It has been a trying couple of months here related to beekeeping.
Since the start of the year it has been extremely hot ( the second hottest year on record) and humid and then rain came , and came...and it still has not stopped.
We had some flooding rain but of late it has been just steady, light rain.
Enough to stop you from getting out and about.
There is no chance to open any hives.
It will be interesting to see how the hives stand up to constant moisture. A real test on the paints we use.
The Varroa mites in NSW are spreading slowly.
A new intrusion just 120km from here has been discovered.
I read that just one mite has been found in an Asian swarm at the Brisbane wharf.
Broula Flies have been found in Northern NSW
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=broula+fly.
These will be of little consequence to the average beekeeper but a real pain to those of us who sell comb honey.
The SHB would have a field day in this warm/humid/wet weather.
I have lost a couple of hives.
One was a slimeout, two, well they are a mystery. There is no smell ( not AFB), a few queen cells ( maybe they lost a queen and the new queen could not mate due to the weather)
You never stop learning with bees!
I'm cleaning up the frames and will have the gear ( frames and supers) heat treated. Just in case.
I will be able to use them all in Spring.
Honey sales have been good and getting better towards the cooler time of the year.
Some sellers have increased their prices but there are a number of beekeepers willing to undercut market prices.
I have been made aware that the use of Fipronil ( against SHB) is quite common - illegal and a risk to consumers and the bees.
There are plenty of hives for sale.
It appears that a lot of beekeepers are taking the opportunity to get out before varroa hits them.
I have plenty of stock and have been selling some honey in bulk. Good for the cash flow.