Cappings
Pierce County Beekeeping Association
Monthly Newsletter
June 2025 - Volume 31 - Issue 6
From the President
We're helping out our hard-working President this month by sharing her thoughts with you here. She will be back in her own voice soon!
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Hello Fellow Beekeepers!
What a fantastic turnout we had at our annual auction! Thank you to everyone who participated, whether you were bidding on equipment, donating items, or just enjoying the company of fellow bee enthusiasts. Your support makes our association stronger and helps us continue our mission of promoting beekeeping throughout Pierce County.
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Mark your calendars for our upcoming annual club picnic on July 13th! This is always one of our favorite events of the year – a chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy good food with our beekeeping family.
I'm hoping some of you will "Say Yes" to a couple of volunteer opportunities we really need help with. First, we're looking for someone to take point on keeping our queen apiary grounds cut and maintained. It's rewarding work that directly supports our breeding program. Second, we need a volunteer to organize the storage room next to the Honey House – it could use some attention to make our equipment more accessible.
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I also want to share an exciting opportunity from Bill Midgley at the USDA. Bill is looking for a beekeeper to participate in the USDA Farm Service Agency County Committees. This is a chance to represent urban beekeepers and help promote urban agriculture practices in our community.
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The FSA urban county committees work to support urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture practices. Committee members provide outreach to urban producers about USDA programs, serve as advocates for urban producers, and help implement programs that support growing urban communities.
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If you're interested in this leadership role, remember that all nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by August 1, 2025. Read more about this opportunity further in this newsletter.
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Thanks for all you do for our beekeeping community!
Mary
The Art of Queen Rearing:
Building Tomorrow's Colonies Today
A recent Facebook post by Katie Marler describing how she "tried her hand" at grafting queens, followed by a response from fellow queen rearer Debra Langley-Boyer, sparked a wonderful conversation about this fascinating aspect of beekeeping. Their exchange inspired this deep dive into the art and science of queen rearing.
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As beekeepers, we know that a strong colony begins with a strong queen. Queen rearing—the deliberate process of producing new honey bee queens—is one of the most rewarding skills we can develop, whether we're replacing aging queens or establishing new hives.
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While beekeepers have worked alongside bees for millennia, deliberate queen rearing is a relatively modern innovation. For centuries, beekeepers relied entirely on natural processes—colonies would replace failing queens or produce new ones during swarming without human intervention. It wasn't until François Huber's groundbreaking observations in the late 1700s that we began to understand how queens develop from larvae fed royal jelly, setting the stage for controlled queen rearing.
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The foundation of successful queen rearing lies in selecting the right breeder colonies. We want to choose our strongest, healthiest hives—those with excellent honey production, gentle temperaments, and natural disease resistance. These colonies will provide the larvae that become our future queens.
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The breakthrough came in 1888 when Gilbert M. Doolittle published "Scientific Queen-Rearing," introducing the grafting method that revolutionized our craft. His technique—transferring young larvae into artificial queen cups—transformed queen rearing from chance to choice, and remains the gold standard for commercial operations with acceptance rates of 60-90% and emergence rates of 80-95%.
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Today's beekeepers have several approaches to choose from, each with distinct advantages. The traditional grafting method offers precise control and scalability but requires steady hands and considerable skill. For those seeking simplicity, non-grafting methods like the Miller or Hopkins techniques rely on natural comb-building instincts, though they typically yield fewer queens with 50-70% acceptance rates.
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Many hobbyists find success with emergency queen rearing—simply removing a queen to trigger the colony's natural response—or harvesting swarm cells during the colony's preparation to swarm. While these natural methods require minimal intervention, they produce variable results and often smaller queens. Modern queen rearing kits like the Nicot system offer a middle ground, achieving 70-85% acceptance rates while requiring less technical skill than traditional grafting.
