Tamborine Mountain beekeepers are facing their biggest fear with the first recorded case of varroa mite.
Recreational hobbyist Mark Bradley discovered mites in his four hives during routine testing, prompting concern among other beekeepers.
Mark has been rotationally testing his four hives once a week and prepared in advance for the arrival of the mites.
“It has hit everyone like a wet fish. They didn’t think it would come to them and they are not testing,” he said.
“They won’t be thinking of a treatment and management plan.
“If you don’t test and don’t have a thought-out treatment plan they will lose their hives.”
“We use an alcohol wash in a container with half a cup of nurse bees. You squish them and if the mites are there, they sink to the bottom which determines how many of your bees have mites,” Mark explained.
“People trying to do the right thing will be let down by those doing nothing.”
Esther Bligh, who runs the local Facebook group Mountain Beekeepers, which has 27 members, said some have tested in the past, but many haven’t.
“I think now with mite presence confirmed on the mountain people will test more,” she said.
“I know of some beekeepers who have organic and or synthetic treatments at home ready to use.
“I hope they know not to use the same chemical over and over again. In New South Wales mites already show resistance to Bayvarol, which is really bad.”
She said over the next three years all feral colonies as well as hives from beekeepers who don’t treat for mites will die.
“Only properly managed colonies will have a chance of survival. Honey production will go down because there will be less hives and local honey should become more expensive because the treatment is costly and hive management will be more time intensive.”
Mark said organic methods, such oxalic acid, have been illegal to use but will be available in April.
Director of Southern Cross University’s Bee Research and Extension Lab said those not managing their hives will lose them and it is important for beekeepers to respond proactively and not wait until numbers are already high.
“This means having your monitoring methods down and control options ready to go. Read and learn about varroa, talk to experienced beekeepers who have been managing the mite and have first-hand lived experience.
“Monitor your hives for varroa so you know when it turns up, and so you can learn how effective your efforts to control them are,” Dr Cooper advised.
He said oxalic acid can be highly efficacious, however feedback from commercial beekeepers has been that alone it is not sufficient in controlling mites during the initial invasion phase while feral colonies are dying and your bees are robbing them and bringing back mites.
