Beekeeping Today Podcast - Presented by Betterbee

Pests And Predators Episodes

July 21, 2025

Dr. Steve Pernal: Varroa Mite Research (343)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky speak with Dr. Steve Pernal, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, about his team’s recent work monitoring Varroa destructor populations and treatment efficacy across Canada...

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July 18, 2025

[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatments: Apistan & Checkmite+

In this Varroa Treatments Short, Jeff and Becky are once again joined by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to examine two early weapons in the war against varroa: Apistan and CheckMite+. These synthetic miticides—fluvalinate and co...

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July 11, 2025

[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Varroxsan

In this episode of our BTP Shorts series on varroa treatments, Jeff and Becky welcome back Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to explore VarroxSan—an extended-release oxalic acid strip used to manage varroa mites. David explains how...

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July 9, 2025

[Bonus] Short - Varroa Treatment Options: Series Introduction

In this first episode of our Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts series on varroa mites, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman are joined by Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to lay the foundation for an important multi-part series. Varroa mite...

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June 23, 2025

Regeneron STS Finalist, Atreya Manaswi - SHB (339)

In this episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we welcome an inspiring young voice in honey bee research—Atreya Manaswi, a high school senior and top 40 finalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Atreya shares the fa...

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April 28, 2025

Tropilaelaps and Varroa Update with Dr. Samuel Ramsey (331)

Dr. Samuel Ramsey returns to the podcast with jaw-dropping updates from his global research into Tropilaelaps and Varroa mites. In this fast-paced and eye-opening conversation, Sammy shares the latest findings from his Honey Bee-nome Project,...

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Jan. 6, 2025

Beekeeping Hot Topics and Trends in 2025 (315)

Kick off 2025 with an insightful conversation featuring Dr. David Peck, Director of Research and Education at Betterbee, as he joins Jeff and Becky to discuss the year’s hottest trends and challenges in beekeeping. From cutting-edge varroa control...

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Sept. 16, 2024

Honey Bee Veterinarians with Tracy Farone, DVM (296)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky sit down with Dr. Tracy Farone, a large animal veterinarian who has applied her expertise to honey bees. Tracy shares her journey from caring for cows and horses to becoming a go-to resource for honey bee health. She...

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Aug. 12, 2024

Dr. Jeff Pettis and Carlos Perea: New Varroa Treatment (291)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky are joined by Dr. Jeff Pettis and Carlos Perea to discuss some groundbreaking developments in varroa mite control. Dr. Pettis, a renowned research scientist with over 20 years of experience at the USDA and...

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Aug. 5, 2024

USDA-ARS Bee Lab Updates with Dr. Jay Evans (290)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome Dr. Jay Evans from the USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Lab. Jay shares his vast experience and insights into honey bee research, focusing on the critical issues affecting beekeepers today. From his beginnings studying...

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June 3, 2024

All New AFB Vaccine with Dalan Animal Health (S6, E51)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky delve into the groundbreaking development of the first American Foulbrood (AFB) vaccine for honeybees with Annette Kleiser, co-founder of Dalan Animal Health, and Tim Ferris, a commercial beekeeper based in Pennsylvania...

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May 13, 2024

Honey Bee Viruses with Dr. Michelle Flenniken (S6, E48)

(#277) In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of honey bee virology with Dr. Michelle Flenniken from Montana State University. As a seasoned researcher specializing in honey bee viruses, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge that's both...

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April 15, 2024

Managing Varroa in Your Colonies with Dr. Kirsty Stainton (S6, E44)

(#273) In this enlightening episode, we delve into the complex world of Varroa management with the insightful Dr. Kirsty Stainton. As beekeepers eagerly set up their new colonies, the specter of Varroa destructor looms large, threatening the health...

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April 8, 2024

Dr. Erika Plettner: Using Chemoreceptor Confusion Against Varroa (S6,…

(#272) In the latest episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, we dive into the pressing issues facing beekeepers today with our guest, Dr. Erika Plettner from Simon Fraser University. As beekeepers, we are all too familiar with the challenge of...

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March 18, 2024

Beekeeping and Varroa Downunder with Liz Frost (S6, E40)

(#269) In this episode, Becky and her guest cohost and Bee Culture writing partner, Bridget Mendel, take you on a journey with Liz Frost, an American beekeeper turned technical specialist in honeybees for the New South Wales Department of Primary...

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March 11, 2024

How To Get Started With Bees in 2024, Part 4 of 4 (S6, E39)

(#268) In the concluding episode of our four-part series on "How To Get Started With Bees," we explore the crucial topics of parasites, pathogens, predators, and pesticides—from this point on, to be collectively known as the “four Ps of...

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Jan. 8, 2024

Educating Honey Bee Veterinarians with Meghan Milbrath and Eva Reinic…

In this episode, Dr. Eva Reinicke, DVM, of Northfield, Minnesota joins Becky and guest cohost, Dr. Meghan Milbrath, assistant professor at Michigan State University. One focus of Meghan’s MSU bee lab is honey bee medicine training for veterinary...

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Nov. 20, 2023

Varroa and Tropilaelaps Updates with Dr. Sammy Ramsey (S6, E23)

In this enlightening episode, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Samuel Ramsey for his fifth appearance on the podcast. Renowned for his groundbreaking work on honey bee parasites, ‘Dr. Sammy’ brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for bee health...

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Nov. 13, 2023

European Foulbrood with Dr. Meghan Milbrath (S6, E22)

On today’s episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Dr. Meghan Milbrath, assistant professor at Michigan State University. Meghan splits her time between teaching at the MSU veterinary school, extension and research. On today’s episode, Meghan discusses...

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Oct. 2, 2023

Deterring Bears using Electric Fencing with John Rath (S6, E16)

Fall is here. No amount of denial no longer can hide that fact, now.  There is lots to do to prep the bees for the coming cold months. You should be well down that task list of colony preparation. In this episode, we talk with Betterbee co-owner,...

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Aug. 28, 2023

Archive Special: HBHC Varroa Management Updates with Dr. Dewey Caron …

On today’s episode we are joined by professor, author and noted speaker Dr. Dewey Caron. Dewey is an active member of the Honey Bee Health Coalition where he helps with the creation and maintenance of the Coalition’s Hive Management program. Today...

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July 31, 2023

Amiflex with Véto-Pharma's Amber Leach and Miguel Rodriguez (S6, E07)

In this episode we talk with Amber Leach, North American Sales Manager, and Dr. Miguel Angel Rodriguez, DVM, and Business Development Head, from Véto-Pharma. Véto-Pharma is just rolling out and the distribution of their newest varroa control...

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May 29, 2023

The Spotted Lantern Fly and Bad Honey with Dr. Robyn Underwood (S5, E…

In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State’s Lopez-Uribe Lab. We’ve invited Robyn as she has researched and written about the Spotted Lantern Fly and how its presence can impact honey production. Have you ever tasted your...

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May 15, 2023

Varroa Control with Bill Hesbach (S5, E48)

On today's show, we invite Connecticut Master Beekeeper, Bill Hesbach back to the show to talk about the latest developments in practical varroa management. Whether you are a long time beekeeper, aka BVD beekeeper (Before Varroa Destructor) or a new...

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