[Bonus] Short - Dr. Dewey Caron on Supering

On this special World Bee Day edition of Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts, Dr. Dewey Caron shares another “audio postcard” exploring the vital role of communication in supering—adding boxes to a hive for nectar storage and honey production. Dewey explains how supering is a message to the bees: “Fill it up!”

He discusses different strategies—top supering, bottom supering, and baiting—and how proactive management can reduce swarming and increase honey yields. Drawing from research by the University of Georgia, Dewey notes there’s no significant advantage to labor-intensive bottom supering over easier top supering.

He offers practical tips on when and how to add supers, what factors affect success (like strong nectar flows, temperature, and colony strength), and why drawn comb can boost hoarding behavior. He even touches on supering top bar and Layens hives.

With clarity and wit, Dewey encourages beekeepers to anticipate hive needs and communicate expectations. Supering is more than just hive management—it’s part of a dialogue with the bees.

Links & Resources:

• Berry, J.A. & K.S. Delaplane. (2000) Effects of top- versus bottom-supering on honey yield. American Bee Journal 140(5): 409-410 m
• Randy Oliver https://scientificbeekeeping.com/fat-bees/ (there are 3 parts)
• Rusty HoneyBee Suite.  The 3½ conditions your bees need for strong comb building
• Edwards, John 20X Long hive beekeeping: A practical Guide.  E-Book  https://hiveandgarden.com/products/copy-of-longhive-beekeeping-a-practical-guide-book-john-edwards
• Tew, James. In Class with Jim: Supering, Honey Bee Obscura # 163
• Individuality impacts communication success in honey bees. Laura C McHenry , Roger Schürch, Lindsay E Johnson , Bradley D Ohlinger , and Margaret J Couvillon ^. 2025. Current Biology Feb 24;35(4):R137-R138.  doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.047 behind a firewall  Here is a report you can visit: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/02/cals-honeybee-waggle-dance.html

 

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