The Journal of the Victorian Apiarists' Association
Extracts From The AHBIC January newsletter Do you know what miticide resistance is? Miticide resistance happens when some Varroa mites carry genetic traits that make them less likely to be killed by a specific chemical treatment. Within any mite population, there is natural variation — a few indi-viduals may, by chance, have genetic differences (e.g., … Read more
By Mike Allerton The powdered sugar shake has been widely promoted as the gentler option for monitoring Varroa destructor, especially among hobbyist beekeepers who feel uneasy about killing a small sample of bees in an alcohol or soapy water wash. For years, the assumption has been that bees walk away unharmed after being dusted with … Read more
By Andrew Wootton We would all prefer to stick to the organic miticides. However, I’d like to discuss problems with the use of Api-Bioxal that limit its effectiveness. I’m not here to criticise the government (indeed, I’ve been proud to play my own small part in the varroa response and will continue doing everything I … Read more
Dear Members, As I write this, it’s that time again when we reflect on the year just past while putting in place plans for the year ahead. And right in the centre of all this, we find ourselves in the middle of a dinki-di honey flow. Across Victoria, beekeepers have been doing what we do … Read more
An emergency permit has been issued for Aluen CAP, an oxalic acid treatment which is applied using cellulose strips. There are no temperature limitations listed for this treatment and it can be used when honey supers are present. The treatment period is 42 days. The treatment level is four strips per eight to ten frame … Read more
First Published in the American Bee Journal August 2025 By Randy Oliver, ScientificBeekeeping.com What is it with us beekeepers? On one hand we love invasive non-native weeds (so long as they produce nectar), but we dread having a neighbor with a swimming pool. How Can We Not Love Swimming Pools? In California during the summer, … Read more
NQI’s Future In Instrumental Insemination By John Kennedy In the US the Northern Queen Initiative (NQI) is seeking additional funding or sponsorship from individual beekeepers as they point out that ―strategic investment in queen breeding technology is vital for the future of sustainable beekeeping‖. NQI points out that in North America honey bee colonies face … Read more
Happy New Year, wishing you a great year in your beekeeping. The next Bendigo branch meeting is on Wednesday the 4th of February at the Lakeside Hotel 286 Napier Street Bendigo. Meeting from 7pm and meals from 6pm, please email Peta bbvaasecretary@gmail.com if you are having a meal, by the first Monday of the month. … Read more