Survey shows beekeepers still battling varroa mite
Biosecurity New Zealand’s annual Winter Colony Loss survey results are out now and show the country’s beekeepers are serious about working together to support a strong bee industry.
Biosecurity New Zealand senior scientist Richard Hall said more beekeepers than ever took part in this survey, the seventh so far.
This year’s survey showed some 13.6 per cent of beehives were lost over winter 2021. The increase of 2.3 per cent on 2020’s results is closely attributed to a growth in varroa mite and related complications.
“New Zealand’s winter colony loss rates are far less than our counterparts are finding in countries like the USA and Canada.
Varroa mite is a pest that can be managed and we’re looking at new ways to support industry in dealing with the ongoing challenge of varroa.”
In responding to the survey, most beekeepers reported their current varroa treatments are effective, but that they lose colonies if they get the timing of the treatment wrong, under-dose or they pick up varroa from reinvasion from other colonies. This year’s survey also found not all beekeepers had treated for varroa.
The Winter Colony Loss survey is conducted by Manaaki Whenua Landcare New Zealand to provide Biosecurity New Zealand with data to ensure support is directed where it’s most useful for the industry.