, this episode is all about making sure you are prepared before the bees arrive.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Preparing your personal protective gear and choosing the setup that keeps you comfortable working bees

• Why hydration, mindset, and staying calm in the bee yard can make inspections go much smoother

• Getting your smoker ready and choosing safe natural materials for smoker fuel

• Hive tools, J-hook tools, and why it helps to keep multiple tools available

• Checking last year’s hive bodies, frames, lids, and inner covers before the season begins

• Planning ahead for feeders so packages, nucs, or splits can keep building if weather turns bad

• Why every beekeeper should already be thinking about a varroa management plan before the season ramps up

Why Listen to This Episode?

The start of bee season comes quickly, and being prepared ahead of time prevents a lot of frustration once bees arrive. This episode walks through the basic gear, preparation, and mindset that can help make the start of the season much smoother.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

Regular hive tool: https://amzn.to/4iaACUf

J-hook style hive tool: https://amzn.to/4kTqZL9

Pullover top: https://amzn.to/4hmzvzA

Hat w/ veil: https://amzn.to/3FtrhZ2

Smoker: https://amzn.to/3DyBSS9

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

This week we jump into another Bee Buzz episode and answer a new round of listener questions from around the world. We talk through several early-spring scenarios including cleansing flights, brood removal, feeding decisions, swarm preparation, and signs of potential queen or mite problems. These practical questions highlight the kinds of things many beekeepers start noticing as colonies come out of winter and begin ramping up for spring.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Brown streaks on the outside of a hive and how to tell the difference between normal cleansing flights and possible disease

• Why bees sometimes drag larvae out of the hive and how hygienic behavior helps keep colonies healthy

• Whether reversing brood boxes in spring is necessary or simply a management preference

• When to feed 1:1 syrup and why early feeding can sometimes cause problems if weather turns cold

• Signs of deformed wing virus and why it often points to a varroa mite issue

• What clustered bees near the entrance may actually be doing during warmer winter or early spring days

• When to begin thinking about swarm management and why preparation often starts earlier than many expect

Why Listen to This Episode?

Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from beekeepers dealing with real hive situations. If you are heading into spring inspections or trying to interpret what you are seeing inside your hive, this episode walks through several common scenarios and what they might mean.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

📺 Digitizing Hive Inspection Notes: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Swarm trapping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to grow your apiary, and in this second part of the discussion we move from theory to real-world execution. In this episode we talk about where to place your traps, when they should go up in different regions, and what to do after you successfully catch a swarm. From planning your removal process to installing the bees into a hive, this episode walks through the practical steps that turn a swarm trap into a thriving new colony.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Planning ahead for swarm trap removal and why thinking through the process before you catch bees makes everything easier

• Ideal swarm trap placement including edges of fields, road borders, and other transitional areas bees naturally travel

• Why densely wooded areas often perform worse for swarm traps due to predators and poor flight access

• Regional timing guidance for placing swarm traps across the southern United States, Mid-Atlantic, and northern states

• What to do once a swarm moves into your trap and why many beekeepers leave them undisturbed for several days

• How to safely close and remove a swarm trap at night and relocate it to your apiary

• Installing captured swarm frames into a full hive and helping the colony build quickly with feeding and comb drawing

• Techniques some beekeepers use to anchor a swarm to the hive including adding a frame of brood

Why Listen to This Episode?

Catching a swarm is only the first step. This episode explains how to move that swarm safely into a hive, avoid common mistakes, and give the new colony the best chance to establish quickly and grow into a productive hive.

More Info:

🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org

☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Additional Resources:

Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0

Swarm Trap Assembly: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE

60 Second Swarm Trap Build: https://youtu.be/Wfy3ybL3PJM

Swarm Trap Plans: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/resources

Swarm Trap & Nuc Entrance Wheels: https://amzn.to/3FzSMAn

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 650,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.