Tiny Hives Update with Sherry (295)

Not every colony survives—and sometimes the best lesson comes from the colonies that don't. This week on Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew provides tiny hives update for the listeners and decribes how they're progressing as July draws to a close. One of those colonies belongs to his longtime colleague, Sherry, who rescued a very small swarm earlier in the season. Unfortunately, what Jim finds is a sobering reminder that small, late-season colonies often face overwhelming odds. Mouse activity, almost no flight at the entrance, and the realities of midsummer dearth all point toward a colony that simply never gained enough strength.

Back at his own apiary, Jim examines two similarly small "after swarms" (often called secondary swarms) and reflects on why these tiny colonies form in the first place. He discusses virgin queens, delayed brood production, the challenges of building population late in the season, and why even experienced beekeepers still have unanswered questions about swarm biology.

Along the way, Jim shares a memorable story of a forgotten nucleus colony that unexpectedly survived an entire Ohio winter, reminding us that honey bees occasionally defy our expectations.

The episode concludes with reflections on knowing when not to disturb healthy colonies during summer dearth, accepting that natural losses are part of beekeeping, and embracing the continual learning that keeps even veteran beekeepers curious after decades in the bee yard.

______________________

Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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

We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies.

______________________

Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.

Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics)

Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC