My Two Biggest Beekeeping Mistakes and Stinging Nettle for Mite Prevention

My Two Biggest Beekeeping Mistakes and Stinging Nettle for Mite Prevention

Author: Henry J. Svec August 10, 2026 Duration: 16:42
What were the two biggest mistakes I made when I started beekeeping? In this episode, I share two lessons that changed the way I manage my hives. The first is why I now believe an inner cover is essential for managing winter moisture. The second is less about equipment and more about thinking—why having a clear beekeeping philosophy before you begin may be one of the most important decisions you'll make. I also discuss stinging nettle and whether it has a place in mite prevention around the apiary. If you're thinking about keeping bees or you're in your first few years as a beekeeper, this episode may save you from a few of the mistakes I made. My complete online beginner beekeeping course is available for $99, where I cover the 10 biggest mistakes I made, along with hive management, equipment, swarming, queens, seasonal management, and much more. Learn more at: TheThreeHiveMethod.com Bee well.

Henry J. Svec is on a quiet, radical journey, transforming fifty acres of conventional farmland into a thriving wildflower bee sanctuary. In the Hobby Beekeeping podcast, he narrates that process week by week, digging into the hands-on work and the philosophy behind it. A key part of the conversation is his deliberate shift in terminology-he doesn’t call himself a beekeeper, but a bee "helper," a distinction rooted in specific scientific perspectives that guide the entire project. Each episode feels like a candid field report, where Henry explains the latest developments on the land, the reasoning behind various methods, and the ongoing research that informs their approach. This isn't about presenting perfect solutions, but about fostering an open and honest dialogue. The podcast serves as a meeting place for anyone curious about supporting pollinators, where diverse experiences and all aspects of beekeeping practice are welcomed and discussed. You’ll hear the realities of building a business in harmony with nature, the challenges and surprises of ecological restoration, and a deep respect for the complex lives of bees. It’s an educational listen that grounds itself in the dirt and blooms of a real, evolving sanctuary.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Hobby Beekeeping
Podcast Episodes
This Scientist explains why Treatment Free is the Only Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
In this rare interview on my podcast, I bring on Dr. Gary Brook whose article I recently discussed on the ability to have bees treatment-free. It's a fascinating look at the evidence and clearly begs the question, Why ar…
Science Says Stop Treating for Mites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:48
The evidence is pretty clear now that beekeepers need not treat for mites. In this podcast, I discuss the recently published article that says using these two strategies can get you treatment-free.
Stupid Beekeeping Researcher Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:19
While the USDA wants us to believe mites and viruses killed our bees this year, it's not true. Listen while I explain some common researcher tricks and also some common beekeeping mistakes to avoid. Yes, I loved the Dave…
From the Nova Scotia Bee House [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:45
I record this podcast from the Bee House and discuss the benefits of this approach plus hive updates.
Nature Based Beekeeping and Dog Days of August [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:38
In this podcast, I discuss a presentation made by Dr. Thomas Seeley 11 months ago, and how it is an important and valuable training tool for hobby beekeepers.
Bad Air Swarms and Hive Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:19
The bad air has made the bees jumpy and swarms continue to keep moving in.
Why we Want Relaxed Bees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
Eliminating the stress bees face is very beneficial to their health, ability to produce large amounts of honey, and overall survival. Here are some thoughts on why it seems our bees are pretty chill.