Issue: May 2026
What We Now Know About Resistant Mites
The three key messages are:
1. The miticide resistance applies to both the synthetic Pyrethroids (Bayverol and Apistan) and the Amitraz group (Apitraz and Apivar).
2. As unbelievable as it may sound the miticide resistant mites in SE Qld and NE NSW definitely indicate a second separate mite incursion!
3. We need to modify our test and treat process to enable early identification of resistant mites.
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The Beekeeping Journey of Arthur Garske
Arthur Garske takes us on a tour of his 57 years of beekeeping. Arthur has been a long time member of Parramatta Beekeepers and was long serving member of the ABA executive.
Arthur talks about the key influencers in his beekeeping journey. Above all Arthur's story is about his keen interest and ongoing passion for all things beekeeping.
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Where Are All The Drones?
Post Varroa Low Drone Numbers, Threaten Queen Bee Mating!
For more than a decade, Michael Duncan has been sending balloons into Drone Congregation Areas (DCAs) at the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney University. What he found in last two seasons is concerning. Drone numbers are 10% of what they were pre Varroa.
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A Global Opportunity for Australia’s Young Beekeepers Needs Your Support Now!
Australian Youth Beekeeping is preparing to send its 2026 team to the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers. IMYB which is recognised as the peak youth beekeeping event will be held in Northern Ireland in 2026. The journey also includes educational opportunities in Scotland and the Netherlands.
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Using Aluen CAP® to treat for Varroa mite
An American Study
An American researcher (Aurell, 2024) set out to test Aluen CAP® on colonies at commercial apiaries at three different locations of the United States including the states Alabama (AL), Maryland (MD) and Georgia (GA) as shown on the map.
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Flow Hive Book of Bees and Beekeeping
The book itself is a beautiful read, filled with high-quality imagery that really brings the Flow Hive story to life. It is visually engaging without feeling overwhelming, making it approachable for both new and experienced beekeepers.
One standout feature is the use of QR codes throughout the book, linking directly to videos that expand on each chapter. This adds a modern, interactive layer that works particularly well for hands-on learners. Read More:
Mead Making Course
Chifley College Bidwill Campus Farm
Daniels Road, Bidwill
Have you ever wanted to turn honey into a delicious, handcrafted drink? Join the Cumberland Beekeeping Club for an engaging, hands-on Mead Making Course on 20th June and learn the art of creating one of the world’s oldest fermented beverages.
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The Challenges Facing All Beekeepers
Trevor Weatherhead AM, President Queensland Beekeepers Association talks about the challenges confronting beekeepers over the years, Drought, flood fire and old age are all important issues, but June 2022 presented us a problem that we knew was coming sometime but had hoped it would stay away for a while longer. The arrival of the Varroa mite changed the face of beekeeping in Australia.
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A Brief History of Illawarra Beekeepers
On 15th March 1961, the first organising committee meeting was held to consider forming the Illawarra Branch of the Amateur Beekeepers Association of NSW. 29 May 1961 at the first meeting more than 80 people attended St Johns Church, Sutherland from the meeting there were 39 foundation members.
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Parasitic Mite Syndrome (PMS) or Varroosis?
What do you think when you hear the term PMS?
What if your friend tells you, as you catch him getting out of his bee truck looking harried, says to you “ah, mate, the girls have PMS”?
“Parasitic Mite Syndrome” was coined in the United States in 1994 when both tracheal and varroa mites were causing similar symptoms, and the USDA Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, was unsure which mite was causing the damage. Read More:
How To Create Your Own Hot Honey Sauce
Hot honey sauces are all the rage. They are super simple to prepare and can be adjusted to your individual taste. The following recipe is a guide to developing your own unique sauce. We have included a sample meal recipe that works perfectly with a hot honey sauce.
As if Varroa was not bad enough, now we have miticide resistant mites!
We knew that in time, the synthetics could be less effective, but not as soon as this. Losing such a valuable tool from our toolbox is of great concern, leaving us with the organic treatments with which to fight the mite! Remember, in many parts of Australia, honey supers are on the hives all year round, so IPM is more important than ever – we are in a fight for survival, let no-one be under any illusions.