Hello and welcome back to the Gubba podcast, I’m Gubba, a first time homesteader following in the footsteps of my homesteading forebears. In this podcast, I talk about homesteading, prepping, and everything in between.
Today, I want to dive into the fascinating and rewarding world of beekeeping. Whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious about what it takes to start a hive, this episode is for you.
We will cover everything from choosing the right breed of bees to maintaining a healthy colony, maximizing honey production, and understanding the various products that bees produce. I love sharing my beekeeping adventures online and get so many questions about it, so I thought I would dedicate an entire episode to it.
What do bees do?
Bees play an essential role in our ecosystem, pollinating crops and wild plants that provide food and the oxygen we breathe. Without bees, agriculture would suffer greatly, and biodiversity would decline at an alarming rate which I feel like we are starting to see. Keeping bees not only allows you to enjoy the rewards of honey and other hive products, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability which is needed as earth seems to be in collapse-mode right now.
Many people find beekeeping to be a deeply fulfilling and even therapeutic hobby like I do, while others turn it into a thriving business by selling honey and other bee-related products. In recent years, growing concerns over declining bee populations have made beekeeping more crucial than ever. Supporting pollinators—whether by beekeeping or simply by planting pollinator-friendly gardens—helps to sustain the health of our ecosystems and ensure stable food supplies for the future, for us and for the bees.
Why are bees disappearing?
The decline in bee populations has been a growing concern lately. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops and wild plants, and their disappearance poses a significant threat to food production and biodiversity. I remember growing up and seeing all kinds of different pollinators, and now I hardly see any. Butterflies used to be so common, and now my spring and summer months are barren of butterflies.
While no single cause can be pinpointed for the disappearance of bees or pollinators, researchers have proposed several theories to explain the decline, ranging from habitat loss and pesticide exposure to “climate change” and diseases. I have a few suspicions of my own as well.
These theories, often overlapping and interconnected, help us understand the complex challenges bees and pollinators face and what can be done to mitigate their decline. I remember growing up and going on road trips where the vehicle would be covered in bugs at the end of the trip. That doesn't happen anymore.
Do pesticides affect bees? How do pesticides affect bees?
One of the most widely discussed theories behind bee population decline is the extensive use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids. These systemic insecticides, which are absorbed by plants and found in nectar and pollen, have been shown to have harmful effects on bees.
Studies suggest that neonicotinoids impair bees’ ability to navigate, forage, and reproduce. Even sublethal doses can weaken immune systems, making bees more susceptible to diseases. Other chemicals, such as fungicides and herbicides, may also contribute to bee mortality by reducing the availability of flowering plants that provide food or by interacting with other stressors in unforeseen ways.
Are dandelions medicinal?
One thing that pops into my mind is that we have been trained to think that the dandelion is a weed and we need to spray them with Round-Up. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Dandelions are a medicinal plant with every part being edible. Dandelions are also one of the first foods for bees coming out of winter, so the whole population has been trained to spray the bees’ food. See how this is a whole ridiculous problem? Of course the bees are going to be dropping like flies.
Do climate and weather affect bees?
Climate change has disrupted natural ecosystems, altering the availability of food sources and suitable habitats for bees. Rising temperatures, shifting bloom cycles, and erratic weather patterns have thrown off the delicate synchronization between bees and the plants they pollinate.
For example, if flowers bloom earlier due to warmer winters but bees are still in hibernation, they miss crucial feeding opportunities. Similarly, extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, and storms can devastate bee populations by destroying colonies or limiting floral resources. We know why this is happening, right? You only have to look up in the sky to see the “climate change” taking place. It looks like long streaks of smudge behind airplaines.
What parasites do bees have?
Bee populations are also struggling due to an increase in parasites and pathogens, particularly the Varroa destructor mite. This parasitic mite attaches itself to honeybees and feeds on their bodily fluids, weakening the bees and transmits ailments like the deformed wing virus (DWV). Once introduced into a colony, Varroa mites can quickly decimate bee populations. Poor nutrition and exposure to pesticides further compromise bees' immune systems, making them more vulnerable to these pathogens.
How to treat varroa mites?
You can apply treatment to your hives for the mites which will end up in their products or you can treat with powdered sugar. When bees are dusted with powdered sugar, they become more inclined to clean themselves and each other, which dislodges the mites from their bodies.
