Kim Flottum

In this archived Honey Bee Obscura conversation, Jim Tew and the late Kim Flottum discuss Working Bees in the Heat and the challenges of managing colonies during the hottest part of summer. From hydration and shade to recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke, they share practical advice for staying safe while working bees in demanding weather conditions. The discussion also highlights the importance of planning ahead, working smart, and knowing when to stop before heat-related illness becomes a serious risk.

When it comes time to remove honey from your colonies, the job can feel like one of the most physically demanding tasks of the beekeeping season. In this Honey Bee Obscura archive special from September 2022, hosts Kim Flottum and Jim Tew revisit their practical—and often humorous—discussion about getting honey supers off the hives without losing your mind, your back, or your bees. Kim describes his backyard setup, complete with wagons, covers, and a trusty leaf blower, while Jim details his ...

In this special archive episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew and the late Kim Flottum dive into the age-old debate between starting with packages or nucleus colonies (nucs). Whether you’re a beginner beekeeper or looking to expand your apiary, this...

In this archive special from November 2021, Jim Tew and Kim Flottum explore the fascinating—and sometimes unpleasant—world of bee yard smells. Odors are an integral part of the beekeeping experience, offering clues about the hive’s health...