The Poor Prole’s Almanac

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" focuses on the controversial concept of treatment-free beekeeping. Hosts Andy and Elliot argue that while modern beekeeping practices prioritize honey production through chemical treatments and artificial feeding, these methods ultimately harm bees in the long run. Instead, they advocate for a more natural approach that emphasizes observation, minimal intervention, and allowing bees to adapt to their local environments. Reframing Beekeeping: From Short-Term Gain to Long-Term Viability The hosts challenge the conventional beekeeping wisdom that emphasizes keeping colonies alive as long as possible, arguing that true beekeeping success lies in supporting the long-term health of the species. They point out that modern beekeeping practices, focused on maximizing honey production through chemical treatments and artificial feeding, have actually weakened bee populations and increased their susceptibility to diseases and pests. The hosts advocate for a shift in perspective from individual hive survival to the overall well-being of bees as a species. They emphasize that treatment-free beekeeping is not about neglecting bees but rather about fostering resilience and adaptability by minimizing interventions and allowing natural selection to strengthen bee populations. The Two Pillars of Treatment-Free Beekeeping The hosts outline two key areas that distinguish treatment-free beekeeping from conventional methods: No Disease Treatments: This involves refraining from using chemical treatments to control pests and diseases. Instead, treatment-free beekeepers focus on using hive designs that reduce the risk of infestation and allowing bees to develop natural resistance. Limited or No Supplemental Feeding: Modern beekeeping often relies on feeding bees sugar water, especially during spring and winter. This practice, while providing calories, lacks the nutritional complexity of natural honey and can weaken bees' immune systems. Treatment-free beekeepers aim to minimize or eliminate supplemental feeding, encouraging bees to rely on their own honey stores and forage for diverse, natural food sources. The Problem with Honeydew Honey The episode explores the challenges of honeydew honey, a type of honey produced by bees from the sugary excretions of sap-feeding insects. While bees may collect honeydew honey during periods of pollen scarcity, the hosts explain that honeydew honey can crystallize in the hive and become poisonous to bees, particularly during winter. The hosts caution beekeepers against harvesting honey too late in the season, as this may leave bees with primarily honeydew honey for winter stores. They emphasize the importance of allowing bees to build sufficient reserves of high-quality honey during the main honey flow. Rethinking Hive Management: Minimal Intervention for Maximum Resilience The hosts advocate for a minimalist approach to hive management, arguing that frequent inspections and manipulations can stress bees and disrupt their natural behaviors. They recommend limiting hive inspections to twice a year, in spring and fall, focusing on observing colony health, adding frames as needed, and ensuring adequate honey stores for winter. The hosts also emphasize the importance of allowing bees to swarm naturally, as this promotes genetic diversity and strengthens local bee populations. They suggest that beekeepers can encourage swarming by providing ample space in the hive and avoiding practices that suppress natural reproduction. The Role of Insulation in Bee Survival The episode discusses the importance of hive insulation in helping bees conserve energy and survive cold winters. The hosts point out that modern Langstroth hives, often constructed with thin wood, may lack adequate insulation, forcing bees to work harder to maintain hive temperature. They recommend using thicker hive walls, incorporating insulation materials, and considering hive designs that naturally retain heat, such as top bar hives. They highlight the importance of reducing moisture buildup within the hive, which can contribute to cold stress and bee mortality. Reframing Our Relationship with Bees: From Exploitation to Collaboration The episode concludes with a call for a more respectful and collaborative relationship between humans and bees. The hosts emphasize that beekeeping should prioritize bee health and well-being rather than solely focusing on honey production. They encourage beekeepers to learn from the behaviors of wild bees, observe their adaptations to local environments, and embrace practices that support natural resilience and genetic diversity. The hosts believe that by shifting our focus from exploitation to collaboration, we can create a more sustainable future for bees and ensure their vital role in our ecosystems. This episode connects to our previous conversation about Langstroth hives by highlighting alternative approaches to beekeeping that prioritize bee health and natural behaviors. While Langstroth hives are efficient for industrial honey production, the episode argues that their design and the management practices often associated with them can negatively impact bee health. Treatment-free beekeeping, with its focus on minimal intervention, natural comb building, and supporting local adaptations, offers a different model for beekeeping that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