The mites then fall through the hive’s screened bottom board and out of the colony. The fine sugar particles coat the mites, making it harder for them to cling to the bees. This increases the chances of them falling off.Keep this in mind when you are starting your hives. I find it interesting that a problem has been introduced and then a product is sold to deal with the problem. Makes you wonder where this problem came from…
Do radiation and pollution affect bees?
Some studies suggest that electromagnetic radiation from cell towers and wireless technology may be disrupting bees' ability to navigate. Bees rely on the Earth’s magnetic fields and their own internal biological compasses to find food sources and return to their hive.
Increased exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has been linked to disoriented navigation, colony stress, and lower reproductive success in bees. I would love to find a study of bees and their populations and what that looks like as more 5G towers have began to be built. Would be fascinating to study hives at different distances from 5G towers. I mean, they are popping up everywhere. It really is up to the beekeepers to keep the bee populations strong.
While each of these theories contributes to bee population decline, it is likely that a combination of these factors is driving the crisis. You can only do your best as a beekeeper and hope for the best. But it is important to know these things ahead of time, so you know what you are getting yourself into.
So let’s discuss the best kind of bees to start out with. There are many kinds of bees, and you don’t want to just randomly pick a breed if you are just starting out.
What is the best beginner breed of bees?
When it comes to choosing bees, not all breeds are created equal, and selecting the right one can have a significant impact on your success as a beekeeper. Italian bees are among the most popular choices. They are favored for their gentle temperament, strong honey production, and excellent disease resistance, making them ideal for beginners.
Carniolan bees are another excellent choice, particularly for colder climates. They build up their populations quickly in the spring and are generally gentle, though they have a tendency to swarm more frequently than Italian bees. Russian bees are highly resistant to mites and other pests, making them a great option for those looking for a more self-sufficient colony, though they can be slightly more aggressive than Italians and Carniolans.
Buckfast bees, developed for hardiness and productivity, are also relatively docile and resistant to disease. However, Africanized bees are not recommended for beginners, as they are highly defensive and require experienced handling.
Selecting the right breed depends on various factors, including climate, experience level, and your beekeeping goals. For most beginners, Italian or Carniolan bees are the best choices, and I have loved mine.
What is the best kind of beehive?
Starting a beekeeping operation requires careful planning, research, and an initial investment. The most critical component is the beehive itself. A basic Langstroth hive consists of stacked boxes known as supers, each containing removable frames where the bees build their comb.
Other hive types include the Top Bar and Warre hives, which offer different management styles but require more experience to maintain effectively. I started with Langstroth and am heading into fourth year with them, so they work pretty well for what I need. If I get more time down the road, I will venture out.
What tools do you need for beekeeping?
Protective gear is essential for beekeepers, including a bee suit, gloves, and a veil to prevent stings. Beekeeping tools such as a smoker, which calms the bees, a hive tool for separating frames, and a bee brush for gently moving bees are necessary for hive management. I have an utilize all of these tools.
Securing a source of bees is the next step, which can be done by purchasing bees from local beekeepers or suppliers, or by capturing a wild swarm. I would suggest joining local beekeeping groups as people will post where to purchase bees locally or if someone is selling a swarm or a hive-split.
You can also learn about beekeeping strategies that are pertinent to your area. My beekeeping in a northern climate will look a bit different than beekeeping in a southern warm, climate. Local groups will be a wealth of knowledge to you.
Where do you place a beehive?
Location is also a key consideration. A good beekeeping site should provide access to plenty of flowering plants, a clean water source, and some protection from strong winds. Seriously, I can’t believe some people just set their hives on some cement blocks and call it good.
I have built wooden stands that allow airflow and I strap down the hives to the stands when there is a storm. They are heavy, but I never risk them blowing away from a strong gust. The cost of setting up a beehive can range from $200 to $500, depending on the type of equipment and bees you purchase.
How do you keep bees?
Once your hive is established, regular maintenance is necessary to keep your bees healthy and productive. Routine hive inspections are essential for checking for diseases, pests, and ensuring that the queen is actively laying eggs. In times of nectar shortages, particularly in early spring, supplemental feeding with sugar syrup may be recommended to help the bees sustain themselves in your area.
I will be honest, I didn’t supplement feed with sugar water last year, against what most beekeepers are told, and my honey turned out better than ever. It was made with foraged sugars instead of the white table sugar to supplement feed, so it was more natural.
What pests do you have to look out for while beekeeping?
Pest control is one of the most significant challenges in beekeeping. Varroa mites, hive beetles, and wax moths are common threats that require diligent monitoring and treatment strategies. Mice can also be a problem, so it is important to elevate your hives in my opinion. Another challenge beekeepers face is swarm prevention.
