A New Threat to Australian Beekeeping For years, Australian beekeepers watched from afar as Varroa destructor, one of the most destructive pests of honey bees worldwide, wreaked havoc on colonies across Europe, North America, and Asia. Australia remained one of the few countries free of this invasive mite—until recently. The detection of Varroa mites in […]
Why Sustainable Beekeeping Matters More Than Ever As the importance of bees becomes more widely understood, the way we manage them is evolving. Sustainable beekeeping is about more than just harvesting honey—it’s about protecting pollinators, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining healthy colonies for the long term. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial apiarist, adopting ethical […]
Varroa mite spread The varroa mite, a parasitic mite that attacks honey bees, has spread across Australia, prompting concerns for honey production and pollination services. Eradication Abandoned: Australia has abandoned its $100 million efforts to eradicate the varroa mite and is now focusing on managing its spread. Management Strategies: Beekeepers are being urged to monitor, test, […]
A Call to Action for Beekeepers Beekeepers across Australia are facing increasing challenges as the country’s bee population declines. These vital pollinators play an essential role in agriculture, ecosystems, and honey production, yet habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and emerging threats like Varroa mites are putting immense pressure on their survival. Without urgent action, beekeeping […]
The golden nectar For centuries, honey has been treasured not just for its delightful sweetness but also for its incredible health benefits. Used in traditional medicine across cultures, honey is far more than a natural sugar alternative—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients, antioxidants, and healing properties. Whether consumed raw, added to tea, or applied to wounds, […]
National survey launched to tackle Varroa mite threat to honey bees Australia’s beekeepers are being urged to complete the Australian Colony Loss Survey as part of a national effort to understand the impact of the Varroa mite (Varroa) outbreak and improve hive health management. The survey is a crucial step in building a long-term dataset […]
Planning for the colder months ahead Bees begin preparing for the colder months ahead as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop. A strong, well-fed colony is more likely to survive winter and emerge healthy in spring. But nectar flows can dwindle in autumn, leaving beekeepers with a crucial decision: should you supplement your hives, […]
Things are changing… Australia’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with extreme heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and unseasonal rainfall affecting ecosystems across the country. For beekeepers, these changes pose significant challenges in maintaining healthy and productive hives. Understanding how to adapt and support your bees in this evolving environment is crucial to their survival and the sustainability […]
December News As 2024 draws to a close, we’re buzzing with gratitude for an incredible year of growth, learning, and collaboration. This year, we’ve witnessed the power of community in action—whether it was sharing information about pollinator-friendly gardens, protecting vital habitats, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of our precious bees. Looking forward to […]
What is B-Qual doing to protect your honey? and other news and updates for November
Varroa testing and Reporting You will need to check with your individual state requirements, as it is different in nearly all jurisdictions…. The common requirement is that any positive result must be reported in all jurisdictions. In terms of recommended methods only, alcohol wash or drone uncapping are acceptable. Reporting of negative results is voluntary […]