Australia is the only country free of Varroa mite.

Started by mick, January 31, 2006, 04:19:33 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

mick

Ive been reading so much about these buggers. I cant believe how much of a probelm they are for you all.

I hope Australia can stay free of these. New Zealand have them, so our Quarantine and Customs people have to be extra sharp. I worry about people bringing in things they shouldnt due to ignorance.

I guess our biggest risk is from the contents of a shipping container. An old car with a hive in it etc. that wasnt noticed. I must find out how they got into NZ>!

Simian

Mick
The south island of NZ where I live has not had varroa yet. I didnt know Aus didnt have them.
It is just a matter of time though. Everyone here is frightened and we have had a few scares, these have been finally explained by contaminated varroa tests. Movement of bee equipment between the islands is very controlled here.
I have been eagerly reading about the small cells, wondering whether I can convert my bees in time for the arrival of varroa.

Finsky

Quote from: Simian
I have been eagerly reading about the small cells, wondering whether I can convert my bees in time for the arrival of varroa.

Small cells cannot help you. It is not that easy. You just loose your hives.
I have had varroa 20 years. There are good cures against it. Here is my 3 of my hives and they forage well with their mites. http://bees.freesuperhost.com/yabbfiles/Attachments/valmis3.jpg


"Smaller honeybee cells neither reduce the reproductive success or the amount of cells infested by the Varroa destructor mite, according to a New Zealand study.". http://www.bee-l.com/biobeefiles/pav/scstudy.htm
.