As Varroa mites make their presence felt in Australia, beekeepers are facing a new challenge. Regular inspections and timely treatment are now more critical than ever to safeguard the health of your hives.
While synthetic varroa mite treatments have traditionally been the go-to solution, the landscape is changing, with organic alternatives emerging as viable options. In collaboration with honeybee experts Dr Mark Goodwin and Research Associate Sarah Cross, Ecrotek brings you a comprehensive guide on the process of checking, identifying, and treating Varroa mite infestations in your Australian bee hives.
How to identify varroa mite in bee hives in Australia:
In a video created by Ecrotek's research associate Sarah Cross, learn to identify weak, Varroa-infested hives. Recognising signs like weak brood or diminished bee populations is crucial for early detection. Click here to watch the video and gain insights or continue reading for a detailed overview.
Checking for Varroa Mite in Australian Bee Hives:
Identifying Varroa in Australian hives requires diligence, as the mites are often not visible to the naked eye. Look out for abnormal brood patterns and weakened bees. Severe outbreaks may be visible on the bees themselves. Regular and thorough checks are essential for early intervention.
Monitoring and Varroa Mite Treatment in Australia:
To effectively treat Varroa-infested hives in Australia, prompt action is key. Synthetic miticides like Apitraz Easy Varroa Strips offer an efficient solution. Follow the provided instructions for proper placement between frames, allowing the chemical to disperse and eliminate Varroa. Monitoring the mite fall, especially with tools like the Hive Doctor Smart Bottom Boards, ensures treatment effectiveness.
Preventing Severe Varroa Mite Cases in Australia:
In the unfortunate event of severe Varroa infestation, the options to save hives diminish. Preventing such scenarios involves vigilant post-treatment monitoring in autumn, spotting elevated Varroa levels early, and administering timely treatment for better survival prospects through spring.
Importance of Additional Treatment in Australia:
Miticide treatments may leave residual Varroa within the hive, emphasising the need for continuous monitoring and additional treatment options. Organic varroa mite treatments now play a crucial role in the Australian context, offering alternatives to synthetic treatments.
Exploring Organic Varroa Treatments in Australia:
Internationally renowned bee scientist Dr Mark Goodwin delves into the realm of organic Varroa treatments. Organic products like thymols and oxalic acid, derived from naturally occurring chemicals, present a residue-minimised alternative to synthetic treatments.
Treating with Thymovar in Australia:
Thymovar, a thymol based BioGro NZ certified Varroa treatment, is explored as an organic option for Australian beekeepers. With an average efficacy of 87-97%, Thymovar releases thymol vapour, targeting Varroa mites without harming bees. Proper application in spring enhances its effectiveness.
Assessing Treatment Success in Australia:
Regardless of the chosen treatment, the ultimate measure is its success. Dr Mark Goodwin emphasises the importance of checking results, considering the increasing resistance of Varroa mites to control products. Commercial or hobbyist beekeepers alike must weigh the financial and emotional value of each hive when deciding on the frequency of checks.
Conclusion:
As Australian beekeepers grapple with the Varroa Mite threat, Ecrotek provides a comprehensive guide to navigate the choices in varroa mite treatments. Whether opting for synthetic or organic varroa mite treatments, regular inspections and vigilant monitoring post-treatment are paramount to securing the well-being of your hives. Explore Ecrotek's range of Varroa treatments tailored for Australian conditions on our website!