Featured Guest: Dr. Tom Seeley – Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, renowned honey bee researcher, and author of six influential books including Honeybee Democracy and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners.

🐝 Topics Covered:

• The difference between Langstroth hives and natural bee homes
• Collective intelligence in bees and parallels to the human brain
• Worker bee piping: how to know when a swarm is about to launch
• Bee lining/Bee hunting: how to track wild honey bee colonies using this ancient technique
• Natural hive insulation and its benefits for overwintering
• Early experiments with dissecting bee trees
• Varroa control and genetics-based resistance methods
• The behavioral genius of honey bees and what it teaches us as beekeepers

🐾 Bonus Story: Meet Maple, the energetic springer spaniel helping detect hive diseases at Michigan State University, sporting a custom-made dog-sized beekeeper suit!

EPILOG FROM DR. SEELEY: I wrote Honeybee Democracy, The Lives of Bees, and Piping Hot Bees & Boisterous Buzz-Runners to make it easy for beekeepers to learn about what has been discovered in recent decades about the amazing behaviors of worker honey bees. (No sense in leaving these findings hidden away in the scientific journals!) Moreover, I worked with a publisher that sells these beautiful books at reasonable prices.

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Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/wpjLC9ZpbZk

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Don’t Miss Part Two! This is only part one of our discussion with Dr. Seeley. Subscribe to Bee Love Beekeeping so you don’t miss next week’s episode where Tom shares even more behavioral insights and his wildest beekeeping story yet!

In this delightfully global episode, host Eric Bennett heads to Denmark (virtually!) to meet Lars Fischer and Sophus Knusen — two passionate hobby beekeepers with world-class honey and hearts full of beekeeping joy.

From getting stung below the eye to winning the award for best honey in the world, these friends share their love of bees, their Danish-style queen rearing techniques, and their winning formula for perfectly creamy spring honey.

We also dive into the incredible story of Apimondia, the world’s largest beekeeping congress — coming to Copenhagen this September — and get a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store for thousands of international beekeepers.

And when it comes to wild & crazy beekeeping stories in Denmark, what could go wrong when you don't fully extinguish your smoker and leave it in a hotel elevator shaft!

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

__________________

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/DWDQ9XniWB4

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Lars & Zofus' YouTube: https://youtube.com/@larsogzofuz?si=HtrRReJApexl5ur8

Apimondia: https://apimondia2025.com/

In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, host Eric Bennett sits down with Joshua Diggins, a Florida beekeeper, Navy veteran, and branch manager for Mann Lake. Josh shares fascinating insights on how submarines and beehives are surprisingly similar.

Before the interview, Eric highlights the mental health benefits of beekeeping, from reducing stress and anxiety to helping veterans and those with PTSD find mindfulness, connection, and purpose. Beekeeping programs have been used successfully in prisons, youth initiatives, and even healthcare as “green therapy.”

Josh then discusses the unique challenges of beekeeping in Florida, including how to manage small hive beetles during the rainy season and best practices for hurricane-proofing your hives. He explains why frequent hive checks, beetle traps, and strategic yard prep can save your colonies from infestations and storm damage.

We also explore Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit connecting veterans and first responders with experienced beekeepers for mentorship. Josh explains how this work helps veterans transition to civilian life, combat isolation, and even reduce suicide rates.

Of course, no episode is complete without a few wild & crazy beekeeping stories! Josh shares the painful tale of getting stung on the wrist after a long hot day—his hand swelling up “like a catcher’s mitt”—and the nerve-wracking experience of finding a bee inside his veil while surrounded by a swarm.

Finally, Josh talks about his favorite beekeeping gadgets and he reflects on what he loves most about bees: how they make you more aware of nature’s rhythms, blooms, and the environment around you. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

__________________

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/jHuM2aljlFU

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com