In this episode, we're joined by Michiel Verspuij from Boomtree Bees in Donegal, Ireland, to discuss log hives and restoring native honeybees in Ireland. How much of a difference does raising honeybees in log hives make, and how does it upend our understanding of healthy hives and what their natural cycles look like? Michiel's mission is to help with the conservation and rewilding of the native honeybee through habitat creation and development. They make log hives that mimic the natural habitat for honeybees in the Irish countryside. Check out their work at www.boomtreebees.com & on instagram @Boomtreebees   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit poorprolesalmanac.substack.com

In this episode, we're joined by Susan Chernak McElroy, a prolific naturalist author with a number of New York Times best sellers, to discuss her experiences with building and maintaining skeps, log hives, and the future of beekeeping. How is the science around beekeeping changing how we understand bee habits and what they need to thrive?   Get her most recent book, "What Bees Want", on Amazon or wherever you buy books. To learn more about Susan's research and work, check out her website: https://susanchernakknilans.com/   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" explores the advantages of top bar hives as a more natural and bee-friendly alternative to the widely used Langstroth hives. Through their signature blend of humor and insightful commentary, hosts Andy and Elliot unpack the unique features of top bar hives, highlighting their benefits for both bees and beekeepers. Challenging the Langstroth Hegemony: Embracing Top Bar Hives The episode begins by acknowledging the dominance of Langstroth hives in modern beekeeping, attributing their popularity to their efficiency for industrial honey production. However, the hosts emphasize that top bar hives, while less common, offer several advantages that make them a compelling option for beekeepers seeking a more natural and sustainable approach. Top Bar Advantages: Heat Retention, Deep Frames, and DIY Flexibility The hosts highlight several key benefits of top bar hives: Enhanced Heat Retention: Top bar hives, with their lower ceilings, retain heat more effectively than taller, narrower Langstroth hives. This feature is particularly beneficial in colder climates, as it helps bees conserve energy and maintain a stable hive temperature during winter. Deep Frames for Natural Comb Building: Top bar hives accommodate deep frames, typically 12 inches or more, allowing bees to build their comb naturally downward from the top bar. This design contrasts with Langstroth hives, which often utilize shallower frames, potentially disrupting the bees' natural comb-building instincts. The hosts emphasize the importance of deep frames for successful beekeeping, allowing bees to store ample honey reserves above the brood nest for winter sustenance. DIY Construction and Customization: Top bar hives are relatively easy to build, offering beekeepers the flexibility to customize designs and incorporate features like improved insulation. The hosts contrast this with the more standardized and potentially intimidating construction of Langstroth hives. Navigating the Nuances: Addressing Moisture and Standardization Challenges While extolling the virtues of top bar hives, the hosts also address some of the challenges associated with this hive design: Moisture Management: The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing moisture buildup in top bar hives, particularly during winter. They recommend incorporating a space beneath the hive entrance to allow for water drainage and moisture absorption, preventing condensation and potential harm to the colony. Lack of Standardization: The hosts acknowledge that top bar hives lack the standardized dimensions and readily available components of Langstroth hives. This can make it more challenging for novice beekeepers to find information and resources for top bar hive management. They suggest that beekeepers carefully consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a top bar hive design, ensuring it accommodates deep frames and appropriate moisture control features. Reconnecting with Bee Biology: A Call for Observation and Understanding The episode concludes with a call for beekeepers to observe and learn from the natural behaviors of bees, both managed and wild. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding bee biology and adapting beekeeping practices to support colony health and resilience. Key Takeaways and Insights: Top bar hives offer a more natural and bee-centric approach to beekeeping, prioritizing bee health and natural comb-building behavior. The deep frames in top bar hives allow bees to store ample honey reserves, reducing the need for supplemental feeding and promoting colony self-sufficiency. Moisture management is crucial in top bar hives, particularly in colder climates, to prevent condensation and protect the colony from dampness. The DIY nature of top bar hives offers customization options but requires careful consideration of design and construction to ensure bee health and successful hive management. Observing and understanding bee biology is essential for adapting beekeeping practices to support colony health and resilience. