As summer temperatures climb across much of North America, Dr. Jim Tew reflects on what extreme heat means for both honey bees and the people who care for them. Speaking from his Ohio bee yard during an intense July heat wave, Jim shares why years of experience—and a healthy respect for aging—have changed how he approaches midsummer beekeeping.
Rather than opening colonies simply to satisfy curiosity, Jim explains why strong colonies should often be left alone during periods of excessive heat, allowing the bees to maintain the carefully regulated temperatures they need inside the hive. He also discusses practical ways beekeepers can adjust their own work schedules by borrowing lessons from earlier generations who routinely worked outdoors before the day’s highest temperatures.
The conversation then shifts to an often-overlooked subject: ants. Drawing from decades of beekeeping in both Alabama and Ohio, Jim explores the surprisingly complex relationship between ants and honey bee colonies. While ants are commonly viewed as pests, Jim describes situations where they may actually provide ecological benefits by cleaning hive debris and helping suppress wax moth infestations in dead colonies.
Finally, Jim reflects on adapting both his beekeeping and his bee yard to changing physical abilities. Rather than striving for perfectly manicured apiaries, he shares his evolving philosophy of working with nature, maintaining accessible pathways through a more natural landscape while continuing to enjoy the bees that have shaped so much of his life.
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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
We’d like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies.
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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)
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