What do NASA astronauts and backyard beekeepers have in common? They both know that honey bees don’t always follow the rules!

This episode of Bee Love Beekeeping starts with a wild trip into space before welcoming Ben Cooper, a Pennsylvania beekeeper with more than 50 years of experience.

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It's Time For Winter Bee Prep!

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Ben shares practical tips for reading frames, spotting queen and brood issues, identifying pests like small hive beetles, and figuring out what your colony really needs as winter approaches. Spoiler alert: sometimes your queen isn’t broken—she’s just following the calendar!

Then it’s time for some creative beekeeping hacks that could save your wallet from getting stung. From catching free swarms with bait hives to recycling old wax and discovering the surprising flavors of seasonal honey, Ben proves that a resourceful beekeeper doesn’t need every shiny gadget on the market.

Whether you’re new to beekeeping or a seasoned beekeeper, you’ll pick up useful insights into caring for honey bees, managing your frames, and learning to expect the unexpected. Because after 50 years, even Ben knows who’s really running the hive—and it isn’t us!

VIDEO VERSION Now Available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube

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Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your next order.

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https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

Eric@BeeLoveBeekeeping.com

Ben: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AlleganyMountainBeekeepers