Episode Details

Dr. Lewis Bartlett returns to Beekeeping Today Podcast to share the latest science on honey bee health, pest management, and the evolving challenges beekeepers face worldwide. In this wide-ranging conversation, Lewis dives into how shifting climates, global trade, and emerging pests are reshaping the landscape for beekeeping. He explores the role of integrated pest management, the importance of genetic diversity in colonies, and why maintaining flexibility is essential for long-term success.

A highlight of the discussion focuses on the yellow-legged hornet — a newly arrived invasive predator in the U.S. Lewis explains its biology, how it differs from the Asian giant hornet, and what early detection efforts are underway to prevent it from establishing. He emphasizes the need for beekeeper vigilance and public reporting to help slow its spread before it becomes a permanent threat to honey bees and native pollinators.

Listeners will also gain insights into how research priorities are shifting in response to these challenges, and how beekeepers can take actionable steps today to prepare for tomorrow's realities.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• University of Georgia Bee Lab: https://bees.caes.uga.edu
• Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.