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac," titled "Episode 145 #10: Sending Bees to the Cube Farm; the Reverand's Langstroth Hive," explores the history, design, and limitations of the Langstroth hive, the most common type of beehive used in modern beekeeping. The hosts, Andy and Elliot, use their characteristic humor to unpack the complexities of this widely adopted hive model, highlighting its advantages, shortcomings, and potential alternatives. The Langstroth Hive: A Revolutionary Design with Enduring Legacy The episode introduces Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth, an American clergyman and beekeeper often hailed as the "father of American beekeeping." While acknowledging that Langstroth didn't invent the concept of removable frames, the hosts credit him with discovering the "bee space," a crucial gap of approximately one centimeter that prevents bees from gluing frames together with propolis, a resinous substance bees use for hive construction and maintenance. This innovation allowed for easy inspection and manipulation of hive components without damaging the comb or disrupting the colony. The hosts emphasize that Langstroth's discovery, although significant, wasn't entirely unique. A Polish apiarist, Dr. Jan Dzierzon, had actually identified the same bee space 20 years prior and applied it to top-bar hives. However, Langstroth's design gained widespread recognition and adoption, largely due to its simplicity, affordability, and ease of use. Anatomy of a Langstroth Hive: From Roof to Bottom Board The hosts provide a detailed breakdown of the basic components of a Langstroth hive: Outer Cover: The roof of the hive, providing protection from the elements. Inner Cover: A barrier between the outer cover and the hive body, preventing bees from gluing the roof down and aiding in ventilation. Supers: Boxes placed above the hive body for honey storage. Queen Excluder: A mesh screen that prevents the queen from laying eggs in the supers, ensuring honey purity. Hive Body (Mediums or Deeps): Boxes where the bees live and raise brood. Mediums are shorter and lighter than deeps, making them easier to handle. Frames: Wooden structures within the hive body and supers that hold the honeycomb. Foundation: Sheets of beeswax imprinted with a hexagonal pattern, providing a guide for bees to build their comb uniformly. Bottom Board: The floor of the hive, providing an entrance for the bees. The "Hot Potato" Problem: Disrupting Natural Bee Behavior While acknowledging the advantages of the Langstroth hive, the hosts criticize the conventional practice of rotating hive boxes, which they humorously refer to as the "hot potato" method. This technique involves regularly shuffling the position of hive bodies and supers to encourage bees to build comb and store honey in desired locations. The hosts argue that this constant manipulation disrupts the natural bee behavior of building downward from the top of a cavity, potentially stressing the colony and hindering their ability to prepare adequately for winter. They point out that conventional beekeeping often involves harvesting honey from the supers during the summer, leaving the bees with insufficient stores for the colder months. To compensate, beekeepers typically feed bees sugar water, which, while providing calories, lacks the nutritional complexity of natural honey. Insulation: A Forgotten Factor in Modern Beekeeping The hosts express concern that modern Langstroth hives are often constructed with thinner wood than those used in Langstroth's time, compromising insulation and forcing bees to expend more energy to maintain hive temperature. They advocate for a return to thicker hive walls and the incorporation of insulation materials to reduce stress on the colony and enhance their ability to thrive. They cite research indicating that insulated hives may not produce more honey but contribute to higher bee survival rates due to reduced mortality from cold stress. This suggests that insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining colony strength and resilience. Rethinking Hive Design: Exploring Alternatives to the Langstroth The hosts explore alternative hive designs that address some of the limitations of the traditional Langstroth model: Long Langstroth Hives: These hives, resembling top-bar hives in their horizontal layout, provide bees with a larger, continuous space to build their comb and store honey, mimicking their natural nesting behavior. This design eliminates the need for box rotation and reduces disturbance to the colony. Extra Deep Frames: Using deeper frames within a Langstroth hive can provide bees with more space to store honey above the brood nest, allowing