Presentations available to members
The ACBA has recorded videos of many presentations by experts. They’re available to members below (some are also available on YouTube).
July 16, 2024 – Heather Grab
Dr. Grab is an assistant professor in the department of entomology at Penn State University, where her research and extension programs help growers to balance pest management needs with the services provided by beneficial insects like wild pollinators. Dr. Grab spoke about The Behavior and Nesting Biology of Bumble Bees.
May 22, 2024 – Ramesh Sagili
Dr. Sagili is an associate professor of apiculture at Oregon State University. He gave an interesting talk about the Sap Beetle, as well as new research on honeybee nutrition.
May 14, 2024 – Rob Keller, Napa Valley Beeco
Rob Keller gave a talk about Place: Understanding your position in the bee game. Place is not only a particular position in space, but also the role played by or importance attached to someone, or something, in a particular context.
April 16, 2024 – Frank Rinkevich
Dr. Rinkevich is a Research Entomologist at the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge LA. The lab has bred bees for Varroa resistance and has demonstrated they are a viable tool for Varroa management. We will discuss use of resistant stock and other new research developments that show promise to reduce the impacts of Varroa on honey bees.
April 9, 2024 – Christine Kurtz
Christine Kurtz is known as “The Petaluma Bee Lady”. She gave a talk on Reading the Monitoring Board. What can various hive debris, frass and trash tell you about honeybees? Oodles, and you will be amazed!
March 19, 2024 – Wally Shaw
Third-Time Guest Speaker Wally Shaw spoke to the club in a Zoom presentation titled Both Sides Now: Proactive, and Reactive Swarm Prevention Everyone Should Know. You’ll hear observations on swarm-trigger criteria, time tested approaches to swarm prevention, and recipes for success. The swarm-organizer bees in the hive want to facilitate reproduction; the beekeeper’s agenda is to prevent swarming out into the neighborhood.
March 12, 2024 – Jerry Przybylski
Our in-person speaker was past ACBA vice president Jerry Przybylski, the coordinator of the swarm hotline and swarm list. He spoke about swarm catching and the club’s swarm list service. You’ll learn how to get the most out of the swarm list and (maybe) get free bees!
February 20, 2024 – Susan Kegley
Beekeeping in the 2020s: Challenges and Solutions is a presentation from Susan Kegley, one of the owners of Bees N Blooms farm.
Dr. Kegley’s background as a PhD chemist and founder of the Pesticide Research Institute (an environmental consulting firm providing research, analysis, technical services and expert consulting on the chemistry of pesticides, industrial organics, inorganics and heavy metals) has inspired and informed the creation of the farm. She and her staff are demonstrating healthier, organic agricultural practices that sustain animals, plants, and people alike.
February 13, 2024 – Jennifer Radtke
Swarm pressure is very high for overwintered hives in the Bay Area. The back & forth weather of February/March make it difficult to inspect the hive regularly. Jennifer, a Biofuel Oasis co-founder, has only had a hive swarm once in the last 10 years & she’s excited to share her strategies for preventing swarms (& keeping the neighbors happy)!
January 18, 2024 – Arian Avalos
Arián Avalos is a USDA-ARS Research Geneticist working on honey bee breeding, genetics, and physiology.
Dr. Avalos gave a Zoom presentation to club members discussing Genetics and the anomalous (mellow) behavior of the Puerto Rican Africanized Honey Bees. Why are Puerto Rico’s population of African-European hybrid honey bees (AHB) famously known for being much gentler than their continental counterparts? Learn more about this and what it might mean for Africanized honey bees closer to us.
January 9, 2024 – Phil Stob
In this presentation at the ACBA in-person meeting, longtime Fremont beekeeper and ACBA member Phil Stob answers the question “What makes an effective, practical swarm-trap in the East Bay?” It explains how we save our neighbors the drama of dealing with swarms, and how we can either capture the swarms from our own hives or get free local bees. Phil has had exceptional success luring colonies to his traps, capturing 75 in the last four years! He gives most of his swarms to local beginner beekeepers.
November 21, 2023 – Tom Seeley
Dr. Thomas D. Seeley is the Horace White Professor in Biology at Cornell University. He is based in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, where he teaches courses on animal behavior and does research on the behavior and social life of honey bees. His work is summarized in three books: Honeybee Ecology (1985), The Wisdom of the Hive (1995), and Honeybee Democracy (2010).
Dr. Seeley gave a presentation to the club by Zoom on the topic of Nature Based Beekeeping.
November 14, 2023 – Michael Palmer
Michael Palmer has kept bees for nearly 50 years. He currently resides in St. Albans Vt. where his operation produces honey and bee colonies. About 25 years ago when raising queens, he had an epiphany. The nucleus colonies were unexpectedly successful. He shares his insights with us in this presentation, Sustainability through Vertical Beekeeping.
July 18 2023 – Jennifer Radtke
In this presentation via Zoom, Jennifer Radtke discusses robbing and offers tips and tricks for avoiding it.
May 16 2023 – Lauren Wood
In this presentation via Zoom, Lauren Wood of Dalan Animal Health discusses the American Foulbrood vaccine — the first commercially available vaccine for honeybees.
May 9 2023 – Michael Thiele
In this in-person presentation, the founder of Apis Arborea discusses Biomimicry of Arboreal Nests and Promotion of Natural Population Dynamics.
April 18 2023 – Dr. Lewis Bartlett
In this presentation via Zoom, Dr. Bartlett (University of Georgia) discusses Genetic Diversity of bees.
March 14 2023 – M.E.A. McNeil
In this presentation via Zoom, Marin County master beekeeper, author/journalist, and organic farmer M.E.A. McNeil describes Cheaters Versus Scientists: An Update on Honey Fraud.
February 21 2023 – Dr. Daniela Zarate
In this presentation via Zoom, Dr. Daniela Zarate talks about 23&Bee: Genetic Admixture of Honey Bees from San Diego to Panama. It includes some extremely interesting information about “Africanized” honeybee genetics and their spread.
February 14 2023 – Jerry Przybylski
In this presentation at the ACBA in-person meeting, longtime ACBA member Jerry Przybylski explains how the swarm list works, and gives tips on catching them.
January 17, 2023 – Dr. Jamie Ellis, Professor of Entomology, University of Florida
Dr. Ellis is the Gahan Endowed Professor of Entomology in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. He created the University of Florida, South Florida, and Caribbean Bee Colleges, and the UF Master Beekeeper Program. In this presentation, he discusses Small hive beetles: past experiences and future perspectives.
January 10, 2023 – Phil Stob
In this presentation at the ACBA in-person meeting, longtime Fremont beekeeper and ACBA member Phil Stob answers the question “What makes an effective, practical swarm-trap in the East Bay?” It explains how we save our neighbors the drama of dealing with swarms, and how we can either capture the swarms from our own hives or get free local bees. Phil has had exceptional success luring colonies to his traps, capturing 75 in the last four years! He gives most of his swarms to local beginner beekeepers.
November 15, 2022 – Dr. Jamie Strange, Chair and Professor of Entomology, Ohio State University
Dr. Strange currently specializes in bee health, stressors, and genetics, particularly of bumble bees. With Cicciarelli and Calderone, Dr. Strange published the article, “What’s in That Package? An Evaluation of Quality of Package Honey Bee Shipments in the United States”. We get a deep look into the population distribution of honey bee “Packages” from a few of the package vendors around the country. The practices of the producers impact the population distribution, and may unknowingly distribute pathogens such as Varroa mites and associated viruses.
November 8, 2022 – Sung “The Bee Charmer” Lee
In this presentation at the ACBA in-person meeting, Sung “The Bee Charmer” Lee shares many useful tips and tricks he’s learned over the years. Do you know the proper way to flip over a frame of bees, or where to put your smoker while inspecting? Sung reveals all.
October 11, 2022 – Catherine Edwards, ACBA Past President
Recording of a presentation by Catherine Edwards at the ACBA in-person meeting. Catherine shares many useful tips and techniques for fall and winter beekeeping and hive preparation.
September 20, 2022 – Dr. Kirk Anderson, ARS-USDA
Dr. Kirk E. Anderson has conducted research in the ecology and evolution of social insects for 25+ years and is recognized nationally and internationally as an authority on honey bee microbial ecology.
September 13, 2022 — Dr. Elina Niño, California state apiculturist and UC Davis Associate Professor of Cooperative Extension
Recording of a presentation by Dr. Elina Niño at the ACBA in-person meeting. Dr Niño discussed many topics of interest to local beekeepers, including American Foulbrood, honey bee nutrition, probiotics, and pollination.
May 17, 2022 — Dr. Stephen Martin: Understanding Varroa Mite Resistance
Dr. Martin discusses the various toleration mechanisms and how honey bee populations in Brazil, Cuba, Africa, USA and UK all appear to have evolved similar ways to combat the Varroa mite.
April 19, 2022 – Dr. Matthew E. O’Neal: How Engineering Can Help Us Track Bees
Dr. O’Neal is a professor of entomology at Iowa State University, overseeing research related to the management of insect pests of annual crops with a focus on soybeans. This presentation is a discussion of research on the best practices for estimating the numbers of honeybees and other insects, and how these data can inform ecological as well as applied studies on insect pollination, honeybee productivity, and other subjects.
March 15, 2022 – Quentin Geant: Rooftop Beekeeping in Urban Environments
Quentin Geant shares his experiences as a beekeeper that has raised bees all over the world, including the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. He also presents his work with the company, Alvéole, which helps organizations keep bees on their buildings as a form of engagement with our natural world.
March 8, 2022 – Dr. Brian Johnson: Honey Bee Communication: The other dances and pheromones
Dr. Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis.
February 15, 2022 – Prof. May Berenbaum: The secret life of honey
Professor Berenbaum discusses the history, chemistry and benefits of honey.
January 11, 2022 – Phil Stob: Free bees!
ACBA member Phil Stob discusses everything you want to know about catching swarms using swarm traps. Phil explains when, what and how? – plus lots of practical tips and techniques and creative ideas to inspire you and get you started! You can also view or download the PDF file that goes along with the presentation.
January 8, 2022 – Wally Shaw, The Role of Swarm Control in Beekeeping
Wally Shaw joined the ACBA from Anglesey, Wales to give a detailed description of swarm control based on 34 years of observation, study, and fine tuning.
December 14, 2021 – Dr. John Hafernik, Professor Emeritus of Biology, University of California, Berkeley
ZomBees! Dr. Hafernik discusses research findings from a consortium of scientists and students working on phorid fly parasitization of honeybees, assisted by citizen scientists.
November 16, 2021 – Cassie Cichorz, outreach specialist for the State of Washington
Cassie Cichorz discusses the Biology, Threat identification, Beekeeper Specific Information, and Asian Giant Hornets look-alikes.
November 9, 2021 – Sue Donahue
ACBA member and Certified Chef Sue Donahue presents “Holiday Honey Tales – Cooking and Baking with Honey.” This presentation includes several recipes, too.
October 19, 2021 – Mike Goblirsch, Research Entomologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service
Social Immunity for Honey Bee Health.
October 8, 2021 – Paula Breen, owner of Sweet Serendipity Honey in San Leandro, CA
How to Legally Sell Your Honey in Alameda County.
October 12, 2021 – Jim Garcia
ACBA president and commercial beekeeper Jim Garcia discusses preparing for spring and winter management for February nectar flow or almond pollination.
September 21, 2021 – Dan Cook, PhD candidate, Queensland University of Technology
Thermal Analyses of Langstroth Hives. Dan Cook presents the thermal impacts of apiculture on the bee colony. He’s conducting trans-disciplinary research across design and apiculture with a focus on pollination services.
September 14, 2021 – Dan Wood
Dan Wood talks about turning “gunk to gold, melting and filtering bees wax.”
August 17, 2021 – Dr. Wm. Michael Hood, Professor Emeritus of Entomology
The Wax Moth Pest: The most persistent beekeeping pest in the US.
July 20, 2021 – Vanessa Corby Harris, USDA
Vanessa Corby Harris of the USDA Honey Bee Research Lab in Tucson, AZ discusses new developments in bee nutrition and microbes.
June 15, 2021 – Jennifer Tsuruda, Ph.D.
Dr. Tsuruda (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) discusses the Varroa mite life cycle, Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH), breeding for grooming traits, disease transmission, and more.
