Navigating the Imminent Arrival of Varroa Mites
Hello to all my fellow bee enthusiasts,
Time has a funny way of sneaking up on us. Just when I thought we had more time before the Varroa mite arrived in South Australia, I've come to realise it's much closer than anticipated. It's currently just across the river, a mere 200 kilometres away from my location. The ticking time bomb of the Varroa mite is accelerating, and its presence is becoming more palpable with each passing day.
I recently received a message informing me that the mites are just over the creek, or as some might call it, the river. Recalling my interaction with some American folks during an almond conference is amusing; they looked at our river Murray and suggested we put some concrete in that channel to prevent water loss.
But back to the pressing issue at hand. The mites' proximity has pushed me to delve deeper into research and community discussions. We recently hosted a Q&A session, which saw 60 individuals from various regions participating. The consensus? We need to talk more. We need to share our concerns, our findings, and our strategies. It's through these conversations that we can collectively find a way forward.
One thing that struck me was an email from a seasoned beekeeper in America. He mentioned that it took the U.S. about 20 years to develop an effective strategy against the Varroa mite. His advice? Learn from their mistakes. We don't need to reinvent the wheel; we can leverage the knowledge and experience of those who've been through this battle.
As I ponder the future, I can't help but think about the potential value of untreated honey. With the imminent threat of the mites, the days of untreated honey might be numbered. For all the beekeepers out there, if you can, consider storing some of your honey. Who knows? It might become a rare commodity in the future.
In conclusion, the journey ahead is uncertain. But we can navigate these challenges with community support, continuous learning, and a bit of optimism. If you're passionate about beekeeping, join us on this journey. Let's face it together.
Warm regards,
Mark