Episode 153 – Surviving the Dearth: Feeding, Fighting Robbers, and Managing Mites

The nectar flow doesn't last forever, and when it ends, things can get tough. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize the start of a summer dearth, how to feed bees without triggering robbing, and how to use this broodless period to crush your mite population. You'll also hear what not to do with syrup feeders (Jeff's mistake was gross), and why hive beetles and robbing go hand in hand this time of year.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Signs your bees have entered a dearth
• When to feed — and how to do it without attracting robbers
• Entrance reducers: size matters
• Best feeder styles (and how to avoid fermenting syrup disasters)
• Hive beetle traps, pollen patty caution, and SHB vacuums
• Leveraging the brood break for more effective mite treatments
• Why blind treating for mites without testing is hurting your bees (and everyone else)
• How to recognize robbing in action — and how to shut it down fast

Why Listen to This Episode:

If you’re beekeeping anywhere that sees a summer dearth, this episode is essential. You’ll learn how to keep your colonies healthy, productive, and protected through the toughest part of the season and how to time your mite treatments for maximum impact when brood levels drop.

More Info:

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About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.

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