In this reflective episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew shares the frustration and lessons learned from losing a swarm — a reminder that even seasoned beekeepers face humbling moments. Jim recounts how an unusually strong colony, coupled with a busy spring and personal distractions, set the stage for a swarm escape despite his best efforts.

From initial excitement at spotting the swarm nestled low on a hibiscus branch to the scramble for equipment and the disappointment as the bees slipped away, Jim walks listeners through the emotional highs and lows of the day. Along the way, he shares candid thoughts on swarm management, the unpredictable nature of bees, and the importance of humility in beekeeping. Jim’s firsthand account captures both the technical and personal sides of losing a swarm, offering listeners a chance to reflect on their own beekeeping experiences.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hand, this episode is a sobering reminder: sometimes, despite preparation and good intentions, the bees have their own plans.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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

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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew welcomes Eugene and Diane Makovec to his sunny Ohio bee yard for a rare in-person conversation. Eugene, editor of American Bee Journal, shares the winding path that led him from journalism school to the printing industry and ultimately to the editor’s chair of one of beekeeping’s oldest and most respected publications. Alongside him, Diane reflects on her own introduction to beekeeping and how their shared passion for bees has grown over time.

Together, they explore the challenges of mentoring new beekeepers, navigating misinformation in the digital age, and the vital role that reputable sources like ABJ and local bee clubs play in fostering sound beekeeping practices. Eugene offers candid insights into the pressures of producing a monthly magazine, from tight deadlines to sourcing quality photos, while Diane adds warmth and perspective as a beekeeping enthusiast and advocate.

Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or simply curious about what it takes to keep a historic publication humming, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the people and passion behind the pages of American Bee Journal.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim is back in the bee yard with a keen eye on an abandoned hive setup—watching and wondering if it might be chosen by a swarm. What starts as a quiet observation of scout bee behavior turns into a real-time case study in swarm prediction.

Jim shares how to distinguish scouting from robbing, discusses the importance of scent and hive condition, and reflects on whether to clean out dead bees to make the equipment more attractive. A week later, he’s proven right: a swarm moves in, occupying the old inner cover and making the stack of neglected boxes their new home.

Jim talks listeners through the clues that suggested a swarm was imminent and offers advice on how to passively attract swarms with minimal effort—no ladders, no traps, just wisely placed empty equipment. It’s a rewarding reminder that sometimes, doing nothing can be a beekeeper’s best move. This episode is both a meditation on patience and a masterclass in reading bee behavior.

______________________

Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC