"It was sheer panic!" That's how Amber explains her wild & crazy beekeeping story. In this episode of Bee Love Beekeeping, we open with a poetic ode to honeybees and a couple of “beekeeper bloopers,” then sit down with Amber Leach, North American Sales Manager at Veto-Pharma. We dig into Varroa Integrated Pest Management (IPM): why testing before and after treating matters, how to avoid resistance through rotation and correct use, and what’s new in Apivar 2.0. Amber breaks down Varroa EasyCheck (alcohol wash, sugar roll, CO₂), shares high-altitude lessons from 7,500 ft, and explains why commercial beekeepers treat mite management like a business decision. We wrap with winter-prep priorities, a humbling bee sting story, and practical, step-by-step fall beekeeping checklists. It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees! Chapters 00:00 – Cold open: a honeybee’s harmony 01:22 – Welcome + fall Varroa reality check 01:56 – Beekeeper bloopers: honey-soaked suit & the hose trap; “bees sense fear” 03:57 – Guest intro: Amber Leach 06:32 – Veto Pharma’s focus: testing → treatment for Varroa 07:48 – Varroa EasyCheck: alcohol, sugar, CO₂—how/why to use each 09:39 – Habits, misuse, and how resistance happens (human factors) 12:16 – Amitraz & Apivar: role, history, and resistance nuance 14:24 – Apivar 2.0: formulation changes, faster profile, handling, no withholding 15:46 – Storage & correct application basics 16:04 – Ad break: Mann Lake honey harvest essentials 17:09 – Packages/nucs: don’t assume mite-free; questions to ask 20:28 – High-altitude beekeeping & the power of journaling 22:02 – Winter prep priorities: mites first; food & windbreaks 24:24 – Amber’s “hot hive” sting story (panic isn’t a plan) 28:58 – What hobbyists can borrow from commercial keepers: treat it like a business 31:53 – Case study: high counts + slow-release treatment expectations 34:56 – Start early (July!), be consistent, and retest 35:49 – Wrap-up, contacts, and sponsor thanks Video Version : https://youtu.be/dG35F1qUDDg __________________ Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/ Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order. https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/
[email protected] Amber:
[email protected] https://www.veto-pharma.com/
