Anne Frey
Beekeeper and Educator
Anne lives in Greenwich, NY and since 2019 has been Betterbee's Head Beekeeper, teacher, and videographer (catch her on Betterbee's YouTube channel!). She first got bees in 1989 while getting a Biology degree, and like most of us, she was a "bee-haver" for just a few years, until she became a member of her local beekeeping club (the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association, or SABA), where she learned a lot from members and through club activities.
Anne became invaluable to SABA's operation and led the Annual Seminar and Bee School for many years. Beekeeping associations are so valuable to us because of the speakers and events, but also because of the casual networking, support, and mentoring that comes about when people find a group near them.
She became an EAS Master Beekeeper in 2002 and is still learning to this day. In her limited spare time, she reads sci-fi and rides her bicycle.
Georgia Winter Visit with Anne Frey (272)
Anne visits Georgia in mid-winter and compares southern beekeeping practices with northern management. Jim and Anne discuss syrup feeding, nectar dearths, small hive beetles, varroa control differences, and why climate shapes every beekeeping decision.
Package Bees with Anne Frey (270)
As spring approaches, Jim Tew and Anne Frey talk through the real-world decisions behind ordering, transporting, and installing honey bee packages. From how many colonies to buy to the risks of overheating during travel, this episode offers practical, experience-driven guidance for beekeepers prepa…
Beekeeping Invasions with Anne Frey (265)
Episode 265 – Beekeeping Invasions with Anne Frey Beekeeping today looks very different than it did just a few decades ago, largely because of the steady arrival of invasive pests and pathogens. In this episode of Honey Bee O...
Wintering with Anne Frey (264)
Jim Tew and Anne Frey talk plainly about wintering bees—insulation, emergency feeding, ventilation myths, and what actually helps colonies survive deep winter cold as the new year begins.
Spring Prep Now with Anne Frey (256)
Winter may have a firm grip on the landscape, but beekeepers can still get ready for the season ahead. In this Honey Bee Obscura episode, Jim Tew sits down with Anne Frey of Betterbee to talk about how to make the most of col...
Beekeeping Efficiency with Anne Frey (255)
What does "efficiency" really mean in beekeeping—and can it go too far? In this Honey Bee Obscura episode, Jim Tew welcomes back Anne Frey of Betterbee for a lively, down-to-earth talk about working smarter in the bee yard wi...
Late Season Swarms with Anne Frey (244)
Late season swarms can puzzle even experienced beekeepers. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore why colonies sometimes issue swarms in August—or even September—long after the spring swarming sea...
Reflecting on Spring Losses with Anne Frey (239)
In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes back Anne Frey of Betterbee to unpack the troubling die-offs many beekeepers experienced this past winter and spring. From unexplained colony declines to puzzling symptoms that didn’t respond...
Locust Tree Nectar Flows with Anne Frey (237)
In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to talk locust flows—and the puzzling question of why these spectacular blooms don’t always result in a honey crop. From the sweet scent of bla...
Battling Mites with Anne (219)
Varroa mites remain a persistent challenge for beekeepers, and effective management is key to colony survival. In this episode, Jim Tew welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss practical approaches to monitoring and controlling mites. Anne...
Discussing Big Colonies with Anne (218)
Managing large honey bee colonies comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, but are bigger colonies always better? In this episode, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey of Betterbee to explore the benefits and potential downsides of managing large...
Archive Special: Abnormal Queens (212)
In this archive special episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew is joined by Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss the unpredictable and sometimes puzzling world of queen honey bees. While queens are typically diligent workers with a singular focus on...
Packing Hives with Anne Frey (203)
As the temperature drops, Jim and Anne Frey discuss the age-old question: Should you insulate your hives for winter? They explore the history of hive insulation, from traditional sawdust-filled crates to modern polystyrene wraps, weighing the benefits...
Bee Suit Design with Anne Frey (201)
In this episode, Jim is joined by Anne Frey returning from Betterbee to explore the history and evolution of bee suits. The discussion delves into how bee suits have changed over time, from early makeshift protective gear to the modern-day designs...
Observing Small Details with Anne Frey (197)
In this episode, Anne Frey from Betterbee takes over hosting duties while Jim recovers from illness. Anne shares her unique observations and insights into the small but fascinating details of beekeeping that are often overlooked during routine hive...
Dissuading Beekeepers with Anne Frey (191)
In this episode, Jim and Anne Frey from Betterbee discuss the crucial topic of setting realistic expectations for potential new beekeepers. They share their experiences and insights on the importance of proper education, preparation, and understanding...
Varroa and Marked Queens with Anne Frey (189)
In this engaging episode, Jim welcomes Anne Frey from Betterbee to discuss a variety of timely beekeeping topics. They delve into the challenges of early mite infestations, highlighting the importance of proactive treatments. Jim and Anne also explore...
Lost Queens (174)
In this episode, hosts Jim Tew and guest Anne Frey, delve into the intriguing and sometimes baffling phenomenon of beekeepers being unable to locate their hive's queen. Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or just starting, losing sight of your...
Observing Queen Anomalies with Anne Frey
In this intriguing episode, Jim Tew and Anne Frey delve into the unexpected and often perplexing world of queen bee behavior and physiology that diverges from the norm. This episode explores the rare but fascinating occurrences that beekeepers might...
Managing Nucs with Anne Frey (170)
In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, we dive into the intricacies of nurturing nucleus colonies (nucs) with beekeeping expert Anne Frey from Better Bee. Jim and Anne discuss the benefits and methods of working with nucs, emphasizing their role in...
Dealing With Heavy Hives with Anne Frey (167)
In this episode, Jim Tew and Anne Frey tackle a common yet often overlooked challenge in beekeeping: managing the heavy weight of hives. They delve into practical solutions and innovative ideas to make beekeeping tasks more manageable, emphasizing...