
10 Decisions BEFORE Starting Beekeeping (Pt. 2)
From Bee Love Beekeeping... presented by Mann Lake by Eric Bennett
February 26, 2026 · 31 min · Season 3 · Episode 309
About this episode
The episode discusses essential decisions and gear for beginner beekeepers while exploring beekeeping philosophy and honey bee behavior.
What gear do beginning beekeepers need? What PPE do you need? Where do you place your hives? Where do you buy your bees? Smokers? Hive tools? All of these questions, and more, are answered here in Part 2 of our discussion with beekeepers, Kim & Steph. The "Inside the Hive" segment highlights the honey bee waggle dance, including new research showing individual bees navigate far more precisely than the dance itself can communicate. The episode concludes with a candid look at beekeeping philosophy, from treatment-free approaches to conventional varroa management. Steph shares a hard-learned lesson from losing a colony by avoiding treatment, and both hosts encourage rookie beekeepers to reflect on their own values, connect with local clubs or online communities, and stay open to evolving their approach over time. VIDEO VERSION ________________ 5% Discount on Live Bees, Beginner Essentials, and Bee-Friendly Plant Seeds at Mann Lake : https://www.mannlakeltd.com/honey-bees/ https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/beginner-essentials/ Discount Code: GETSTARTEDINBEES _________________ 10% Discount Primal Bee Hives: PrimalBee.com/BEELOVE Discount Code: BEELOVE ________________…
People in this episode
Host: Eric Bennett
Guests: Kim, Steph
Topics covered
- beekeeping
- beginner gear
- hive placement
- beekeeping philosophy
- varroa management
- honey bee behavior
Keywords
- beekeeping
- beginner gear
- honey bee
- varroa management
- hive placement
- PPE
- smokers
- hive tools
Sponsors
Mann Lake, Primal Bee Hives
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Primal Bee Hives, PrimalBee.com, Bee Love Beekeeping
Places: hives, local clubs, online communities
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