Bee update and fact sheet - Tuesday
28th June 2022
BEE UPDATE AND FACT SHEET - 9.30am Tuesday I met with DPI officials online last night for an update on the devastating varroa mite situation in and around Newcastle. It's estimated that about 300 hives are located within the 10km 'eradication zone' around Newcastle and all will need to be totally destroyed. Compensation to apiarists will be made available. At this stage, Lake Macquarie remains largely in the 25km 'surveillance zone'. There is currently no evidence to support the extension of the eradication zone to our area but that could obviously change very quickly if the mite is found in local hives. Amateur beekeepers who do not have their hives registered with DPI must do so immediately (email hive.location@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 084 881). Any hives in the local area must not be moved, opened or tampered with, unless you're doing a 'sugar shake' or ethanol wash to check for mites. Wild honey bee populations are also being located and checked, but this is obviously a very arduous and difficult process. Native bees are not impacted by varroa. People with native bee hives do not need to report them. If you have further questions please contact DPI on the phone number or email address above, or check their website and fact sheet HERE.