Biosecurity Buzz
Spring Apiary Preparation in Australia: A Fresh Start With a Watchful Eye
As the days grow longer and the air warms across the Aussie landscape, beekeepers turn their thoughts to the vibrant buzz of spring. After the dormancy and slow rhythm of winter, colonies begin to ramp up brood production, nectar and pollen become more plentiful, and the urge to swarm returns with vigour. This is the definition of spring for beekeepers, not dates in the calendar. For me spring starts in August. Spring is a time of opportunity, but also one of great responsibility, especially in a post-varroa landscape where biosecurity must remain front of mind.
This article outlines key tasks for ABA members to prepare their hives for the season ahead, with advice for those in or near areas with recent Varroa destructor detections.
General Spring Tasks for All Beekeepers
Hive Inspections and Assessments
The first warm, calm day of spring is your invitation to open the hives. Begin with a comprehensive inspection to assess colony strength, queen status, brood pattern, and stores. Look for signs of disease, damage, or dwindling populations. Replace any mouldy or damaged frames and ensure there is adequate room for the colony to expand.
This is the time to confirm that your queens are laying well and that drone brood is minimal — a key component of managing spring build-up and preventing unwanted swarms.
Swarm Management
With an abundance of resources and a natural instinct to reproduce, spring is prime swarming season. Implementing a swarm management strategy early can save heartache later. Techniques include:
- Splitting strong colonies before they build swarm cells.
- Reversing brood boxes if using more than one to encourage expansion.
- Maintaining good ventilation and ensuring space is available for brood and nectar.
Observing the behaviour of your bees, particularly congestion at the entrance or increased drone production, can give early warning signs of a colony preparing to swarm.
Hive Hygiene and Biosecurity
Good biosecurity practices are essential for all beekeepers, regardless of varroa presence. Key actions include:
- Cleaning tools between hives with a disinfectant such as methylated spirits or soapy water.
- Using disposable gloves or washing hands frequently.
- Keeping records of hive movements, inspections, treatments, and splits.
- Minimising robbing behaviour to prevent disease transmission.
As a beekeeper, you’re not just a steward of your own bees but a guardian of your local bee population. Simple practices can prevent the spread of pests and diseases across your area.
Additional Measures for Beekeepers in or Near Varroa Zones
If you’re in a region with recent Varroa destructor detections or have found mites during a routine alcohol or soapy water wash or spotted them on your tray, your spring plan requires some additional adjustments.
Enhanced Monitoring
Routine mite checks are not optional — they are essential. Increase your monitoring frequency in spring to once every 2–3 weeks. Document and report results in accordance with your local biosecurity guidelines.
Recommended methods include:
- Alcohol Wash: Considered the most accurate, especially when performed on nurse bees.
- Soapy water Wash: Suitable where alcohol use is undesirable due to fire risk.
- Drone Brood Uncapping: Only for detection.
Use sticky boards to monitor mite fall post-treatment, or to supplement active testing. Sticky boards can be the commercial product or simply spray your tray with vegetable oil.
Colony Management and Rationalisation
If mite levels are rising or consistent treatments are needed, it may be wise to reduce the number of colonies managed — especially if time is short or you can’t manage the extra workload. Fewer colonies mean more time to manage each one effectively, apply treatments precisely, and monitor recovery.
Strengthening fewer colonies can also make them more robust against pests and diseases, including European Foulbrood and Small Hive Beetle, which tend to exploit weakened hives.
Chemical Treatment and Rotation
Select products appropriate for the season and rotate active ingredients to avoid resistance build-up. Remember that treatments can interfere with honey production — plan accordingly, especially if you’re in a flow zone.
Always follow label instructions precisely and never use off-label treatments unless permitted by an emergency use permit. One day things might be simplified with the ‘own use’ exemption.
Preparing for the Flow
As spring progresses into early summer, flowering begins in earnest across much of the country, from the wattles and clover in southern regions to melaleuca and eucalypts further north. To capitalise on the flow:
- Ensure supers are clean, waxed, and ready to install.
- Place bait combs or foundation frames above the brood box before the main flow.
- Consider queen excluders to simplify the application of treatments.
Keep a close eye on honey moisture levels and harvest only when capped, or test using a refractometer to avoid fermentation.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a rewarding and hopeful time in the beekeeping calendar, but it also demands vigilance and care. Whether your region has detected varroa or not, all beekeepers must operate as though it is already present. A commitment to sound hygiene, accurate monitoring, swarm prevention, and responsible colony management will not only protect your hives, it helps protect the entire Australian beekeeping industry.
Let’s enter this spring not just with optimism, but with intention and diligence. The bees are ready. Are you?
Club Visits and Presentations
I had the pleasure of presenting at the recent Orange Beekeepers Club meeting. With American Foul Brood (AFB) prevalent in the area and some club and member hives testing positive in honey tests, AFB was the primary topic of discussion.
Also of interest to members was Varroa destructor. Mites have recently been detected in the area, so the new reality was eagerly discussed. The committee and members are proactive, organised and well informed to take on the new challenge.
With the new season upon us and varroa on the march, more clubs are inviting me to speak. I’ll be presenting at Blue Mountains and Northern Beaches in August and heading to Ballarat Beekeepers next month. I’m happy to come along to your meeting too.
AFB Minimisation Program
Let me know if your club has honey to submit for free AFB testing. There are AFB outbreaks across the state. Your samples can help map its presence.
Until next time.
“Always bee yourself and do your own sting”