them to prepare more effectively for winter. While acknowledging the benefits of these alternatives, the hosts recognize that the Langstroth hive remains the dominant model in conventional beekeeping due to its portability and ease of management in large-scale operations. They suggest that the choice of hive design depends on the individual beekeeper's goals, resources, and commitment to promoting bee health and natural behavior. Moving Beyond the "Honeymaking Machine": A Holistic Approach to Beekeeping The episode concludes with a call for a more holistic approach to beekeeping that recognizes bees as "living intelligent creatures" rather than simply honey production units. The hosts advocate for a shift in beekeeping practices that prioritize: Reducing Stress: Minimizing hive manipulation and transportation to allow bees to build and manage their homes naturally. Improving Nutrition: Providing bees with access to diverse and nutritious forage, reducing reliance on sugar water supplements. Learning from Wild Bees: Observing the behavior and adaptations of wild bee populations to gain insights into sustainable beekeeping practices. The hosts emphasize that a balanced co-existence between bees and humans is possible through a deeper understanding of bee biology, a respect for their natural behaviors, and a commitment to promoting hive health and resilience. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Dr. John Kiefus, a beekeeping virtuoso with his hands in hives across continents, joins us to unravel his journey from the fields of Michigan to the picturesque landscapes of France. We dive into his world of treatment-free beekeeping and the crucial pivot away from chemical treatments for varroa mites, a change driven by health and sustainability. Alongside tales of his ventures in South America and the innovative use of bumblebees for greenhouse pollination, Dr. Kiefus offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of beekeeping, highlighting his dedication to bee stewardship and sustainable practices. Venture further into the complexities of managing Varroa mite infestations with unconventional techniques and genetic resistance, as recounted by fellow beekeeper Mr. Osi and his collaboration with Wolfgang Witter. We scrutinize the intricate balance between high honey production and low mite presence, emphasizing the strategic importance of bond testing. The discussion extends to the economic implications and the challenges of breeding mite-resistant bees, underlining the pressing need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable beekeeping that values adaptability and resilience. Our journey doesn't stop there. We spotlight the economic and ecological benefits of supporting native bee diversity and the looming threat of invasive hornets in France. Randy Oliver's evolving insights on mite resistance enrich our conversation, urging a broader perspective in research and practice. Through diverse planting strategies and disease-resistant bee selection, we explore the potential for coexistence between honeybees and wild bees, reinforcing the importance of open-mindedness and innovation in beekeeping for a thriving ecosystem. Dr. John Kefuss began experimenting with the possibility of breeding resistant bees before it was known it could be done. He promotes his "Bond Method" of selection as both more healthy and economical than chemical treatment for both bees and their keepers. We discuss his evolution on beekeeping after practicing beekeeping across the world, from both Americas & Europe, and what 50 years of beekeeping, 25 of which treatment free, has taught him about this timeless practice. Check out his recent study from 2015 on treatment-free beekeeping: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00218839.2016.1160709 For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key words: Key Words: Beekeeping, Varroa Mites, Sustainable Practices, Treatment-Free, Genetic Resistance, Pollination, Bumblebees, Honey Production, Native Bee Diversity, Invasive Species, Randy Oliver, Disease Resistance, Flexible Learning, Discounts, Capella University, Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom Rack, Amica Auto Insurance, Winter Essentials

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac," challenges the conventional understanding of drone bees, moving beyond the stereotype of them as lazy, unproductive members of the hive. The hosts, Andy and Elliot, engage in their signature comedic banter while exploring the multifaceted roles of drones and highlighting their crucial importance to honeybee health and genetic diversity. Beyond the Stereotype: Unveiling the Importance of Drones The hosts begin by acknowledging the common perception of drones as the "deadbeat dads" of the bee world, emphasizing that they don't participate in pollen collection, hive defense, or honey production. However, they quickly shift the conversation to reveal the often-overlooked contributions of drones. Indicators of Hive Health: Drones can serve as valuable "canaries in the coal mine," signaling potential problems within the hive. The presence of numerous drones