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The magic happens during those crucial 16 days of development. Worker bees lavish the selected larvae with royal jelly—that nutrient-rich secretion that transforms what would have been ordinary workers into egg-laying royalty. Once our new queens emerge, they're placed in mating nucs where they'll take their nuptial flights, mating with multiple drones to ensure genetic diversity. This mating phase presents the biggest challenge across all queen rearing methods, with only 50-70% of virgin queens successfully mating and beginning to lay eggs due to weather, predation, and drone availability.
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The final step is introducing these mated, laying queens to their new colonies—a delicate process that requires patience and proper technique.
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Queen rearing isn't just about replacing old queens; it's about maintaining the genetic health and productivity of our apiaries. What started as a practice born from necessity has evolved into a sophisticated science. By the early 20th century, queen bees were being shipped across continents in small cages with attendant bees and sugar candy for sustenance—an innovation that allowed beekeepers worldwide to introduce new genetics and improve colony resilience.
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Today's queen rearing faces modern challenges like Varroa mites, leading to the development of specialized breeding programs for hygienic behavior and mite resistance. The Russian bees and VSH (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene) strains we hear about today are direct descendants of this targeted breeding approach.
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For those interested in trying queen rearing, consider your goals and experience level. Commercial operations and experienced beekeepers often prefer grafting for its high success rates and precise control, while beginners might start with emergency queen rearing or modern kit systems. Remember that regardless of method, success depends heavily on strong donor colonies, optimal timing, and favorable conditions during the critical mating period.
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Consider starting with observation and perhaps partnering with an experienced member. The skills you'll develop and the queens you'll produce will serve your apiary for years to come—and you'll be continuing a tradition that spans from ancient Egyptian clay hives to today's sophisticated breeding programs.
More than a Bug's Life
by Breanna Opdahl
Bees are not the only pollinators in the world.
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Crazy, I know. But I don't think they get hardly enough credit for the work they do, so in this article we will go over some of the other creatures that make everything grow.
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Hum a Little Tune
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The first pollinator we will go over is the hummingbird.
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These little birds are known for zooming around and sipping sugar water out of red glass feeders outside our windows. These birds drink nectar just like bees do. They are attracted to flowers with bright colors particularly red, orange and pink. Some of their absolute favorites are Salvia, honeysuckle, petunias, fuchsias and bee balm. They pollinate when they eat, They inadvertently transfer pollen from flower to flower when pollen gets stuck on their beaks and feathers. It goes with them to the next flower keeping the pollination going.
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I Can Go Twice as High
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Next on the list is the butterfly. I think we can all agree that they are the most beautiful insects with the most beautiful, most colorful wings. Much like the hummingbird, butterflies like colorful vibrant flowers. Their favorites are milkweed, zinnia, lantana and butterfly bush. How they pollinate is much like the hummingbird but the pollen sticks to their legs and proboscis. When the butterfly goes from flower to flower, the pollen transfers.
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Stripped Imposter
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Yes, you knew we had to talk about these guys.
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They are, in my opinion, the worst insect in the whole buggy kingdom! They are a beekeeper's worst enemy (besides the varroa mite of course!). And they make bees look bad. They are the wasps and hornets. Interestingly, they don't just eat nectar, they also eat meat (insects, spiders, and carrion). They pollinate similarly to bees but not as efficiently because they don't have the hairs bees do. Take that, Wanna Bees!
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Thank you for joining me in discovering these other pollinators. Now that we know they are out there, we can give them the appreciation they deserve for lending their feathers, wings and hair to make our world a more bee-utiful place!
Swarm Team
If you have signed up to be on the swarm team please make sure your membership is current. There are several that are not. We have been receiving notification of payment details that need updating and if not updated, payments are being declined and memberships not renewed. You should be receiving emails about pending membership renewal and/or pending cancelations. Make sure you are checking your spam/ junk emails as well.
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Also, please add Chris Camper to your contact list so that you will know that it is Chris calling and not a spam call. Chris' phone number is 253-230-8724.
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Thank you to Chris for taking over managing the swarm calls for Mary!
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With that said, our insurance company needs waivers signed by the community and also by you, the beekeepers. Follow this link to the waiver. It is at the bottom of the page.
Become a Member of PCBA!
It has been an amazing year and we have so much more to come! We are asking all of you that are participating on our social platforms and subscribing to please sign up for membership in 2025 and help us continue to grow our resources and programs.
For those who are already members, the automatic renewal is working! Your membership will be renewed on your anniversary date. If you are unsure of your status you can email president@pcbeekeepers.org. Thank you!
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Become a Member
2025 EVENTS & PROJECTS
Members, we need you! Pierce County Beekeepers Association couldn’t happen without you, our volunteers! Ten (10) hours per year of volunteer service is required for each member.
Please sign up to help with the upcoming events. It is a great time to get to know other members and educate the community about the bees and what our organization is all about. Some of these events are fundraisers where we will be selling honey.
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From brand new beekeeper to experienced beekeeper, you have a place at our table! You pick your comfort level, from selling the honey/ raffle tickets to just talking about bees. You can join the Garden Crew, Resource Apiary Crew, PCBA Crew, and Learning Apiary Crew.
Come and join the fun!!
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Important dates in 2025 - Mark your Calendars!
HERE IS A LINK TO OUR 2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Annual Picnic - July 13, Allmendinger Center, starts at noon
Washington State Fair - August 29-September 21 - if you would like to be on the planning committee, please contact Mary
Hive Host & Beekeeper List
We have many hosts, but we need more BEEKEEPERS! We have been building a list of those who have properties in which they are aiming to host hives on, as well as beekeepers who would like to service hives on host properties. With Spring coming, it is time to sign up! To join this list and be matched with a potential host or beekeeper, please sign up here: https://www.pcbeekeepers.org/hive-host-and-beekeeper-list
Donation & Fundraising Committee
Help us to be involved in our community in a big way!
https://www.pcbeekeepers.org/donation-and-fundraising-committee
Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Lee
The Pierce County Beekeeper Association Board would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lisa Lee for her incredible dedication and volunteer work that has enriched our club in many ways.
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Lisa's journey into beekeeping began through her daughter's growing interest in the craft. What started as supporting a family member's passion has blossomed into her own deep appreciation for pollinators. "I never really paid so much attention to all the pollinators," Lisa reflects, describing how her perspective shifted from mason bees to the amazing world of cocoons and beyond.
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Today, Lisa maintains three hives of her own and has become an integral part of our apiary team. While she's still building confidence around hive splits, she's not shy about catching the occasional swarm. Her hands-on approach extends throughout our organization—she's waxed all the frames in the Honey House and is a familiar, helpful face at our spring fair booth.
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Lisa's commitment to service extends far beyond beekeeping. A retired librarian, she continues her passion for community service through Friends of the Library, where she helps homebound residents with supplies. Though she once moderated book groups, she admits it's harder to focus enough to finish books these days—a relatable challenge many of us face as our interests and lives evolve.
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Her volunteer work also includes teaching sewing skills as part of the Clothing and Textile Advisors, sharing yet another valuable craft with community members. Lisa lives in Spanaway and enjoys two daughters and five grandchildren. Lisa has built a rich network of service and connection.
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When asked about her extensive volunteer commitments, Lisa offers wisdom that resonates with many PCBA members: "You are giving to the group, but it really is for yourself because of what you learn." She describes her volunteer work as "good for me," emphasizing how it has become her community and allows her to truly get to know people better.
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Lisa's philosophy perfectly captures the spirit of our beekeeping association—while we come together to support the bees and each other, we each gain something invaluable in return. Her generous spirit, willingness to tackle any task, and genuine care for both our members and our mission make her an invaluable part of the PCBA family.
Thank you, Lisa, for all you do!
Apiary Day & Workshop Information
Apiary Days are weather dependent will begin in April and run through October
Upcoming Apiary Days - Weather Dependent
Sunday, June 22nd, 2pm
Saturday, July 5, 10am-12pm
Saturday, July 19, 10am-12pm
Club Apiary​
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Please come prepared with a bee suit, baggy thick pants, and closed toed shoes.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook Group to keep up with any updates on what is planned for the next upcoming, including estimated times and lesson plan. Rescheduled dates or times and topics will also be announced on our Facebook Group page.
Contact Katie Marler education@pcbeekeepers.org with any questions.
Beekeeping Class Information
Classes are available to PCBA Members only - Become a Member
Sign up for Classes on our Website
WSU Puyallup Research & Extension Center
D.F. Allmendinger Center
2606 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371
Classes are January - November
Please keep an eye on our Facebook Group & your email to keep up with any updates on what is planned for the next upcoming, including estimated times and lesson plan.
Contact Katie Marler education@pcbeekeepers.org with any questions.
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Other Educational Resources
Here are three upcoming free webinars offered by the WSU Honey Bees + Pollinators Program. For the unfamiliar, this program is part of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). The program's mission "intertwines innovative research, community engagement, and education to safeguard pollinators, pivotal to our food security and environmental health.
July 13 - 10am-4pm - 2025 Fungi for Honey Bees Workshop - Allmendinger Center
July 19 - 4pm-5:30pm - Webinar: Landscape Driven Stressors During Migratory Pollination
We will provide links to the WSU's webinars each month. For a full listings of their offerings, visit this site.
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The WSU Honey Bees + Pollinators Program is listed on Michigan State University's MSU Extension Pollinators & Pollination site which lists beekeeping and pollinator webinars from university extension programs across the United States. You can access these programs from wherever you are in the country at their website here.
The Great Blackberry Bonanza:
Your Hive's Summer Jackpot
Kathleen Clerc
Ah, blackberry season in the Pacific Northwest – that magical time when our invasive bramble overlords finally pay rent by providing our bees with liquid gold. Yes, I'm talking about the Himalayan blackberry flow that transforms our buzzing friends into tiny, determined sugar addicts from late June through August.
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If you're new to Pacific Northwest beekeeping, prepare yourself for nature's most generous – and slightly chaotic – honey flow. Those thorny menaces that take over every vacant lot, forest edge, and forgotten corner of suburbia suddenly become your best friends. It's like having a massive, self-maintaining honey factory that stretches from the Cascades to the coast.
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Getting Your Hives Ready for the Rush
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First things first: space, space, space. During blackberry flow, your bees will bring in nectar like they're preparing for the apocalypse. A strong hive can easily fill a deep super in just a week or two. If you haven't already, get those honey supers on early – ideally by mid-June. Trust me, nothing's more frustrating than watching your bees beard outside their overcrowded hive while blackberry nectar drips unused from the brambles.
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Consider running two or even three honey supers on strong colonies. Yes, it makes your hive look like a skyscraper, and yes, you'll need a chiropractor afterward, but your back will thank you when you're extracting liquid gold instead of watching your bees swarm because they're bursting at the seams.
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Water, Water Everywhere
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Here's something beginners often miss: bees need tons of water during heavy flows to dilute that thick nectar and cool their hives. Make sure your apiaries have reliable water sources nearby. A shallow pan with landing spots works great, or if you're feeling fancy, a small fountain. Just remember to keep it clean – nobody wants their honey tasting like mosquito larvae.
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The Blackberry Honey Harvest
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Blackberry honey is the Pacific Northwest's signature varietal – light amber, mild, and pleasantly floral. It crystallizes relatively quickly, so don't dawdle on extraction if you want liquid honey. Some beekeepers actually prefer the creamed texture of crystallized blackberry honey, which spreads like butter and has an almost candy-like consistency.
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One word of caution: blackberry honey can be surprisingly strong-flavored in some areas, especially if the bees are also hitting clover and other wildflowers. Taste before you promise your customers "mild" honey – you might be surprised.
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Managing the Madness
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During peak flow, check your hives weekly. Look for queen cells, monitor for overcrowding, and keep adding supers as needed. Your bees might seem a bit frantic – that's normal. They're basically running a 24/7 honey factory operation.
The blackberry flow typically winds down by late August, just as our notorious Pacific Northwest rain returns. But while it lasts, embrace the chaos, celebrate the abundance, and remember that those thorny invaders are actually paying their dues to the ecosystem – one delicious drop at a time.
Buzzworthy Beekeeper
Travis Swanlund has always felt drawn to bees, but it wasn't until his retirement in 2020 that he finally took the plunge into beekeeping. After 20 years in law enforcement with the US Department of Justice Federal Prison at SeaTac, Travis was ready for a new chapter—one that would let him work with creatures far more fascinating than those he'd encountered in his previous career. "You see all the things you don't want to see ever again," Travis reflects on his law enforcement days. "Now I can work with bees."
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A Learning Journey
Travis started with a single hive, and like many new beekeepers, faced the heartbreak of losing his colony over winter. The learning curve was steep, but Travis found his stride when he joined the Pierce County Beekeeper Association. The hands-on approach suited him perfectly—he's not one to simply sit through lectures.
"I prefer trial and error," Travis explains. Through PCBA, he connected with experienced beekeepers who taught him the critical importance of mite management, often the culprit behind winter losses. When he performs hive autopsies, he frequently finds plenty of honey remaining, confirming that mites, not starvation, claimed his bees.
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Building His Apiary
By his second year, Travis expanded to two hives and celebrated his first honey harvest of 30 pounds. He treated aggressively for mites, understanding it as the number one factor in winter survival. This year, he achieved his goal of 10 hives—three at his downtown Puyallup home and seven on his cousin's five-acre property on South Hill.
Travis has grown his operation primarily through swarm catching and hive splits, though he's purchased a few queens from Double R Honey Farms. He's built his apiary thoughtfully, not wanting to become overwhelmed. "I didn't want too many hives," he says, though he's already considering expanding to 20 hives next year.
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The Craftsman's Approach
Winter months find Travis in his woodworking shop, building new Langstroth hive boxes from scrap wood—a cost-effective approach that keeps him ready for spring. His woodworking skills extend beyond beekeeping; he refinishes cabinets as a side business and recently crafted a beautiful sign for the PCBA Honey House.
Travis shares most of his honey with friends, selling some through word of mouth. His wife, a recently retired dental professional, helps with the fall harvest despite her fear of bees. "She will swat and freak out at the bees," Travis chuckles. "I tell her to leave them alone and they won't bother you."
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Advice for New Beekeepers
Travis's philosophy is refreshingly simple: "Keep it simple. Make it work for you." As an "old school minimalist," he focuses on the essentials—inspections, mite treatment, and ensuring adequate space for expansion.
His advice to newcomers is to find a mentor who keeps bees the way you want to keep them. "I can see the faces on new beekeepers at the club—they're so confused with all the information. A mentor makes things much easier."
Travis recommends networking through the club and emphasizes the value of YouTube channels like Kamon Reynolds – Tennessee’s Bees and Bob Binnie, though he cautions that regional differences matter. "You can get basics from videos, but time frames and nectar sources are all different."
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Looking Forward
Travis loves springtime and the excitement of swarm season—he caught three swarms this year. While he's interested in queen rearing, he's taking his time. "I like to get situated and good at something before starting something new."
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A "no gloves" beekeeper during nectar flows (though he's more cautious during dearth periods), Travis has learned to read his bees' moods. He still remembers his worst sting—inside his nose during his first year—but it hasn't dampened his fascination with these remarkable insects. "They work hard, nonstop," he observes. "I would hate to be a bee."
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With two daughters—one following in his law enforcement footsteps at 28, another just 13—Travis has found in beekeeping the perfect blend of challenge and tranquility. His journey from one struggling hive to a thriving 10-hive operation demonstrates that with patience, community support, and a willingness to learn, even the steepest learning curves can lead to sweet success.
Club Business Update
Our annual silent auction was a success, bringing in $3,500! Thank you to everyone who donated items, who bid and purchased items, and who came early to setup. Thank you to those who planned and too care of all the details to make this a success.
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If you are interested in joining the PCBA Board please reach out to discuss openings and opportunities with Mary or Kathleen. This is Mary's last year as the club President, so that position is open. Nominations for Board positions are due in October, voting will be in November.
USDA Farm Service Agency COC Nominations Information
William (Bill) Midgley contacted Mary this month as the USDA would like to have a beekeeper join the County Committee (COC) of the Farm Services Agency. They are hoping one of our members would be interested in this opportunity. Below is the full text of the announcement with links to information.
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Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2025.    
“Serving on an FSA county committee provides producers with a unique opportunity to have a say in local farm program decisions, ensuring FSA policies work, as intended, for producers at the county level.” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Nominations are now open; here’s your chance to support USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First by amplifying the voices of farmers and ranchers within your community and effectively delivering the economic support they deserve.”
Elections for committee members will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction and may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.  
Producers interested in serving on the FSA county committee can locate their LAA through a geographic information system locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/electionsand determine if their LAA is up for election by contacting their local FSA office.  
Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they:
• Participate or cooperate in a USDA program.
• Reside in the LAA that is up for election this year.   
A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.   
Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages all eligible producers to nominate, vote and hold office.  
Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agriculture community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues. 
Urban and Suburban County Committees    
FSA urban county committees work to promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices. Urban committee members are nominated and elected to serve by local urban producers in the same jurisdiction. Urban county committee members provide outreach to ensure urban producers understand USDA programs, serve as the voice of other urban producers and assist in program implementation that support the needs of growing urban communities.
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The 27 cities with urban county committees are listed at fsa.usda.gov/elections and farmers.gov/urban.
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More Information    
Producers should contact their local FSA office today to register and find out how to get involved in their county’s election, including if their LAA is up for election this year. To be considered, a producer must be registered and sign an FSA-669A nomination form. This form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections.      
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All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by the Aug.1, 2025, deadline. Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November 2025.  
FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.    
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Finding Wisdom in the Hive:
A Review of "A Book of Bees" by Sue Hubbell
In an age of digital overwhelm and urban disconnection, Sue Hubbell's A Book of Bees: And How to Keep Them offers something increasingly rare: a meditation on the rhythms of nature wrapped in the practical wisdom of a working woman's life. Originally published in 1988, this New York Times Notable Book remains as relevant today as the day it was written.
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Hubbell's journey from city dweller to commercial beekeeper managing 300 hives in the Missouri Ozarks provides the framework for what Kirkus Reviews aptly called "a melodious mix of memoir, nature journal, and beekeeping manual." After her divorce, Hubbell found herself alone with a beekeeping operation to run, and her book chronicles a full year of this demanding work—from preparing hives for winter to the sweltering labor of honey harvest.
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What sets this book apart from typical how-to guides is Hubbell's ability to weave practical beekeeping knowledge with profound observations about solitude, self-reliance, and the natural world. She famously describes beekeeping as "farming for intellectuals," and her writing proves the point. Whether she's explaining the intricacies of re-queening or sharing the unconventional wisdom of working hives naked (to prevent bees from getting tangled in clothing), Hubbell maintains a voice that's both authoritative and refreshingly humble.
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The book's seasonal structure mirrors the natural rhythms that govern both bees and beekeeper. Hubbell doesn't romanticize the work—she's frank about the physical demands, the equipment failures, and the challenges of Colony Collapse Disorder and pesticide impacts. Yet her prose reveals the deep satisfaction found in understanding and working alongside these remarkable creatures.
