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BUZZ Alert

Protect your bees and keep WA Varroa-free

DPIRD, 16 September 2024



Western Australia’s healthy bees and pristine forests yield some of the purest and most sought-after honey on earth.


We proudly hold the enviable status of being one of the last places on earth free from varroa mite infestations and the use of chemicals in honey production.


Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is the biggest threat to our bees, honey production, and pollination-dependent crops.


Detected in Australia (NSW) for the first time in 2022, proactive management is crucial.


Being proactive, along with strict border quarantine and surveillance measures will give WA the best opportunity to remain varroa-free.


The National Transition to Management (T2M) program aims to increase resilience and minimise ongoing impacts of varroa mite naturalisation across Australia's bee and pollination-dependent industries.


Free Perth Metro Workshop

Commercial and recreational beekeepers in Perth and surrounding areas – join our full-day Varroa mite T2M workshops this November.


Learn from local experts on how to identify and manage Varroa mite in your hives.


Secure your spot in a Perth full-day training session by registering your interest before midnight 22 September.


Your responses will help us determine the best location and date for the sessions.


Regional Workshops

Training sessions are also planned for Bunbury, Albany, Margaret River, Manjimup, Geraldton and Esperance. Dates will be announced shortly. 



In Western Australia, four trainers will deliver ten one-day-long training sessions for beekeepers to help them understand Varroa mite and prepare to manage Varroa mite. The four WA trainers are David Currey, Helen Humphreys, Stephen Boylen and Wendy McIntyre.



National Webinar - Spring Hive Monitoring

The National Varroa Mite Management Program and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 17 September starting at 5pm (WA time).  


The webinar will focus on the springtime challenges ahead and the monitoring actions beekeepers should be undertaking to minimise future impacts of varroa mite. 

  

Talking in detail about the WHAT, WHY & WHEN of Spring monitoring for Varroa, presenter Rod Bourke, Bee Biosecurity Officer NSW DPIRD, will cover topics including: 

·         Critical importance of monitoring levels 

·         Determining the right monitoring frequency  

·         Sample selection - how many hives in an apiary? Why 300 bees in a sample? 

·         Calculating mite loads from a sample 

·         Common monitoring mistakes and how to avoid them 


Spring Monitoring Webinar – 17 September, 7pm AEST. 

The webinar is free to attend but registrations are essential.  



Give someone a buzz

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone that may be interested in this information. They can subscribe to 'Buzz Alerts' via this link


Important disclaimer

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024

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