Bees naturally swarm when their hive becomes overcrowded, leading to the loss of part of the colony. Regular inspections, adding extra space within the hive, and splitting colonies when necessary can help prevent swarming. Trust me, they will swarm when least expecting. I had two hives swarm last year, but I was able to catch them because they will head for a nearby tree or high point before they take off to a further away point.
You just find the queen, scoop her into some frames and the bees will follow. I gave two swarms away. By maintaining a regular inspection schedule and responding to potential issues quickly, beekeepers increase their chances of sustaining a strong colony year-round.
What can you get from beehives?
One of the most exciting aspects of beekeeping is harvesting the valuable products that bees produce. Honey is the most well-known and widely used, serving as a natural sweetener with antibacterial properties, often used in food, skincare, and medicinal applications.
Beyond honey, beekeepers can also harvest propolis, a resin-like substance. Propolis has strong antimicrobial properties and is frequently used in natural medicine. Beeswax is another valuable product, commonly used in making candles, balms, and cosmetics. It is harvested by melting down old honeycomb, filtering out impurities, and shaping it into useful forms.
Royal jelly, a nutrient-rich secretion used to feed developing queen bees, is often marketed as a dietary supplement due to its high nutritional content. Pollen, collected by bees and stored as a protein source, is also highly sought after for its rich supply of vitamins and minerals. Bee pollen is where I get my trace minerals by sprinkling on my smoothies and yogurt.
Learning how to harvest and utilize these products can make beekeeping even more rewarding and financially beneficial.
How do you harvest honey?
Honey is typically harvested once or twice a year, depending on climate, nectar flow, and hive strength. The best time to collect honey is in late summer or early fall, after the bees have had ample time to produce and store enough for both themselves and for collection. It’s crucial to ensure that the colony has sufficient honey reserves to survive the winter. I leave about ten full frames of honey for my hives for winter. The average is to have 100lbs of honey for the bees to survive winter.
To harvest honey, you first check the frames inside the hive during a hive inspection. Honey is stored in the hive's supers, within wooden frames, and bees cap ripe honey with a thin layer of wax. You will know when it’s ready for harvest when at least 80% of the honeycomb cells are capped. Before extracting the honey, bees need to be gently removed from the frames. This is done using bee escape boards to encourage the bees to vacate the frames.
During this time, bees can be a bit temperamental as they are protecting their crop. Once you have the frames and have brushed them away of any bees, you uncap the honeycomb by carefully removing the wax caps covering the honey cells with an uncapping knife or fork. The exposed frames are then placed in a honey extractor, a centrifuge that spins the frames and pulls honey out of the comb. I shared bits of this process last season online.
The honey flows down to a collection bucket through a strainer that removes wax particles. Once filtered, the honey is allowed to sit so any air bubbles rise to the top, and then it is bottled for storage or sale. I personally don’t sell my honey. I just give it away as gifts and use it for cooking and food storage. Honey harvesting requires patience and balance—taking enough for yourself and family while ensuring the bees have plenty to sustain themselves through the colder months.
How do you harvest propolis?
Propolis, often called “bee glue,” is collected throughout the active beekeeping season but is typically harvested in late summer or early fall when the colony has built up a sufficient amount. Bees use propolis to seal cracks in the hive, reinforce structure, and prevent disease. Whenever I am doing a hive check, sometimes I have to split open the hives where they have already sealed and I will harvest that propolis. It is never generally a ton, but I’m hoping to harvest more this coming season.
The easiest way to harvest propolis is by using a propolis trap, a plastic or mesh insert that encourages bees to fill its gaps with propolis. Once the trap is full, it is placed in the freezer, making the propolis brittle and easy to remove. Another method is scraping propolis directly from hive frames and wooden components during regular inspections which is what I do.
Since raw propolis contains bee parts and debris, it is often cleaned by breaking it into small pieces and soaking it in alcohol or water to dissolve impurities. Some people do that, I just eat it raw and unfiltered. I feel like more natural the better. Once purified, it is dried and stored in an airtight container. Propolis is highly valued for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and is often used in natural medicine and skincare products.
How do you harvest beeswax?
Beeswax is a byproduct of honey extraction and can be collected whenever honey is harvested or during hive maintenance. Worker bees produce wax to build honeycomb, and when honey is extracted, the wax caps removed during the uncapping process can be saved for later use.
