So with yet another incursion of Varroa upon us this time in the Port Of Brisbane, I thought it would be timely that I send something out on alcohol washes and how to do them properly. The below link from Rod at NSW DPI will help everyone know what needs to been done as it is a process and one we will have to get used to doing unfortunately regardless of where you are located. It will become a vital skill of beekeeping in the future years ahead. So check it out and the 3 key things I would say is locate the queen - don't wash her Pick a good brood frame with late stage larvae or drone larvae ..read more

Hey All, well it's been a bumper winter season here in Sunny QLD, with most colonies not even slowing down over winter so they will be coming out extremely strong for most colonies as soon as the warm weather stays with us. So a little about swarming - firstly its natural and built into the bee's DNA... so you can't stop it from happening or even prevent it however you can do a lot to mitigate it from happening. The main reasons for swarming are instinct (for the future of the species) Genetics Queens age The amount of room in their hive So we can't do anything about the instincts But the re ..read more

We are proud to support local Australian businesses and inventions. The Flowhive 2 now in stock with The Backyard Beekeeper we do complete packages, bees, mentoring, construction and delivery- get into beekeeping now it's great for the mind and soul ..read more

Varroa mite has been detected at the Port Of Newcastle. We are awaiting further instructions but every hive within 50klm of Newcastle is to not be tampered with or moved in any way. There is a form on the DPI website (https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247?fbclid=IwAR0T6PAvEzvJ97ceDKaF4vdofUDvC6inaHxWo0b8MgS8efER799CFJydCs8) to fill in regarding your hives location and if you or you friends have noticed any feral bee hive colonies in trees, structures anywhere they are to be reported. This mite not only threatens the bee industry but will have a devastating effect on our agricultural indu ..read more

Everyone in the 50klm exclusion zone of Newcastle has been given the go ahead under the order to carry out tests for Varroa. People in the red zone (within 10klm of the Port of Newcastle) I'm sorry but there will be no point as bee will be euthanised: These tests should include sugar shake and prick tests. I would suggest alcohol wash (this will kill the bees) but found it to be most effective in locating the mites. Doug Somerville from Tocal collage showing you here how to do an alcohol wash: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieq1-rMCWfc There is plenty online to teach you if needed. Now as this ..read more

Well not quite bugs, but the intrepid beetle.... that's right.... SHB Small (I'd say Super) Hive Beetle... you have wonder at natures ways sometimes - here's a beetle that prior to 2002 we didn't even have records of it being in Australia - Now nearly the whole country has it.... and it is creating havoc for bee colonies wherever it goes.... this little beetle needs a heap of respect, it goes up against thousands of bees by itself, that want to just do it damage, it pushes its ways in being chased and corralled, picked up attempted to be stung 1000's of times just to take advantage of the warm ..read more

Hey Everyone, Well with the start of Autumn on upon us, its time to start thinking about the girls winding down as the approach their winter slumber. For us here on the Newcastle coastal fringes we have a little bit more time then most beekeepers depending on conditions ahead but generally in May is a good time to winterise the colonies. For those of you that are a little more inland by the start of May is a great time to be prepared. So the hints and tips I have for you..... - Plan ahead - What equipment will I need? (here's some thoughts for you) - Room in the freezer for frames -Entrance re ..read more

The wet summer is upon us with La-Nina causing havoc across a lot of Australia at the moment. my thoughts are with our Aussie farmers and those affected by the devastation that these massive rain events can cause. So for us as the Keepers of the bees..... well, it was always going to be about preparation. I think by now we all know that we can't predict the weather, but we can safely assume that these events will continue to occur in varying extremes. So it's always about Beeing Wiser for it. Some top tips for you to ponder on from me.... - always leave 3/4 to a full size box of honey stores i ..read more

Well finally.......... its starting to feel a lot like Summer, everywhere I go..... take a look at the hive and then..... bees are everywhere again‍♂️ with honey flows and stings that make you glow.... hahaha, well hopefully you have the Christmas song in your head now with that little intro.... so the heat is on!! Yeah! the heat is onnnnn.... oh stop it.... Some top tips with the extremes of weather coming our way in order to help our little friends out.... - provide shade in the heat of the day through to late in the afternoon... - ensure all vents are open inside your hives / flow hive 2's ..read more

what and when.... If you firstly go back a few posts you'll see my post "Spring is on my mind" make sure you have read this first.... So your ready for another hive, as an avid beekeeper you know that you can make one hive into two.... so when is the right time to do this and why? Firstly the thoughts you would be having as a beekeeper with your hives... The main thought should be... - My hive is into its second season my queen is getting close or just had her 2nd birthday and im ready for another hive. I have everything I need in equipment - a base, brood box, a new hive and extra frames read ..read more