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A close-up of a honeybee covered in varroa mites. Photo sourced: Shutterstock
Local and visiting beekeepers, along with anyone interested in protecting Australia's honey bee population, are invited to a free information session in Ingham this August focusing on one of the industry's biggest emerging threats: the Varroa mite.
Hosted by the Townsville District Beekeepers Association Inc. (TDBAI), the workshop will feature a presentation and live demonstration of a Varroa Controller machine, along with a range of other methods available to help monitor and manage the destructive pest.
Varroa mite is now well established in South East Queensland and has devastated bee hives in parts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The tiny parasitic mite feeds on developing and adult bees, weakening colonies by spreading viruses and reducing their ability to survive. Left unmanaged, infestations can lead to the collapse of entire hives, posing significant challenges for beekeepers and industries that rely on honeybees for pollination.
The TDBAI recently secured grant funding to take the Varroa Controller machine on a regional education tour. Following successful workshops in Townsville, the Burdekin, Charters Towers and the Whitsundays, the Ingham session will continue the initiative by providing practical demonstrations and expert advice closer to home.
Organisers say the workshop is open to everyone, not just members of beekeeping clubs, making it an ideal opportunity for hobbyists, commercial apiarists and anyone curious about the importance of protecting honeybees to attend. A light lunch will be provided, to register and for catering purposes, RSVP by emailing
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