flying around in the fall or dead drones outside the hive can indicate food shortages and impending hive collapse. Genetic Diversity: Drones play a critical role in maintaining genetic diversity within honeybee populations. As the sole carriers of the queen's genetic code, their successful mating with queens from other hives ensures the spread of healthy genes and the long-term viability of the species. Heat Regulation: Drones contribute to regulating the hive's temperature, particularly during the winter months. Their larger size and fluffier bodies help create a "blanket" over the brood, providing insulation and warmth. The Drone Congregation Area: A Mile-High Club for Bees The hosts provide a humorous explanation of the drone congregation area (DCA), a unique aerial gathering place where male honeybees congregate to mate with young queens. This phenomenon, compared to a "bee orgy" and likened to the "mile-high club," highlights the crucial role drones play in the continuation of honeybee generations. Drone Drift and Landscape Features: The episode touches on the concept of "drone drift," a term used to describe the movement of drones from one hive to another. While acknowledging that the science behind drone drift is not fully understood, they suggest that landscape features, such as edges of forests or openings in fields, influence drone congregation patterns. Varroa Mites: Exploiting Drone Brood as a Natural Trap The hosts discuss the problem of varroa destructor mites, a significant threat to honeybee health. They introduce a novel approach to mite control, using drone brood as bait to trap and remove mites without relying on chemical treatments. This method involves strategically placing frames without comb on the edges of hive boxes, attracting drones to build their larger cells in these areas. Since varroa mites prefer to infest drone brood, these frames effectively act as "mite traps." By regularly inspecting and removing the infested frames, beekeepers can significantly reduce mite populations without resorting to potentially harmful chemicals. Royal Jelly and the Importance of Drone Nutrition The conversation shifts to the importance of nutrition, particularly royal jelly, in drone development. They explain that drones are initially fed royal jelly for the first three days of their lives, and the quality of this substance directly impacts their size, sperm production, and overall fitness. The hosts highlight a recent discovery that pesticide exposure, even at low levels, can negatively affect the quality and quantity of royal jelly produced by nurse bees, leading to smaller, weaker drones with reduced fertility. Pesticide Impacts: The Hidden Threat to Drone Health The hosts express concern about the widespread use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, and their detrimental effects on honeybee health. They cite research indicating that pesticide exposure can: Reduce the size and function of the hypopharyngeal gland (HP gland) in nurse bees, responsible for producing royal and worker jelly. Lead to smaller drones with reduced sperm volume and quality due to the consumption of inferior jelly. Alter drone development, even when fed royal jelly, resulting in smaller sex organs and delayed maturation. A Call for Awareness and a Holistic Approach The episode concludes with a call for greater awareness and respect for drone bees, acknowledging that their role in honeybee health and genetic diversity is far more significant than previously recognized. The hosts advocate for a holistic approach to beekeeping, emphasizing the importance of: Reducing pesticide use and promoting sustainable alternatives. Providing bees with diverse and nutritious forage to support healthy drone development. Continuing research on drone biology and the factors affecting their health and reproductive success. The episode underscores the interconnectedness of all members of the honeybee hive, highlighting the critical role that drones play in ensuring the long-term survival of these vital pollinators. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

This episode of The Poor Proles Almanac centers on the varroa destructor, a parasitic mite that poses a significant threat to honeybee populations worldwide. The hosts discuss the history of the varroa mite, its devastating impact on honeybee colonies, and explore various approaches to managing this persistent pest. The Varroa Mite: A Global Threat to Honeybees The varroa mite, described as a "tiny mite that is basically like a tick for bees", was first discovered in Asia in 1904, parasitizing the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana). Through the movement of Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies, the mite spread to Africa and Europe in the mid-20th century and eventually reached the United States in 1987. Since then, it has rapidly spread across the globe, devastating honeybee populations and posing a serious challenge to beekeepers and the agricultural industry. The Destructive Impact of Varroa Mites Unlike Asian honeybees, which have co-evolved with the varroa mite and developed mechanisms to control