As news of further Varroa mite incursions spread across the state local beekeepers are supporting one another and taking advantage of any resources to help them better prepare for its possible arrival in Mansfield.
Members of the Mansfield and District (MAD) Bee Club at the September monthly meeting discussed the latest developments and the impacts on beekeepers in the local district and how to address them.
MAD Bee Club vice president Jenny Clinton confirmed that monitoring and alcohol wash were the main actions at this stage.
“Talking to members at the last meeting, some are thinking of reducing the number of hives, or some say if they get varroa they may not continue in the short term,” said Ms Clinton.
“Apparently, a big percentage of hives will be lost to Varroa, and they say the wild population will be decimated.
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“VicAg are going to have a training day for one or two members from each club so these members will be able to help other members,” said Ms Clinton.
“Also, the Victorian Apiarists Association (VAA) are also trying to bring in information to help and are holding field days,” she said.
One of these is coming up this weekend on 5 October at Swanpool.
The annual hands-on field day is run by experienced commercial and recreational volunteer beekeepers.
The program includes many of the familiar features from previous years with the addition of focus on Varroa treatments and the effect on beehives.
With 100 participants from all levels of beekeeping experience it is expected there will be there no shortage of productive discussions and food for thought throughout the day.
Local bee keeper and bee club member, Keith Padbury provided his own personal perspective on the current Varroa situation.
“Most regular members have been aware of the situation for more than 12 months and are somewhat prepared,” he said.
There was a special presentation by Varroa Development Officers (VDOs) on preparing for the pest at the August meeting.
“As with anything new there will be a level of anxiety until practical experience is developed,” said Mr Padbury.
“Developing a treatment plan will be important.
“To avoid contamination of honey for human consumption, some treatments can only be applied when honey supers are not on, other treatments have temperature limits,” Mr Padbury explained.
“Treatment plans will need to be flexible as we learn how to adjust,” he added.
The local beekeeper agreed that online platforms such as BeeMAX were useful to record findings both positive and negative.
“Recording findings for the BeeMAX heatmap is important so that other beekeepers can increase the intensity of their own surveillance.
“In the past, one or two alcohol washes per year was sufficient,” said Mr Padbury
“Once Varroa is identified in the district, monitoring will need to ramp up to every two months.”
In response to a reduction in the number of government VDOs to monitor Varroa when their contracts expire, he said it was disappointing timing just as the mite arrives in Victoria.
However, those beekeepers who attended one of the many free workshops during the past year were well equipped with useful information according to Mr Padbury.
Was there a chance Varroa was already in the Mansfield Shire?
“It is possible there is already Varroa in the district but at such low levels that it is undetectable,” he said.
The best information on beekeepers and hives in the area is on the BeeMAX website by looking at postcodes 3720, 3722, 3723 and 3724.
“It will be difficult for a year or so as the cycle of infection and reinfection occurs but eventually treatment of Varroa mite will become as routine as drenching sheep,” Mr Padbury said.
The benefits of joining a bee club provides an avenue to share practical experience and new members are welcome to attend meetings held the third Thursday of each month.
Follow the MAD Bee Group’s Facebook page for details.
