Beekeepers encouraged to blitz bee pests this April

Western Australian beekeepers are urged to check the health of their hives and be alert for unwanted pests during Bee Pest Blitz this month.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) deputy chief plant biosecurity officer Michelle Christy said there were more than 4,500 registered beekeepers in Western Australia who owned more than 53,400 hives.

“WA’s bee industry is notable for remaining free from many serious bee diseases and pests that challenge the honey industry elsewhere,” Dr Christy said.

“We are encouraging all WA beekeepers, both hobbyist and commercial, to take time during April, to check their hives for varroa mite and report the results to DPIRD.”

The call is part of a national Bee Pest Blitz campaign held each April to raise awareness of bee pests and diseases and highlight the importance of inspections.

“Hive inspections and mite checks are key to the early detection and reporting of exotic bee pests and diseases and are an important way that beekeepers can help protect their hives and their industry,” Dr Christy said.

“The Bee Blitz health checks involve an inspection and alcohol washing, which can be done in less than 10 minutes, a small effort that supports the long-term sustainability and resilience of Western Australia’s bee industry.

“Alcohol washing is a quick and effective method for detecting the presence of varroa mites within a honey bee colony.”

The varroa mite is not present in WA and there are strict border quarantine and surveillance measures in place to reduce the risk of the pest entering and establishing.

Bee Industry Council Western Australia (BICWA) vice chair Mikey Cernotta said WA was an amazing place to keep bees.

“Hopefully everyone appreciates how good we really have it and take biosecurity seriously. Play your part in this year’s Bee Pest Blitz and protect WA’s varroa-free status,” Mr Cernotta said.

Once beekeepers have inspected their hive and conducted an alcohol wash, they can submit their results to DPIRD online

DPIRD varroa development officers are providing WA beekeepers with the information and skills they need to protect and maintain healthy beehives, including face-to-face training. They can be contacted at T2M.varroa.mite@dpird.wa.gov.au.

By participating in the Bee Pest Blitz month, beekeepers will fulfil one of their best practice biosecurity hive health checks under the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice.

More information on alcohol washing and Bee Pest Blitz is available from the Plant Health Australia website at Bee Pest Blitz | Plant Health Australia.

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