10/04/2026
We sell hundreds of beehives a year to people that aren’t part of an amateur club and want to potter away in their backyard. In this critical varroa infestation landscape this is a perfect example why registering your hives matters and joining a club, learning and getting support matters.
🐝 April 2026 – Varroa Champions Meeting Notes
A snapshot of where we’re at, what’s changing, and what matters most right now
🦠 Current Varroa Situation (QLD Update)
Approximately 1,200 infected sites across Queensland
Bee123 reporting: 77% positive rate
Reporting numbers are dropping overall
Stanthorpe region is showing an increase in positive detections
⚠️ Chemical Resistance Update
Now TWO confirmed types of resistance developing
Amitraz resistance detected in both NSW and QLD
Impacts treatments like Apivar and Apitraz
These are now joining the list of reduced-effectiveness chemicals
🔁 What this means:
Chemical rotation is no longer optional – it’s essential
Strong reminder to stick with:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Organic treatments
Manual controls (still holding strong 💪)
🧬 Resistance Testing (Varroa Genetics)
Ethanol samples required to test resistance genetics
Current issue:
❌ Cannot ship samples due to transport regulations (yes… frustrating)
DAFF is investigating local testing options
Potential future studies coming
Beekeepers may be asked to assist
🦠 Virus Status
✅ No new exotic viruses detected so far
That’s a big win for now — let’s keep it that way
📅 Important Events & Activities
🌼 World Bee Day – May
Events happening locally and beyond
If you're keen to:
Host a morning tea
Raise awareness
👉 There are resources & registration support available online
(Heads up: core club crew will be flat-out with show season, but extra help always welcome!)
🔍 Bee Pest Blitz – April
DAFF is encouraging ALL beekeepers to inspect their hives this month
(We posted details last week – worth revisiting!)
🎓 Training & Education
📘 BOLT Course (Biosecurity for Beekeepers)
Recently updated
Stronger focus on:
Honey bee pests
Diseases
✅ Highly recommended for all beekeepers
Great foundation for best practice
📋 Hive Registration Reminder
Getting out of beekeeping?
👉 Please deregister your hives
Getting into beekeeping?
👉 Please register your hives
💡 Why it matters:
Helps DAFF maintain accurate hive location records
Improves response and tracking during outbreaks
✅ Hobbyist registration is FREE
📎 Link available on our page
💡 Input Wanted from Beekeepers
DAFF is looking for:
Topic suggestions
Ideas for educational videos
👉 If there’s something you want covered — let me know and I’ll pass it on
🎪 Local Opportunity – Maryborough Show
DAFF representative Sarah Hickman will be attending
Located in the Bee Pavilion
🧠 This is gold:
Direct access to ask questions
Straight from the source (no guesswork, no Facebook science 😄)
👏 Big thanks to DAFF for supporting:
Our club
The show
The wider beekeeping community
🐝 Final Thought
We’re in a shifting landscape… chemicals weakening, reporting changing, resistance growing —
but the tools still work if we use them properly.
IPM isn’t just a strategy anymore… it’s the backbone.
