Over 24000 hives have been exterminated over 10000 square kilometres of NSW and varroa is still being found. The DPI are blaming a beekeeper who illegally moved hives into Taree but it’s looking increasingly likely despite all the killing varroa has not been contained. If this is the case all poisoning of wild bees should cease immediately. Eventhough beekeepers can receive a penalty of a million dollar fine some beekeepers risking fines because they don’t trust the government.
DPI surveillance has also decreased as the budget that engaged volunteering teams to assist the DPI have expired. But still they are currently undertaking a massive Fipronil poisoning program over 10000 km.
Please listen to Dolphi an expert beekeeper who has had experience with Varroa mite explain why mass poisoning is not the answer. Dolphi explains that varroa to bees is like head lice for humans very hard to detect but very easy to manage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPOQ-19DIvw
The problem with attempting to control varroa mite in NSW, by exterminating hives and poisoning them with Fipronil. While it may seem like a simple solution on the surface, it is important to consider the long-term consequences of such actions.
While it is understandable that officials may want to take swift action to prevent the spread of varroa mite, exterminating hives and poisoning them with Fipronil is not the answer. There are several reasons why this approach is problematic.
Firstly, it is a highly indiscriminate method of pest control. Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that is toxic to a wide range of insects, not just varroa mite. It also has the potential to harm other pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, as well as non-target species. This means that it could have serious ecological consequences, potentially disrupting entire ecosystems.
Secondly , exterminating hives is an extreme measure that is having a devastating impact on beekeepers and the wider community. Bees are essential pollinators for many crops, and the loss of bee populations could have serious economic and environmental consequences. Any area treated with Fipronil will be contaminated for at least three years.
So, if exterminating hives and using Fipronil is not the answer, what is? There are several alternative approaches that may be more effective in controlling varroa mite without harming other species or causing long-term ecological damage.
Another approach is to develop and implement targeted treatments for varroa mite. There are already a range of chemical and non-chemical treatments available, and research is ongoing to develop new and more effective options. By using targeted treatments, it may be possible to control varroa mite without harming other species or disrupting ecosystems.
Drone brood removal: Varroa mites prefer to lay their eggs in drone brood cells. By removing drone brood, you can reduce the mite population. This is best done in the early spring when the bees are just starting to produce drones.
Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as thyme and wintergreen, have been shown to have a repelling effect on varroa mites. You can mix these oils with sugar water and spray them on the bees.
Organic acids: Formic acid and oxalic acid are both organic acids that can be used to control varroa mites. They can be applied using a vaporizer or a dribble method.
In conclusion, while the threat of varroa mite to bee populations in NSW, Australia is a serious concern, exterminating hives and poisoning them with Fipronil is not a viable solution. Such an approach is highly indiscriminate, unsustainable, and could have devastating consequences for beekeepers and the wider community. Instead, a more targeted and sustainable approach to controlling varroa mite should be pursued, such as increased monitoring and surveillance, and the development of targeted treatments . By taking a more nuanced and considered approach to pest control, it may be possible to protect indigenous bees, pristine food