In this week’s episode of Beekeeping Today Podcast, we're excited to have Dr. Erica Shelley, CEO and founder of Best For Bees, rejoin us. Best For Bees is at the forefront with their innovative ProtectaBEE hive entrances, designed for multifunctional use, including a groundbreaking method for applying a fungal powder to combat varroa mites. We delve into the potential of Metarhizium, a widely recognized fungus, for its arthropod- and insect-killing properties. Our discussion highlights ongoing research, in partnership with institutions like Washington State University, aimed at identifying the optimal Metarhizium strain for varroa mite treatment. The ProtectaBEE system offers a novel delivery method, enhancing the effectiveness of this biocontrol strategy. Furthermore, Erica introduces the concept of “Big Bee Data,” a visionary approach leveraging beekeeper-collected data—from management apps to sensors and online forms—to shift from reactive to predictive colony management. This episode explores the challenges and solutions in refining this model to aid beekeepers in more effective bee management. Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website. Links and websites mentioned in this podcast: Best For Bees - https://bestforbees.com BTP Episode with Nectar Technologies - https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/precision-beekeeping-with-nectar-technologies-max-cherney-nico-coallier-s6-e03/ Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: http://honeybeeobscura.com   ______________   Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!  Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry. _______________ We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com Thank you for listening!  Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC