Dr. Samuel Ramsey returns to the podcast with jaw-dropping updates from his global research into Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites. In this fast-paced and eye-opening conversation, Sammy shares the latest findings from his Honey Bee-nome Project, including recent fieldwork in the Philippines, rat–mite mysteries, and the alarming resilience of Tropilaelaps mites in cold climates.

Listeners will hear how Sammy and his international team are sequencing the genomes of all honey bee species and their parasites to build a global reference library—a bold step toward proactive defense against emerging threats. He also breaks down what’s still unknown about tropi mites, including their possible overwintering behavior, alternative hosts, and the unsettling risk of co-infestation with Varroa.

Jeff and Becky dig into the broader implications of Sammy’s work: What happens if Tropilaelaps enters North America? Are our current monitoring and response systems up to the task? And how are his graduate students pushing the boundaries of parasitology research?

This episode is packed with science, storytelling, and urgency—and a few moments of humor (including a “don’t-take-a-selfie-with-a-giant-bee-colony” cautionary tale). Whether you’re new to beekeeping or have years behind the veil, this conversation is a must-listen.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• The Ramsey Research Foundation: https://www.ramseyresearchfoundation.org
• The Ramsey Lab at Colorado Univerity's BioFrontier's Institute: https://www.colorado.edu/biofrontiers/ramsey-lab
• Sammy's Personal Website: https://www.drsammy.online  
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

 

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

 

 

______________

Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. 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

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! 

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

 

Thanks to Dalan who is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan's vaccination against American Foulbrood (AFB) is a game changer. Vaccinated queens protect newly hatched honeybee larvae against AFB using the new Dalan vaccine. Created for queen producers and other beekeepers wanting to produce AFB free queens. 

Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages:  https://dalan.com/order-vaccinated-queens/   More information on the vaccine: https://dalan.com/media-publications/

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

_______________

We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: [email protected]

Thank you for listening! 

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC