Beehive Winter Prep, Amitraz Resistance & Crazy Beekeeping Stories

"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

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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 first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

[email protected]

Amber: [email protected] https://www.veto-pharma.com/