Attached is a ‘Small Hive Beetle Alert’. It was written by Honey Bee BioSecurity Senior Apiary Officer, Joe Riordan regarding the La Nina currently established in the tropical pacific. This is likely to result in higher humidity, creating greater opportunities for small hive beetle to successfully breed and affect honeybee colonies not at full strength between Dec – Feb 2022. 
 
Talking about weather, the report also states ‘The La Niña is likely to bring wetter than average conditions..’. For beekeepers it’s important to remember that too much rain during the flowering season can dilute the dissolved sugar content of nectar. Heavy rain can also wash the nectar reservoir right out of the flower! When nectar is in short supply or unavailable, bees draw on their honey stores. Please remind your beeks they need to frequently monitor the amount of stored honey during these times because when it has all gone the colony will starve and create a biosecurity hazard. Bee colonies can be kept alive for long periods by feeding white sugar. Learn more about feeding honey bees to prevent starvation here: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/honey-bees/health-and-welfare/feeding-honey-bees-to-prevent-starvation
 
We hope this information is a good reminder to ensure all beeks are organised and prepared for the summer ahead.