26/07/2026
🐝 VARROA UPDATE – Week Ending 26th July 🐝
The Good 🌼
For the first time in what feels like an eternity… there’s genuine reason to smile.
Across most Brisbane suburbs, the environmental pressure from “mite bombs” is finally beginning to ease. There are still a few hotspots hanging on, but after almost 12 months of what has undoubtedly been the toughest beekeeping season many of us have ever experienced, we’re finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.
Mother Nature is lending a hand too. Early spring conditions have arrived with excellent nectar and pollen flows, giving colonies the nutrition they’ve desperately needed. Strong brood patterns are returning, populations are building, and many hives are beginning to look like bees again instead of survivors.
It’s a welcome sight… and one we’ve all worked incredibly hard for.
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The Bad ⚠️
Don’t pack away the mite wash kits just yet…
This battle is far from over.
Over the coming weeks you’ll see booming colonies, hive splits, fresh queens and plenty of optimism. But with rapid population growth comes a hidden danger. As colonies expand and unmanaged hives begin collapsing, the next wave of mite bombs is almost inevitable.
Our prediction? Summer and autumn will once again test beekeepers across South East Queensland, and next time we may not have the same abundance of pollen and nectar to help colonies recover.
The silver lining? We’ve all learnt a tremendous amount over the past year. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how quickly things can unravel.
Stay vigilant.
Keep monitoring.
Keep mite washing.
Keep treating when required.
The beekeepers who stay one step ahead will be the ones still smiling next season.
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The Ugly 💀
Unfortunately, some areas are still right in the firing line.
Kenmore, Brookfield, Samford Valley, Eatons Hill and Cashmere continue to experience extremely high environmental pressure from nearby collapsing colonies.
We’ve personally recorded mite wash counts well into the hundreds in untreated hives throughout these areas.
That tells us one thing…
The mites are still everywhere.
If you’re keeping bees in these suburbs, don’t assume because your bees look healthy that they’re safe. Monitor regularly, act early and don’t wait until the damage is visible.
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👏 Special Mention – Queensland Beekeepers Association (QBA)
Many recreational beekeepers may not realise that Queensland has an industry body dedicated to representing beekeepers across the state.
The Queensland Beekeepers Association (QBA) is run by volunteers who quietly donate countless hours behind the scenes for the benefit of our industry.
Under the leadership of Brad Jenson and a renewed committee, there’s a real sense of momentum. A fresh new look is underway with improvements to both the website and newsletter, and July’s edition was one of the most informative and comprehensive updates we’ve seen.
Well done to everyone involved.
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🐝 EKKA is Almost Here!
Every year the QBA proudly hosts the beekeeping display at the Ekka.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we all love—live bees, hive displays, honey tasting, education and, most importantly, introducing thousands of people to the incredible world of beekeeping.
One question we get asked all the time is:
“How can we help Australian beekeepers?”
Here’s one of the best ways…
Volunteer for a a day at the QBA stand.
You’ll meet great people, help educate the public, promote our industry and have a lot of fun doing it.
Wifey and I will be there each morning on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August, so if you’re coming along, please stop and say hello.
If you’re able to volunteer, get in touch with Murray at the QBA or reach out via their page—they’d greatly appreciate the extra hands.
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📸 Picture of the Week
These two beautiful queens were bred by The Backyard Beekeeper last season.
They’ve survived the Varroa storm with flying colours and are now producing enormous brood patterns heading into spring—a great reminder that with good genetics, good management and persistence, stronger days are ahead.
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As always…
Constructive discussion is always welcome. The useless comments? They’ll disappear faster than a drone after mating season. 😉
Have a fantastic week everyone, stay safe, keep mite washing and here’s hoping spring rewards all the hard work you’ve put in.
Thanks,
The Backyard Beekeeping Team
Rick, Gracie, Stevo & Wifey