its population, European honeybees, the primary species used in commercial beekeeping, lack natural defenses against this parasite. The mites primarily target developing brood (larvae and pupae) in the hive, feeding on their hemolymph (bee "blood") and transmitting harmful viruses. This infestation weakens the bees, leading to malformations, reduced lifespan, impaired flight performance, and ultimately, colony collapse. Chemical Treatments: A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Consequences Initially, beekeepers relied heavily on insecticides, particularly pyrethroids, to control varroa mite infestations. However, the mites quickly developed resistance to these chemicals, leading to a cycle of new treatments and subsequent resistance. The widespread use of chemical treatments also raises concerns about potential negative impacts on bee health, honey contamination, and the environment. Exploring Alternative Management Strategies Recognizing the limitations and potential downsides of chemical treatments, the hosts discuss alternative approaches to varroa mite management, highlighting the need for sustainable and long-term solutions. Plant Extracts: The episode explores the use of plant extracts, such as garlic, as a natural method for varroa control. While some extracts have shown promising results in laboratory settings, their efficacy in real-world hive conditions and potential impacts on developing bees require further investigation. Breeding Resistant Bees: The hosts showcase successful examples of varroa-resistant honeybee populations, particularly in Cuba, where bees have naturally developed mechanisms to coexist with the mites without significant colony losses. This example highlights the potential for selective breeding programs to enhance natural resistance traits in honeybee populations. Drone Brood Removal: Drawing on a previous episode about drones, the hosts mention the practice of removing drone brood comb from hives as a method for reducing varroa mite populations. Since varroa mites prefer to reproduce in drone brood, strategically removing infested combs can help control mite levels while allowing the bees to develop some tolerance. Slowing Down Mite Reproduction: Research has shown that slowing down varroa mite reproduction within the hive can give bees more time to adapt and develop natural defense mechanisms. This approach focuses on reducing mite pressure rather than complete eradication, allowing for a more balanced co-existence between bees and mites. RNA Interference: The episode touches on the use of RNA interference technology, a cutting-edge approach that targets the genetic mechanisms of varroa mite reproduction, potentially disrupting their ability to reproduce and spread. While this technology holds promise, concerns remain about its potential long-term ecological impacts and the ethical implications of genetically manipulating honeybees. The Need for a Holistic Approach: Rethinking Beekeeping Practices The hosts emphasize that effectively addressing the varroa mite challenge requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply finding a "silver bullet" solution. They advocate for a shift in beekeeping practices, moving away from heavy reliance on chemical treatments and embracing strategies that promote natural bee defenses and ecological balance. Reducing Transportation Stress: The practice of migratory beekeeping, where hives are transported long distances for pollination services, has been implicated in spreading varroa mites and other diseases. The hosts suggest reducing the stress associated with transportation to improve bee health and resilience. Improving Bee Nutrition: The importance of providing bees with a diverse and nutritious diet is highlighted, with the hosts cautioning against over-reliance on sugar water as a primary food source. Ensuring access to natural forage and supplementing with high-quality pollen substitutes can enhance bee health and immune function. Learning from Wild Bees: Studying the behavior and adaptations of wild honeybee populations, which have often developed natural resistance to varroa mites and other threats, can provide valuable insights for improving beekeeping practices. By observing how bees thrive in natural environments, beekeepers can adopt more sustainable and bee-centric approaches. The Future of Honeybees: Embracing a Balanced Coexistence The episode concludes with a message of hope, suggesting that a balanced co-existence between honeybees and varroa mites is possible through a combination of responsible beekeeping practices, selective breeding, and a deeper understanding of the complex ecological dynamics at play. The hosts emphasize that by working with nature, rather than against it, we can ensure the health and resilience of honeybee populations for generations to come. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac," titled "Episode 141 #6: Honeybee Queens & the future of Breeding," centers on a concerning trend: the declining health and longevity of honeybee queens. The hosts, joined by their resident queen expert Andy, discuss the traditional life cycle of a queen, how this has drastically changed in recent decades, and explore potential contributing factors to this worrisome development. The Traditional Queen Lifecycle: Longevity and Supersedure Traditionally, a honeybee queen lives for 3 to 6 years before being superseded, a natural process where the hive replaces an aging or underperforming queen. During this time, multiple swarms may emerge from the hive, splitting the colony and allowing for the establishment of new hives. As queens age, they typically experience a decline in their egg-laying capacity, particularly towards the end of summer. When a queen fails, meaning she can no longer lay the proper ratio of worker bees, the worker bees will often force her out of the hive. The Modern Queen: Shorter Lifespans and Mysterious Disappearances However, as the hosts emphasize, the current reality for honeybee queens is a stark departure from this traditional lifecycle. Queens are now rarely surviving beyond two years, and their decline is happening throughout the year, not just in late summer. Furthermore, they are being superseded at unusual times and, in some cases, disappearing entirely without a trace. Unraveling the Mystery: Exploring Potential Causes The hosts grapple with this concerning phenomenon, acknowledging that there is no definitive answer to explain this widespread decline in queen health. They challenge the mainstream explanations, which often attribute these issues to aggressive bees, bad weather, and queens getting lost. They point out that these factors have always been present and do not adequately explain the sudden and dramatic shift in queen health. Chemical Treatments: A Significant Impact on Reproductive Capacity The hosts focus on the potential impact of chemical treatments used in beekeeping to control mites, suggesting that these chemicals may be a significant contributing factor to the decline in queen health. They cite a 2016 study that showed a dramatic decrease in drone sperm viability after exposure to chemical treatments. They also note that similar negative impacts on sperm viability have been observed in queens exposed to these chemicals. Transportation Stress and its Impact on Sperm Viability Beyond chemical exposure, the hosts discuss how the transportation process itself can negatively affect queen health. Queens are often shipped long distances in conditions that are either too warm or too cold, which can lead to reduced sperm viability and compromise the queen's ability to establish a healthy hive. The Importance of Diet: Beyond Sugar Water The hosts delve into the critical role of diet in honeybee health, emphasizing that while a diverse diet is essential, many beekeepers rely heavily on sugar water, particularly during times when natural food sources are scarce. This practice, while intended to sustain the hive, lacks the nutritional complexity of honey and pollen, potentially impacting the queen's health and longevity. A Confluence of Factors: A Recipe for Decline The episode highlights that the declining health of honeybee queens is likely not attributable to a single factor but rather a combination of stressors. The hosts underscore that the very practices employed to support honeybees, such as chemical treatments, long-distance transportation, and reliance on sugar water, may be inadvertently contributing to their decline. Breeding Practices and the Quest for Healthy Queens The hosts explore the role of breeding practices in addressing the queen health crisis. They discuss the importance of factors like genetics, the age of worker bees involved in raising new queens, and the size of the queen cells. They also mention the work of researchers like Torben Schiffer, who focuses on studying wild honeybee populations to gain insights into natural breeding patterns and the potential for improving queen health. Local Queens and Natural Adaptation: A Path Forward The episode concludes with a call for a more sustainable approach to beekeeping, one that prioritizes the use of local queens adapted to specific environments and minimizes the reliance on interventions that may have unintended consequences. The hosts advocate for allowing bees to adapt naturally and suggest that reducing human intervention may be key to ensuring the long-term survival of healthy honeybee populations. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" explores the fascinating world of honeybee genetics, emphasizing the crucial role of genetic diversity in colony health and survival. The episode traces the historical migration and evolution of honeybees, examines the unique reproductive processes that contribute to genetic variation, and discusses the implications of beekeeping practices on bee genetics. The Journey of Honeybees: Adaptation and Evolution Through Migration The episode begins by taking a journey back to the last Ice Age, explaining that honeybees, unable to survive the frigid temperatures, migrated south. As the ice receded, different subspecies of honeybees emerged, adapted to their specific environments. The episode highlights the Iberian honeybee, which, due to the relatively flat terrain of the Iberian Peninsula, was