Resistance management 

If we rewind a couple of years, to look at beekeepers that experienced Varroa management early in Australia, it was a much different state of play to what we are experiencing today. Prior to resistance appearing, the industry had the benefit of a full Varroa management toolkit to combat mites, which included Bayvarol, Apivar and Apitraz (two amitraz products) that were fully effective.

Mistakes could be made, mite numbers could be bought down from high numbers easily, monitoring mite levels was optional or a “sometimes” for many. You could say that Varroa management was relatively simple or complacent as opposed to now. Many countries, for example New Zealand, have experienced the ‘luxury’ of this type of management for decades, unfortunately Australia has not and we are deep into Varroa management with resistance.  

To be successful beekeepers in this new world, we must act quickly, adapt, think differently, innovate, experiment, study and learn from our peers. Some key observations and considerations come to mind: 

• The economic threshold of mites per 300 bees now needs to be reconsidered. ‘As low as practically possible’ is quickly becoming the position of many operators. This is an obvious statement, however, it is key to surviving without the use of acaracides. Many operators, including myself, are reporting loads of bees that have reached high mite numbers and are finding it very difficult to bring them back down.  This is due to oxalic acid, formic acid and thymol delivering lower efficacy than the acaracides that we previously utilised. Remembering that approximately 70% of the mites are in the brood, at high wash numbers, we are struggling to kill more mites than are hatching!
• Maintaining low mite numbers via integrated pest management with the available tools, is a lot more work, but very achievable. It must be acknowledged that parts of the country are still experiencing reinvasion from the feral population, in this case, the above is easier said than done.  
• Will amitraz come back into play? It is a very interesting dynamic we are witnessing, the first mite introduced having no proven resistance markers and the second having the markers, now intermingling in the Australian environment. Amitraz products should not be completely written off by the Australian beekeeper. If we look at other countries that have proven resistance, Amitraz can still be a somewhat effective tool. It is unknown in Australia’s situation how this topic will play out, let’s hope for a positive outcome.  
• The term ‘actively selecting for resistant mite’ is becoming common language. If we could imagine that amitraz killed 70% of the mites, the remaining 30% are resistant to the chemical and they continue to become most of the population. Following up the amitraz treatment with another mode of action is imperative to prevent the resistant population from becoming dominant across your colonies. The more we change our modes of action, the more likely we will see Amitraz become effective again. D-Central, New Zealand based, with a lab now in Australia, are offering flumethrin (Bayvarol) resistant mite testing and will soon provide amitraz resistance testing, a worthy investment, reach them here: https://www.d-central.au/contactus.html 

Challenges with Queen bees

Due to miticide use and drone health being compromised, there are many reports that queens are failing prematurely as opposed to pre Varroa days. Queen bee producers are also reporting increased environmental pressure resulting in supply issues. It is concerning for our industry that queens are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Consideration is needed to either strengthen your relationship with your queen breeder or even consider producing queens within your own operation if possible. Requeening across your operation, with regular annual replacements will become a more common practice.  

 AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Panel

On the 12th & 13th of October, the AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Panel held an in-person meeting in Sydney. I was invited to attend to discuss with the panel industry issues and the industry’s requirements. It was also a great opportunity to meet the newly appointed members to the panel. Congratulations to Keeley McDonald, Murray Arkadieff, Ben Mckee as well as the reappointment of Millie Enbom-Goad and Andy Barron. Being in the board room with the new panel, there was a feeling of passion and energy. I am confident and excited that industry has a fantastic group of people representing. 

Honey market

Traditionally, honey production has been determined primarily by climatic conditions alone. Spring 2026 has been good for much of the country with reasonable prospects. However, we are now witnessing an unprecedented dynamic with Varroa now impacting supply. Not only hive health, but also management decisions are affecting supply. Labor is increasingly focused on Varroa management rather than chasing and working honey flows. Honey packers are actively seeking supply, which is resulting in a healthier price, some relief!  

Goodluck with the season ahead.  

Thank you for supporting AHBIC who are working hard for you.  

 Jon Lockwood 

AHBIC Chairman