Bee Pest Blitz
This month was Bee Pest Blitz, a nationwide campaign to create awareness of exotic and established bee pests and the importance of hive inspections. Territory beekeepers are encouraged to inspect their hives for high-priority exotic pests, like Varroa Mite to help safeguard the NT’s bee populations and agricultural industries.
While the Northern Territory is home to a small honeybee industry, bees play a crucial role in supporting local agriculture
Under the NT Livestock Act 2008, all of the NT is a Declared Protected Area for honeybees. Bees contribute significantly to the pollination of fruits, vegetables, and native flora, making their protection essential for the Territory’s food production and ecosystem health.
NT beekeepers import around 2000 queen bees from interstate annually, as there are not yet any commercial queen bee breeders in the Territory.
To keep the NT free of significant pests and disease all queen bee imports are being inspected by Department of Agriculture and Fisheries entomologists at the Berrimah Farm Science Precinct to ensure they are free of Varroa Mite and any other pests before being released to the beekeeper.
Last month 260 queen bees plus 1,000 escort bees were imported from Queensland for a Katherine beekeeper, with an additional two consignments of around 90 queen bees plus their escort bees for beekeepers in Katherine and the Greater Darwin region. These bees were all inspected by the Plant Biosecurity team.
All bees were Varroa mite free and released to local beekeepers. NT honeybees continue to be largely free of significant pests and diseases, including Varroa mite due to the Territory’s strong biosecurity practices which safeguard our local hives.
Beekeepers can access resources on hive inspection techniques, including alcohol washing, and report their findings through the Bee Pest Blitz website at beepestblitz.com.au or for more information head to nt.gov.au/bees.
Beekeepers can access resources and learn more about hive health at Planthealthaustralia or Northern Territory Government website
