White eyed drones are the result of a genetic mutation and not very common. They usually don’t live for long ..read more

2023 04Download ..read more

I’m off again to help in the effort to control the outbreak of Varroa in NSW. Volunteer beekeepers from across the country and support staff are all working hard on this job. Lets hope that Australia is the first country to eliminate this nasty mite from its shores. Being involved is important and interesting work and you have a chance to meet some good people. I know of five Victorians who have volunteered and joined others from NSW and Queensland. If you are an experience beekeeper and have the time, come and join the effort. You need to be a member of the VAA or a beekeeping club that is af ..read more

We all knew it was going to come sooner or later despite the prevention and detection strategies in place. And now it’s here. With the efforts in place, there is reasonable chance that the outbreak may be eliminated. The best sites to go to for up to date information are below. Avoid those that are just pontificating. Australian Honey Bee Industry Council DPI NSW There is a view that Varroa in Australia would be beneficial in the long run as it would significantly reduce the wild honey bee population that may compete with native pollinators and other animals for resources and habitat. It’s an ..read more

I was lucky enough to be interviewed on beekeeping in urban settings by the Guardian Australian and then by ABC Melbourne. A key message I tried to get across was for those interested in keeping bees to do their homework, join a club and do a beekeeping course. Beekeeping takes commitment and you and your family need to understand what is involved before taking it on. Tony Wilsmore ..read more

Here is a short PowerPoint document I presented to the Moonee Valley Beekeepers Club recently. I hope its of some help in recognising issues within your hives. 2022 03 Pests diseaseDownload ..read more

Autumn is here in Melbourne and its time to ensure that your hive is ready for winter and has enough supplies to last until spring. This year has been particularly poor for bees and many colonies have little honey supplies. There is only about four weeks before the season ends and its too cool for bees to be fed liquid feed. Check your hives and, if they are short of honey, take off any honey boxes and start feeding them now. If you are fortunate to have honey or nectar frames, move them to the brood box as brood frames become empty. You should be aiming for the following equivalent frames of ..read more

To be a good beekeeper requires knowledge of the science behind beekeeping and bees and having a set of beekeeping skills and practices. You need to be prepared to invest time and resources in developing your expertise to become a good and responsible beekeeper. Beekeeping is not for everyone. I meet many people who begin beekeeping, invest considerable time and dollars only to find that it does not work for them or for their family. Before making a decision or buying anything: Do your homework and read the The Apiary Code of Practice and the Victorian Beekeeping for beginners website Visit a ..read more

This is the time of year that European wasp nests are growing in size and preparing their queens for winter. They are a nasty environmental pest and have their nests in ground, in ferns and trees and in walls and roofs. If you find that you have a nest of wasps on your property, get rid of them. Call a pest exterminator or give me a call for advice. The main nest was in the wall ..read more