NSW Beekeeper and Breeder Using Instrumental Insemination in Fight Against Varroa Mite

Beekeeper Laura Patmore is using instrumental insemination to breed bee colonies resistant to varroa mite. In short, the NSW south coast's only queen bee breeder is employing this delicate process, which only about 50 Australians are trained to perform. In her makeshift laboratory overlooking the popular coastal town of Kiama, Patmore inspects a queen bee through her microscope after completing the insemination procedure. By prioritizing traits like intruder aggressiveness and nest-building, she aims to enhance the bees' ability to combat their most dangerous pest, the varroa mite.