able to quickly recolonize Northern Europe. These bees crossbred with other non-honeybees in the region, contributing to the genetic diversity of European honeybees. The Importance of Swarming and Natural Selection The hosts discuss the significance of swarming, a natural process where a portion of the hive, including the queen, leaves to establish a new colony. They explain that in the past, when beekeeping was not widespread, only the strongest and most adaptable colonies survived to swarm and reproduce. This natural selection process ensured the perpetuation of robust honeybee populations. The Queen's Role: Diploids and Haploids The episode explains the unique reproductive system of honeybees, where queens are diploids, carrying chromosomes from both their mother and father (a drone), while drones are haploids, carrying only one set of chromosomes from their mother. The hosts clarify that this means drones are essentially the queen's genetic brothers. Meiosis: Mixing and Reducing Chromosomes The process of meiosis is introduced, which is how the queen's diploid genetic code is mixed and reduced to create haploid drone eggs. This process involves a random exchange of genetic material between the queen's two sets of chromosomes, ensuring genetic variation in the drones she produces. Competitive Polyandry: Mating with Multiple Drones The hosts explain the concept of competitive polyandry, where queen bees mate with multiple drones in mid-air. This mating process further contributes to genetic diversity within the hive, as each drone's sperm carries a unique set of genes. The queen stores the sperm from all the drones she mates with and uses it throughout her life to fertilize eggs. Subfamilies Within the Hive: Diversity in Appearance and Behavior The multiple matings result in subfamilies within the hive, each with slightly different genetic makeups. This genetic variation manifests in differences in appearance, behavior, and skill sets among the worker bees. The episode uses the example of the waggle dance, the bees' communication method for sharing the location of food sources, explaining that subfamilies may interpret the dance differently due to their unique genetics. The Importance of Genetic Diversity for Colony Health The episode stresses that this genetic diversity, although seemingly creating challenges, is crucial for the overall health and resilience of the colony. The hosts explain that genetic variation: Provides a range of skill sets: Different subfamilies excel in different tasks, such as hygiene, foraging, and brood rearing, contributing to the efficiency of the hive. Enhances resistance to diseases and parasites: Hives with greater genetic diversity are better equipped to withstand threats like viruses and parasites. Inbreeding: A Threat to Hive Survival The episode discusses the dangers of inbreeding, explaining that when queens mate with their brothers (drones), it can lead to the production of diploid drones. These diploid drones are not viable and are typically cannibalized by worker bees. Continued inbreeding can result in a "shotgun effect," where a significant portion of the brood is comprised of these non-viable diploid drones, ultimately leading to the collapse of the hive. The Impact of Beekeeping Practices on Genetic Diversity The hosts shift the focus to the implications of modern beekeeping practices on honeybee genetics. They point out that: Keeping inbred hives alive artificially can be detrimental: Beekeepers, through various interventions, may inadvertently sustain hives that would have naturally collapsed due to inbreeding, potentially weakening the overall gene pool. Importing bees from different regions can disrupt local adaptations: The practice of ordering bees from distant locations, often with different climates and environmental conditions, can disrupt the development of locally adapted ecotypes. The Concept of Ecotypes: Regional Adaptations The episode introduces the concept of ecotypes, regionally adapted honeybee populations with specific traits that allow them to thrive in their particular environments. The hosts explain that these ecotypes have evolved over time through natural selection, but modern beekeeping practices can hinder their development. Outbreeding Depression: The Risks of Introducing Foreign Genetics The episode discusses the phenomenon of outbreeding depression, which occurs when introducing foreign genetics disrupts the specialized adaptations of a local population. This can lead to reduced efficiency and fitness within the hive. A Call to Let Bees Adapt Naturally The episode concludes on a somewhat optimistic note, highlighting the resilience of honeybees. They mention examples of landrace honeybees, like those in the UK, that have survived despite challenges and have even influenced the genetics of imported bees, demonstrating their ability to adapt and thrive. The hosts advocate for allowing bees to adapt naturally, suggesting that reducing human intervention in beekeeping practices may be key to ensuring the long-term survival of healthy honeybee populations. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/