To process beeswax, you collect the wax cappings and place them in a double boiler , which gently heats the wax until it liquefies. The melted wax is then strained through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove bee parts and debris. Once purified, the wax is poured into molds or blocks to solidify, making it easier to store and use for later applications. Beeswax is incredibly versatile and is widely used in skincare, candle-making, and woodworking.
How do you harvest royal jelly?
Royal jelly is harvested in spring and early summer when bee colonies are actively raising new queens. It is a thick, milky secretion produced by worker bees and is used exclusively to feed developing queen larvae. This nutrient-dense substance plays a crucial role in transforming an ordinary larva into a queen bee. I personally have never harvested it, but I could have from my hives that have swarmed.
To collect royal jelly, you stimulate queen rearing by placing artificial queen cups in the hive. Worker bees will deposit royal jelly inside these cells to feed the potential new queens. After two to three days, the cells contain enough royal jelly to be harvested. You then scoop out the jelly using a small spoon or suction device. Since royal jelly is highly perishable, it must be stored refrigerated or frozen in airtight containers to maintain its potency. It is prized for its nutritional benefits and anti-aging properties and is commonly used in supplements and cosmetics.
How do you harvest bee pollen?
Bee pollen is collected throughout the foraging season, typically from spring through early fall, when bees are actively gathering pollen from flowers. This nutrient-dense substance contains proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants and is often used as a dietary supplement.
To harvest bee pollen, you install a pollen trap at the entrance of the hive. As bees return carrying pollen in sacs on their legs, the trap gently knocks some pollen off, collecting it in a tray. Since fresh bee pollen is highly perishable, it is removed from the trap daily to prevent moisture buildup. It is then spread on trays and air-dried or freeze-dried to preserve its nutritional value. Once dried, bee pollen is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or frozen for long-term storage. I just store mine in the fridge.
Is bee venom therapeutic?
Also, the last bee product you may not have thought of is bee venom. Bee venom has been used in natural medicine for centuries, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine and apitherapy. Modern research is beginning to validate many of its potential health benefits, leading to the development of bee venom-based treatments for a variety of conditions.
Bee venom is composed of enzymes, peptides, and amino acids, with its most notable active compound being melittin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Other key compounds, such as apamin, adolapin, and phospholipase A2, contribute to its therapeutic effects. Bee venom therapy has shown promise in supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and even aiding in pain management. I know there are people who share their journey with lyme disease, arthiritis, and other health ailments and how bee venom therapy helps them heal.
Can you keep bees if you are allergic to them?
So whenever I get stung by my bees, I do have an allergic reaction. I swell. It can be a bit nerve-racking because of how much I swell, like I keep in mind that if I was stung in the neck, I would need remove the stinger right away. When you are stung, there is a muscle that keeps pumping venom into you. I would need to apply bentonite clay right away to draw out the venom and take some holistic bug bite meds.
Like what is it that my body is reacting to? Why is it such a harsh reaction?
Did you know peanut allergies started to become more common after they put peanut oil as an adjuvant in vac-scenes? I found that interesting and wonder what my body is doing with the venom. So yes, I am allergic to bee venom, but I keep bees and hang out with my bees without gear 95% of the time.
How can you help bees?
And even if you are not ready to become a beekeeper, there are still ways to support pollinators. Planting native wildflowers, not using pesticides like letting those dandelions flourish in the spring, and providing water sources for pollinators all contribute to their well-being. Creating bee-friendly environments, even in urban areas, helps support them.
Where can you find local honey?
Supporting local beekeepers by purchasing raw honey and bee products is another excellent way to contribute to pollinator health. Many people are unaware that commercial honey production often involves harmful practices such as overharvesting, feeding bees sugar substitutes, and using harsh chemical treatments in hives. By choosing local, responsibly harvested honey, you support local beekeepers who care about the art of beekeeping and you support your body because local honey will always be superior to imported mystery honey from the store that is often watered down and contains high fructose corn syrup.
Beekeeping is a rewarding, educational, and an incredible homestead activity. If you are considering getting started, now is the time. Find your local bee-keeping groups and jump in to start learning. Start small, learn from your experiences, and gradually expand as you gain confidence. I started with two hives, and I am now at four. I realized four is the perfect amount for my homestead maintenance-wise. Whether you are interested in beekeeping for honey production, pollination benefits, or simply the joy of working with bees, there is something incredibly fulfilling about tending to a hive. Bees also emit a healing frequency, so that is why I hang out by them all of the time. Supposedly, beekeepers live longer than average.
Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode! Be sure to subscribe for more homesteading tips. I appreciate you spending your time here and will see you next time!
