Introducing the Varroa Treatment Options Series
The idea came to me almost instantly—one of those moments where the podcast producer part of my brain took over: We need to create a BTP Shorts series covering every available varroa treatment option. After all, when you flip through any bee supply catalog or browse a site like our sponsor Betterbee’s, the number of options is overwhelming. You’re expected to choose based on management style, whether the treatment is synthetic or organic, temperature conditions, and—perhaps most importantly—whether your honey supers are on. Wouldn’t it be helpful to hear clear, concise explanations from experienced beekeepers and researchers? That’s the series.
Sometimes I wonder if we talk about varroa mites too much. I started beekeeping before they even arrived. Back then, the 'new' big concern was the tracheal mite. I remember learning from Dr. Jim Tew (co-host of Honey Bee Obscura) how to dissect a bee to examine its trachea for signs of infestation. Then came varroa—and no microscope was needed to spot these mites. Still, I think back to seasons when I skipped varroa treatments and saw devastating winter losses. It wasn’t just me. Nearly every beekeeper I knew experienced the same.
So, yes—we do need to keep beating the drum about varroa. They won’t magically disappear. If you manage honey bees, you’re also managing varroa. Period.
That’s why Becky and I invited Dr. David Peck from Betterbee to join us in a new series of Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts. Each episode, under 20 minutes, focuses on a single treatment option—what it is, how it works, and its pros and cons. With input from the three of us—and decades of combined experience—you’ll get honest, practical insights into the tools available for keeping mites under control.
We’ll be releasing these episodes throughout the summer in our regular podcast feed. You’ll also find them grouped together in one place under our website’s “Additional Resources” tab or directly at: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/p/varroa/
Give them a listen—and let us know what you think.
Jeff Ott
Cohost, Producer, Editor & Audio Engineer... Chief Cook, Bottle Washer, Errand Boy
Jeff Ott blends science, storytelling, and hands-on experience into one buzz-worthy package. His journey with honey bees began as a kid, captivated by an observation hive on his bedroom desk—a fascination that sparked a lifelong passion for beekeeping. Over the years, Jeff grew from a hobbyist to a sideliner, managing colonies for honey production and local pollination, and serving as president of the Medina County Beekeepers Association in Ohio.
Now based in Olympia, Washington, Jeff is a Master Beekeeper certified by both the University of Montana and the Washington State Beekeepers Association. He is the co-founder, host, and producer of Beekeeping Today Podcast, which he launched in 2018 with the late Kim Flottum. Through his media company, Growing Planet Media, LLC, Jeff also produces Honey Bee Obscura with Dr. Jim Tew.
Whether he’s interviewing Congressmen, breaking down varroa resistance, or spotlighting sideliners scaling up their game, Jeff delivers clarity with calm authority and genuine curiosity. His goal is to inform and inspire beekeepers at all stages, from first-year beginners to seasoned professionals.
When he’s not behind the mic or tending to bees, Jeff works in IT services, cycles the scenic roads of the Pacific Northwest, and shares his home with Sherry Jennings and their quick-witted African Grey parrot, Frisco G. Byrd.
Change: The Bees Got It Right
![[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Series Introduction](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/e/b/2/5/eb2547be606492f5d959afa2a1bf1c87/BTP-Short-VT_1.jpg "[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Series Introduction")