By Gabriella Vukman
Emerald Regional Beekeepers group are hosting a Varroa Mite information night on Tuesday 13 February.
With an expert speaker, Victorian Apiarists’ Association board member Andrew Wootton, coming in, the event will commence at 7.30pm at the Hills Hub in Emerald, to inform local beekeepers about biosecurity and pest control.
Emerald Regional Beekeeping Club member Bronwyn Koll said, “recently we’ve had the Varroa Destructor Mite come into NSW.”
“Whilst Australia has been through a massive bio-security response to try and eradicate Varroa, the NSW and Australian governments were unsuccessful at containing the pest, rendering a potential threat to Victoria as well.”
“It’s very hard to contain an insect and I know this because of my background in insect bio-security,” Bronwyn said.
Spreading awareness about the Varroa Mite is crucial to all beekeepers Australia-wide if pollination levels and the honey industry are to remain at functioning levels.
“Raising awareness and being prepared can actually make a huge difference to regions and communities when it comes to preventing a pest from establishing itself.”
“I’ve been working with the executive committee at the Emerald Regional Beekeeping group and they are trying to keep our members up to date with the Varroa situation in Australia.”
“Whilst Varroa is not yet in Victoria, we anticipate that one day it might be, due to it not being successfully eradicated in NSW,” Bronwyn said.
The information session will cover bee management techniques in preparation for Varroa infestations.
“It is a really crucial lot of information, and the more people around us who know these techniques, the less risk for everyone who keeps bees in our region,” Bronwyn said.
“So we have invited this expert along for next Tuesday’s Bee club meeting and he is going to speak to us about varroa management techniques.”
All are welcome to attend this information evening, however, the Emerald Regional Beekeepers group suggested sending an email to emeraldregionalbeekeepers@gmail.com to advise of attendance.
“We would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along,” Bronwyn said.
The Emerald Regional Beekeeping Club has regular monthly meetings to help local beekeepers stay informed on best practices and ensuring the health of local hives.
