In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his latest “audio postcard,” diving into summer apiary management. As the season heats up, Dewey asks: are we unknowingly stressing our bees through our supering choices?
Drawing from a recent Brazilian study led by Dr. David De Jong, Dewey explores the physiological impacts of over-supering on honey bee colonies. The research found that adding too many foundation supers at once can elevate stress markers in forager bees—potentially compromising immune response and productivity. Dewey explains how thoughtful supering—adding boxes as needed—yields more honey and less stress.
He also discusses mid-season mite management, reminding us that effective control now means healthier colonies heading into fall. Dewey reviews options like formic and oxalic acid treatments, as well as how summer’s heavy populations influence product effectiveness.
Through it all, Dewey emphasizes the unique, personal nature of beekeeping, encouraging beekeepers to communicate intentionally with their bees—whether by managing mites, supering wisely, or preparing for harvest.
Links & Resources:
- Ross Conrad April 2025. Supering. Bee Culture: https://beeculture.com/supering/
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David de Jong's Research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357485479_Supering_Apis_mellifera_Hymenoptera_Apidae_beehives_impairs_honey_production_and_biomarker_genes
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HBHC Tools for Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HBHC-Guide_Varroa-Mgmt_8thEd-082422.pdf
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Communication in a Colony: https://www.beelistener.co.uk/biology-for-beekeepers/communication-in-a-colony-cues-and-signals/
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Tom Seeley: HoneyBee Democracy 2010 and Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz Runners. 2024 Princeton University Press
Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.
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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com
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