Entries by B-QUAL Admin

American Foulbrood: Recognising and Treating This Deadly Bee Disease

A Threat No Serious Beekeeper Can Ignore For Australian beekeepers operating at scale or with long-term breeding and production goals, few threats are as confronting as American Foulbrood (AFB). This bacterial disease does not merely weaken colonies; it destroys them, spreads silently, and can devastate entire operations if not identified and managed decisively. Understanding AFB […]

Combating Bee Colony Collapse Disorder: Sustainable Solutions

A Professional Imperative for Australian Beekeepers For those managing hives at scale or with long-term commercial intent, colony health is not an abstract concern; it is the foundation of viability. Bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) continues to challenge Australian beekeepers through unexplained losses, weakened colonies, and declining productivity. While Australia has been spared the full […]

Honey 101: Types, Flavors, and Health Benefits

A Rich Legacy in Every Jar Australia’s beekeepers understand better than most that honey is far more than a pantry staple. Behind every jar lies an intricate interplay between nectar sources, regional conditions, hive health, and skilled management. As commercial and dedicated hobby apiarists know, each harvest tells a story, shaped by the resilience of […]

Beekeeping Equipment Essentials: What Every Australian Apiarist Needs

A Solid Foundation for a Thriving Operation For those running serious or commercial beekeeping operations in Australia, having the right equipment isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. As hives grow and production scales, the tools used can make the difference between efficiency and unnecessary setbacks. From protective gear to extraction systems, investing in quality […]

Queens for Success: How to Raise Strong, Productive Bee Colonies

For commercial and committed beekeepers, a strong, well-mated queen is at the heart of every thriving colony. A productive queen sets the tone for colony temperament, honey yield, and resilience against disease and environmental stressors. In Australia’s unique climate and evolving industry landscape, strategic queen management is no longer optional; it’s essential. The Power of […]

Newsletter – October 2025

latest articles Mite Maths – The calm before the storm Here in Victoria, the calm before the varroa storm won’t last much longer. The spread is real, and for many of us, it’s not a matter of if our hives will encounter mites, but when. We’ve all heard the “five or nine” rule of thumb for mite washes, […]

Organic Beekeeping in Australia: Is It Possible?

For many Australian beekeepers, the word “organic” carries a certain weight. It signals purity, high standards, and alignment with consumer expectations around food quality. But when it comes to honey production, the path to being certified organic in Australia is anything but simple. Serious and commercial apiarists know the challenges of producing clean, quality honey, […]

Creating Bee-Friendly Habitats: A Guide to Planting for Pollinators

Planning for long-term sustainability As commercial beekeepers in Australia, we’ve long known that our industry doesn’t exist in isolation. The health and survival of our colonies depend on the landscapes that surround them. It’s not just about honey yields—it’s about sustaining pollinators by ensuring they have reliable, nutritious forage throughout the year. Creating bee-friendly habitats […]

Mite Maths

Andrew Wootton Here in Victoria, it’s the calm before the (varroa) storm.  The Victorian heat map of July shows three detection clusters, the incursion is well-seeded.  And almond pollination will inevitably be a super-spreader event. I’m assuming I will have mites in my hive sometime in the next 12 months. “Nine to five” is the […]

Spring Inspections: What to Look for in Your Hives

A Season of Opportunity Spring in Australia brings new life, warmer weather, and a fresh burst of activity in the apiary. After the quieter winter months, colonies begin to expand rapidly, foraging increases, and the queen ramps up her egg-laying. This is the perfect time for beekeepers to conduct thorough spring inspections. Done right, these […]