So… you open the hive and don’t see any eggs. Panic sets in. Did she die? Did they swarm? Did you crush her?! In this episode, we walk through how to tell whether your colony is actually queenless—and what to do if it is.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Real reasons your queen might be gone
• False alarms that trick new beekeepers into requeening too soon
• How to recognize normal brood breaks vs. true queenlessness
• The frame-of-eggs test and what it tells you
• What queenless hives sound and act like
• Why waiting a week might be the smartest move you can make

Why Listen to This Episode?

Being queenless doesn’t always mean disaster—but reacting too fast can make it worse. If you’re unsure whether to intervene, requeen, or just walk away and wait, this episode will give you the confidence to make the right call. And if your queen really is gone, you’ll have a clear next step without wasting time or money.

Support the Show:

Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

Discord Room: Beekeeping For Newbees

Blog & Gear Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping for Newbees is a top-ranked podcast that helps hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the craft of beekeeping. Each episode dives into practical tips, hive management strategies, and the occasional bee-related rant—all with a focus on helping you become a better beekeeper.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Requeening a hive is one of the most important, and sometimes most confusing, tasks beekeepers face. Whether your queen is failing, gone, or just not cutting it, knowing how and when to step in can make or break your colony’s productivity.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• How to tell if your queen is gone (and why no eggs doesn’t always mean queenless)
• Natural vs. assisted requeening: pros, cons, and timing
• Understanding queen mating flights and drone congregating areas
• A walkthrough of different requeening methods:
• Letting the colony requeen
• Purchasing queen cells
• Installing a mated queen
• Requeening with a full nuc
• Why direct release can backfire (and when it’s okay)
• When colonies naturally supersede a queen — and why you shouldn’t always wait
• How often you should requeen (hint: not every year)

Why Listen to This Episode?

Whether you’re dealing with a defensive colony or planning ahead for spring splits, this episode gives you a complete framework for understanding your options, weighing the risks, and making the best decision for your apiary. From budget-conscious strategies to high-efficiency options, we cover it all with real-world insights from years of hands-on experience.

Support the Show:

Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com

Discord: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

Blog + How-To Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 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 doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever hear beekeepers talk about the "Demaree split" and wonder what it actually is? Spoiler alert: it's not a real split. In this episode, we walk through the Demaree Method of Swarm Control, a smart hive reorganization technique that helps manage swarm urges without creating a new colony.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• What the Demaree Method is (and isn't)
• Step-by-step instructions for implementing it in a two-deep setup
• The biology behind why it works
• Pros and cons of this method for new and experienced beekeepers
• When to use it—and when not to
• Why “words matter” and why calling it a “split” drives me crazy 😅

Why Listen to This Episode? Whether you're trying to boost honey production, follow local hive count ordinances, or just don’t want to deal with another colony, the Demaree method offers a practical, no-split solution. Even if you’re not ready to try it this year, it’s a great tool to add to your beekeeping brain bank.

Support the Show:

• Website: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
• Blog, reviews, and write-ups: https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
• Discord Room: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping for Newbees is a top-ranked podcast that helps hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers build confidence, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the craft of beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Swarming is a natural part of honey bee biology—but that doesn’t mean it has to happen in your apiary. In this episode, we break down the triggers that lead to swarms and the proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk. From adding supers to splitting strong colonies, we’ll cover what works, what’s optional, and what to avoid.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Why bees swarm (and why it’s not personal)

• How swarming impacts honey production and colony survival

• Signs your colony is preparing to swarm

• Practical prevention strategies: supering, splitting, and managing brood space

• Why queen cells aren’t always bad—and how to handle them

• Common myths about reversing boxes and gadget-based “fixes”

Why Listen to This Episode?

Whether you're in your first year or your fifth, understanding how to prevent swarms will make your colonies more productive and less chaotic. This episode gives you the tools to keep your bees at home—and your season on track.

Support the Show:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of hive inspections—from timing and tools to what to look for and what to leave alone. Whether you’re in your first season or your tenth, this guide will help you inspect your hives with confidence, purpose, and minimal disruption to your bees.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Why inspections are critical for every beekeeper

• What tools you really need (and what to skip)

• How to read frames without overhandling

• When to inspect, based on weather and colony stage

• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Why Listen to This Episode?