June 8, 2021 – Bonnie Morse
Bonnie Morse of Bonnie Bee & Company discusses American Foulbrood (AFB) and other bee pathogens, parasites and problems.
May 18, 2021 – Anne Marie Fauvel
Anne Marie Fauvel of The Bee Informed Partnership discusses The Sentinel Apiary Program: Backyard Beekeepers as Citizen Scientists.
May 11, 2021 – Gordon Frankie, Ph.D. and Sara Witt
Gordon Frankie (Professor of Entymology, UC Berkeley) and lab manager Sara Witt discuss gardening with native bees.
April 20, 2021 – Kaira Wagoner, Ph.D.
Dr. Wagoner (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) discusses fiction, fact and phermomones related to honeybee health.
April 13, 2021 – Jim Veitch
ACBA member Jim Veitch has advice for beginning beekeepers: “I’ve got bees, now what?”.
March 16, 2021 – Dewey M. Caron, Ph.D.
Dr. Caron (Emeritus Professor, University of Delaware) discusses why two-and-a-half hives may be the right number for urban beekeepers and describes various methods of making splits.
March 9, 2021 – Mike Vigo
Mike Vigo, past president of Mount Diablo Beekeepers Association, discusses spring hive management.
February 22, 2021 – Phil Stob
Phil Stob hosts “Split Decision!”: When should you split your hive? How can you improve your odds of success?
February 16, 2021 – Walter S. Sheppard, Ph.D.
Dr. Sheppard (Chair of the Department of Entomology, Washington State University) discusses queen genetics, including the advantages of genetic diversity.
February 9 2021 – Jerry Przybylski
ACBA vice president Jerry Przybylski discusses swarm catching.
January 19, 2021 – Renata Borba, Ph.D.
Dr. Borba (Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities) discusses propolis.
January 12, 2021 – Phil Stob
ACBA member Phil Stob discusses swarm traps and bait boxes.
December 15, 2020 – Nicholas Naeger
Dr. Naeger (Washington State University Department of Entomology) discusses using fungi to kill mites and save bees.
December 8, 2020 Rob Keller
Rob Keller (Founder, Napa Valley Bee Co.) discusses beekeeping without chemical treatments.
November 17, 2020 Gordon Wardell, Ph.D.
Dr. Wardell (Director, S.A.F.E. R&D LLC) discusses honeybee nutrition from the colony perspective. – View the presentation.
November 11, 2020 Walter Shaw
Walter Shaw discusses varroa resistant bees through natural selection.
October 28, 2020 Cybil Preston
Cybil Preston (Maryland Department of Agriculture) discusses American Foulbrood (AFB).
October 20, 2020 Randy Oliver
Randy Oliver (ScientificBeekeeping.com) discusses varroa mite control during the honey flow, including the results of his 2020 field trial.
October 13, 2020 – Dewey M. Caron, Ph.D.
Dr. Caron (Emeritus Professor, University of Delaware) discusses the challenges of overwintering.
Other meeting Presentation Materials
Fishing for Bees: Swarm Traps and Bait Boxes slide deck and handout by Phil Stob (1/8/19)
American Foulbrood
by Catherine Edwards (7/21/2018)
The Need-to-Knows of Top Bar Beekeeping
by Scott Jorgensen (7/10/2018)
On Biological Beekeeping and Husbandry
by Scott Jorgensen (7/10/2018)
Spring Beekeeping in the East Bay
by Jennifer Radtke & BioFuel Oasis Cooperative (3/13/2018)
Fishing for Bees: Swarm Traps and Bait Boxes
by Phil Stob (1/9/18)
Honeybee Swarming: Identifying conditions & Prevention Techniques
by Mike Stephanos (3/17)
Honey Bee Health
by Jerry Hayes (3/17)
Audacious Visions for the Future of Bees, Beekeeping and Pollination
The final report from the Bee Audacious Conference (11/13/16)
Bees and Flowers: A Selective Love Affair
by Sara Leon Guerroro, Gordon Frankie, Jaime Pawelek, Robbin Thorp, Rollin Coville, Mary Schindler, and The University of California Berkeley & Davis (1/2016)