Leading the buzz in Northern Australia’s beekeeping
The NT’s Bee Biosecurity and Varroa Development Officer, Karlee Foster, recently visited Broome, Derby and Kununurra in WA to engage with local hobbyist and commercial beekeepers to share the message of varroa mite.
Varroa mite is a tiny pest about the size of a sesame seed that attacks honey bees. It attaches to honey bees and feeds on their body fat, leaving them weakened and vulnerable. While varroa mite isn’t present in the NT or WA, building knowledge and monitoring for this pest is crucial to protect hives.
Participants explored best practice for monitoring and explored current treatment options for preparedness.
The workshop offered valuable insights into bee biosecurity, emphasising the importance of routine hive surveillance.
To learn more about varroa mite, visit: varroa.org.au