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself during an inspection—or avoided one altogether—this episode will give you the clarity and structure you need to get in, get answers, and get out while keeping your bees happy.

Support the Show:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is your go-to podcast for practical advice, real-world insights, and the tools you need to succeed as a beekeeper. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you’re about to install bees — or just did — this episode walks you through what to expect during the first 30 days of a new colony. From queen acceptance to feeder strategies and early inspections, we’ll help you avoid common mistakes and start your beekeeping season strong.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Quick overview of packages vs. nucs
• Why queen acceptance is key to package success
• When to feed and when not to (nucs vs. packages)
• What to look for during early inspections
• When to add more space or super
• Warning signs to watch for during colony buildup
• Tips for new beekeepers on staying organized and healthy in the heat

Why Listen to This Episode?

The first 30 days are make-or-break for new colonies. Whether you're starting with a package or a nuc, this episode helps you know what to expect and how to avoid mistakes that set your bees back. Tune in for a calm, clear walkthrough of everything that matters during the first month.

Support the Show:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is your ultimate guide to getting started and thriving in the world of beekeeping. With real-world tips and calm, practical advice, this podcast helps you succeed through every season.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Over half a million downloads, a top 1.5% global ranking, and Feedspot’s Top 10 Beekeeping Podcast award — we’re celebrating some milestones and diving into an essential skill: keeping records. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring pro, your beekeeping notes matter. In this episode, we cover the importance of documentation, what to record for each hive and queen, tools and apps to consider (like Hive Tracks and Hive Bloom), how recordkeeping supports ELAP claims or inspections, and why a $9 mic has completely changed how we track inspections in the field.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New beekeepers make a lot of mistakes, but many of them are easily avoidable if you know what to look out for. In this episode, I go through some of the most common beginner beekeeping mistakes and how to avoid them—so you don’t end up losing colonies, wasting money, or making your life harder than it needs to be!

📌 What’s Inside This Episode?

✔️ Why not treating for varroa is a guaranteed way to lose your bees

✔️ The importance of mite washes—how do you know if treatment is working?

✔️ How bad advice from "experienced beekeepers" can wreck your colonies

✔️ The dangers of splitting too early and how it weakens your hive

✔️ Why supering too late can lead to swarming and honey loss

✔️ The importance of keeping good notes, being prepared, and having the right gear

✔️ How robbing behavior and wide-open entrances can put your bees at risk

✔️ Taking care of yourself—hydration, electrolytes, and staying safe in the heat

🎧 Whether you’re a first-year beekeeper or a few years in, avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration!

👉 Join the Discussion & Resources:

🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord Community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

☕ Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Should you use a single deep or double deep for your brood chamber? 🏠🐝 In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of each setup, when to use them, and how they impact colony growth, inspections, and swarm management.

📌 What’s Inside This Episode?

✔️ The math behind brood space—do bees really run out of room? 🧮🐝

✔️ Pros & cons of single vs. double deep configurations

✔️ How hive layout impacts queen management & inspections

✔️ Swarm prevention strategies for both setups

✔️ Why drawn comb makes a huge difference in early management

🔥 Whether you’re a new beekeeper trying to decide or an experienced keeper rethinking your setup, this episode will help you determine which configuration is right for you!

👉 Join the Discussion & Resources:

🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord Community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Want to turn beekeeping into a profitable business? 🏛️🐝 In this episode, I break down everything you need to knowabout starting a beekeeping business the right way—from choosing a business structure to legal requirements, taxes, and protecting yourself with insurance.

📌 What’s Inside This Episode?

✔️ How to legally structure your beekeeping business (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietor)

✔️ The importance of business banking & keeping finances separate

✔️ Do you need a business license, EIN, or insurance?

✔️ How to protect yourself from liability when selling honey, bees, or hive products

✔️ Smart strategies for scaling your business and making beekeeping profitable

🔥 Whether you’re a new beekeeper looking to sell honey or someone thinking about expanding into a full-time operation, this episode will help you start your beekeeping business the right way!

👉 Join the Discussion & Resources:

🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

💬 Join the Discord Community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy