While the current varroa incursion is being responded to, there are some simple steps beekeepers can take to support their bees and the wider effort to keep Australia varroa-free. The good news is these practices are all part and parcel of your standard spring beekeeping activities!
From performing mite checks to reducing swarms, we’ve collated your essential info in one handy spot.
If you’re an experienced beekeeper, you’ll know it’s time to assemble your brood frames and get your spare brood boxes built.
With warmer weather, your queen will amp up her egg-laying, which means your colony will expand. You don’t want to get caught out by a colony that’s ready to reproduce with nowhere to house them!
Top Tip:Many experienced beekeepers keep a swarm capture kit on hand (sometimes even in their car!) throughout beekeeping season, consisting of a brood box, brood frames, base, roof and a suit.
For beekeepers in NSW it’s important to note, there are certain restrictions around the movement of bees due to the varroa mite incursion. Please check for updates from the DPI.
As things start to ramp up in the apiary, it’s a great time to check your equipment – there’s nothing worse than discovering a hole in your bee suit hood when you’re up close and personal with an open hive!
Inspect your safety equipment and make sure you have everything you’ll need coming into the new season.
Re-oil cedar hives, or check to see if your Araucaria paint job needs a new coat.
Top Tip: When re-treating timber components, use no VOC, non-toxic treatments – these can be reapplied while the bees are in the hive. Make sure you wear protective clothing.
Swarming is the natural way bees reproduce and multiply, however, it’s considered good beekeeping practice to take steps to avoid this occurring. It’s particularly important to have a strong focus on swarm mitigation this year as we continue to respond to the varroa mite outbreak.
If your bees swarm, your colony will be reduced as will their nectar resources and your hive may be left vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Like most beekeeping practices, swarm mitigation is about understanding bee behaviour and attempting to meet their needs before they act.
Our customer service team will get back to you with an answer to your beekeeping question.