Episode 145 – Is My Colony Queenless? How to Tell & What to Do 👑🐝
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 goneFalse alarms that trick new beekeepers into requeening too soonHow to recognize normal brood breaks vs. true queenlessnessThe frame-of-eggs test and what it tells youWhat queenless hives sound and act likeWhy waiting a week might be the smartest move you can makeWhy 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.comDiscord Room: Beekeeping For NewbeesBlog & Gear Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.comYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 144 – Requeening Your Colony: A Practical Guide 👑🐝
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 timingUnderstanding queen mating flights and drone congregating areasA walkthrough of different requeening methods:Letting the colony requeenPurchasing queen cellsInstalling a mated queenRequeening with a full nucWhy direct release can backfire (and when it’s okay)When colonies naturally supersede a queen — and why you shouldn’t always waitHow 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.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJBlog + How-To Guides: https://bestbeekeepinggear.comAbout 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 143 - The Demaree Method: Swarm Control Without Splitting 🐝🔧
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 setupThe biology behind why it worksPros and cons of this method for new and experienced beekeepersWhen to use it—and when not toWhy “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.comBlog, reviews, and write-ups: https://bestbeekeepinggear.comDiscord Room: https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 142 – Swarm Prevention: Keeping Your Bees from Leaving 🏃🐝
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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 141 – How to Inspect a Hive Like a Pro (Without Overdoing It!) 🔍🐝
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 themWhy 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/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout 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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Here we will discuss everything needed for new beekeepers to learn to keep honeybees including: Beekeeping tools, hive components, what to do and when, and every trick of the trade that we can think of. If you are new to beekeeping, this podcast is for you.
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