Episode 21: USDA Research Labs and State Beekeeping Associations

In this episode we hear from Dr. Jay Evans, and learn about the role of USDA Bee Research Laboratories and what they do for beekeepers. This is followed by a discussion with Jennifer Holmes, the Florida State Beekeepers Association president, on state beekeeper associations. Q&A includes: after I work my bees, I smell like smoke the rest of the day, is there a trick to removing smoke? When you first receive a package, I’ve been told that I should seal the entrance for the first day or two, is this true? Several time within a few weeks I’ve seen small swarms head out over water and then return. When we captured the swarm, there was no queen, but the bees began to return to their hive. Have you seen this behavior before?