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Hubbell's background in journalism and library science serves her well as she translates complex beekeeping concepts for both novices and experienced practitioners. Her observations about the symbiotic relationship between bees, humans, and crops feel particularly urgent in our current era of environmental concern.
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Beyond its value as a beekeeping guide, A Book of Bees succeeds as a meditation on finding purpose and meaning in the second half of life. Hubbell's practical feminism—evident in her matter-of-fact descriptions of running heavy machinery and managing a business alone—offers inspiration without preaching.
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Critics have compared Hubbell to Henry Thoreau, and the comparison is apt. Like Thoreau, she finds profound meaning in close observation of the natural world. Unlike Thoreau, she does so while running a commercial operation, making her insights grounded in both philosophy and profit margins.
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A Book of Bees appeals to multiple audiences: beekeepers seeking both practical advice and philosophical reflection, nature enthusiasts drawn to beautiful prose about the outdoors, and readers interested in stories of resilience and reinvention. In our increasingly disconnected world, Hubbell's book reminds us of the deep satisfaction available to those willing to work closely with nature's rhythms.
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For anyone seeking a thoughtful escape from modern life's complexities, Sue Hubbell's hive offers both honey and wisdom in equal measure.
Beekeeping Articles & Topics of Interest
Beekeeping, for Veterans - https://wafarmvetco.org/healing-through-hives
The Roles of Flies as Pollinators of Horticultural Crops - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7349676/​​
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WSU Bees + Pollinator Program MARCH 2025 - https://bees.wsu.edu/march-2025/
Resource List for Diagnostic Testing of Honey Bees 2024
(information provided by, Bri Price, WSU Honey Bee Program Extension Coordinator)
If you want an answer on the cause of the death of your bees, the following is a list of organizations in the United States that may be able to assist you. For a compete list of diagnostic labs and what they will test go to this website: https://apiaryinspectors.org/page-18060.
If you believe the apiary was damaged through the use of pesticides and if you have registered your hive(s) with the State Department of Agriculture, you can also contact Katie Buckley (Pollinator Health Coordinator) with the WA Dept of Agriculture, and report the situation as a potential bee kill: kbuckley@agr.wa.gov. They usually only formally investigate if it is a large number of hives that were killed. WSU Bee Program used to have a diagnostic lab but does not currently have one. For now, they recommend that people send their bees to the Beltsville Bee Lab; it’s a free source in Maryland. This facility tests for bacterial, fungal and microsporidian diseases, two species of parasitic mites, and other honey bee pests. They also test for American Foul brood when requested. But this lab does not test for viruses or pesticides.
The following all charge for their testing services:
VIRUS TESTING (not pesticides)
• North Carolina State (https://www.ncsuapiculture.net/queen-and-disease-clinic) o Fees range from $24-320
• National Agricultural Genotyping Center (https://www.genotypingcenter.com/honey-bee-pathogen-panel/) o Fees range from $60-300
PESTICIDE TESTING (not viruses)
• Cornell Chemical Ecology Core Facility (https://blogs.cornell.edu/ccecf/the-facility/) o $90
• USDA-AMS National Science Laboratory (https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/lab-testing/nsl) o $450
• Synergistic Pesticide Laboratory (https://synpestlab.com/services/) o This is a lab that WSU’s bee program has used, direct contact: Camille Holladay cholladay@synpestlab.com o Fees range from $160-365​
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Ask a Washington Beekeeper - WASBA
WASBA’s ongoing project “Ask a Washington Beekeeper” is publishing new episodes in 2025. “Ask a Washington Beekeeper” is a collaboration between WASBA and GRuB and is designed to reach beekeepers who may be in outlying areas without access to a mentor or a beekeeping club. Their goal is to provide information, education and mentoring to as many people as possible, including veterans who are interested in beekeeping. An educated beekeeper is a better beekeeper and is better for the beekeeping community.
Programs are each month on the third Thursday starting at 6:30pm. Check it out and tell your friends – here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/AskAWABeekeeper.
