Varroa mite invasion threatens bee populations.

This winter in Wagga Wagga has been notably cold and wet. Beekeeper Matthew Skinner, who is also the president of the NSW Apiarists’ Association, recently assessed the damage from a storm. He notes that despite predictions of El Niño and drought, the weather has been unexpectedly rainy. Typically, he would maintain his equipment during winter while his bees are inactive, but this year he has been actively managing his 720 hives to control varroa mite infestations and responding to concerns from other beekeepers. The ongoing stormy conditions symbolize the current challenges beekeepers face, as varroa infestations have become a pressing issue rather than a hypothetical concern.