In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the most common alternatives to the Langstroth hive, including Top Bar, Horizontal (Long Langstroth and Layens), and Warre hives. Each of these styles offers something different, from lower lifting demands to more natural comb construction. We cover how they work, who they’re best suited for, and what you need to consider before making a change — including frame support, extraction limitations, and realistic tradeoffs. This episode also includes a listener mention of how horizontal hives can provide better accessibility for disabled beekeepers.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Why Langstroth remains the default hive for most beekeepers
• Key features of Top Bar hives: simplicity, observation windows, and comb fragility
• The difference between Long Langstroth and Layens hives
• Pros and cons of horizontal hives for backyard beekeepers
• Warre hive history and what “nadiring” means
• Thermal regulation, equipment compatibility, and honey harvesting tradeoffs
• Accessibility considerations and why style choice should reflect your goals
• A quick reminder that “treatment-free” is not a default for natural hive types

More Info:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com

🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeeping

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode, we walk through practical honey extraction methods for beekeepers of all levels. If you're new to harvesting or just looking to improve your setup, this episode covers when and how to take honey, how to test moisture content, what to avoid during treatment windows, and how to extract honey with or without expensive equipment. We’ll also go over tips for drying uncapped honey, clearing bees from supers, and managing sticky cleanup after the fact.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Why you shouldn’t harvest honey in your first year
• How to know when your honey is ready (capped vs uncapped)
• Using a refractometer to measure moisture content
• Tips for drying uncapped honey frames before extraction
• Why your treatment history matters before harvesting
• How to clear bees using escape boards, one-way exits, or shaking
• Overview of manual vs electric extractors
• Crush and strain method explained
• Final tips for safe, efficient honey harvests

More Info:

🌐 Visit the website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

📘 Read our articles: bestbeekeepinggear.com

🎥 YouTube channel: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 Join the Discord: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/beekeeping

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.

In this episode, we cover a few important topics to help you avoid major headaches in your beekeeping journey.

• Why the presence of a queen cell doesn't mean “do a split”
• How to avoid disaster when buying used gear (AFB risks)
• Best practices for moving bees out of swarm traps
• When it's safe to relocate, and how long to wait
• What to ask when picking up a nuc or package
• Why queen age, mite treatment, and egg-laying status matter
• Regional timing differences for splits and trapping

🌐 Website: beekeepingfornewbees.com

📘 Articles & reviews: bestbeekeepinggear.com

🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 Join the community: discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

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