Beesafe Beekeeping supplies

05/06/2026

Today, Carmel is flying the HiveKeepers flag at the Victorian Apiarists Association Conference. 🍯🐝

If you spot her, make sure you say hello. She'll be showing beekeepers how the HiveKeepers Micro Honey Harvester is helping make honey harvesting simpler, quicker and a whole lot easier to fit into everyday beekeeping.

We're not sure whether she'll spend more time talking about bees, honey, or HiveKeepers... but we're pretty confident all three topics will be covered extensively.

Have a fantastic day, Carmel, and to everyone attending, enjoy the conference!

01/06/2026

Harvesting honey for backyard beekeepers has now become as simple as making a cup of coffee with the newly launched HiveKeepers Micro Honey Harvester and best of all it’s in stock at our Knoxfield shop plus we will be demonstrating the system this Saturday at the annual VAA conference in Tullamarine, why not come say hello and see for yourself how easy harvesting has now become.

19/05/2026

Move over Flow Hive as there is now an alternative, the Hive to Harvest kit allows for simpler bee keeping and a simple honey harvest.

Our Hive to Harvest kits give beekeepers exactly what they need at every stage of the season — practical tools and equipment designed to make the journey from first inspection to final extraction smoother and more rewarding. Each kit removes the guesswork by bundling the essentials in one place, so beekeepers can focus on healthy colonies, confident hive management, and a clean, efficient harvest. Whether someone is just starting out or refining their craft, the kits offer reliability, simplicity, and real-world usability that supports beekeepers where it matters most: in the field, with the bees.

HiveIQ starter bundle including Micro Honey Harvester, harvester frames and full‑depth frame for efficient, beginner‑friendly honey harvesting.

12/02/2026

More reason to use the Varroa Controller system for your mites.

Pyrethroid Resistant Varroa Detected in NSW
NSW Department has confirmed through testing that there is a population of varroa mites with pyrethroid resistance. The resistance is present as a single known resistance-conferring mutation called L925I.

Background
A beekeeper in Northern NSW treated colonies with Bayvarol as mite loads were above threshold. A post treatment inspection revealed extremely poor treatment efficacy in the hives and a number of colonies were deceased. NSW DPIRD officers attended, sampled the mites from remaining hives and conducted field efficacy trials. The results of these in-field trials showed poor treatment efficacy from Bayvarol. Due to the low efficacy, mite samples were collected and sent for genomic testing.

Testing and Results
The collected samples were sent to EMAI for genetic testing. The lab identified the presence of a single known resistance-conferring mutation called L925I that is known to occur in varroa mites in North America and in parts of Europe and Eurasia.

Resistance conferred by the L925I mutation can arise very quickly in varroa mite populations that are repeatedly exposed to pyrethroid controls such as Bayvarol and Apistan. This is the first known detection of pyrethroid resistance within the Australian varroa mite population.

Resistance Information
The genetic resistance reported may have arisen via several pathways:
1. Via the 2022 introduction of varroa mite in small population then developed in scale due to repeated exposure to pyrethroid-based treatments, or
2. Not have been present with the 2022 mites, but arose naturally due to repeated exposure of mites to pyrethroid-based treatments, or
3. The mutation could be associated to separate introduction of varroa mites carrying the resistant mutation into Australia after the 2022 incursion.

DPIRD is undertaking further testing focussed on assessing the viruses that may be present within the resistant mite population to compare to known virus’ present in Australia. This will help to build a better understanding of whether these pyrethroid resistant mite populations are potentially a new incursion of into Australia.

Determining Distribution
NSW DPIRD and Biosecurity Queensland are conducting further surveillance of additional apiaries in both Northern NSW and QLD regions, to genetically test mites and better understand the distribution of the resistant population. Until this testing is completed the current known distribution of resistant mites is likely to be limited at this stage.

Both jurisdictions are working collaboratively on tracing hive movements. Additional sampling of apiaries in QLD will be undertaken to determine if they are also carrying the genetic mutation.

At present, pyrethroid-resistant mite populations do not appear to be affecting beekeepers and have not been reported in managed colonies in southern NSW or Victoria. However, it is important for all beekeepers to keep a close watch on this evolving situation.

Importance of Best Practice
It is critically important beekeepers undertake a best practice approach to varroa management. A key goal of integrated pest management is to reduce resistance to synthetic acaricides.

We remind all beekeepers the key practical aspects to management of Varroa using integrated pest management includes:

Conducting regular hive inspections, including monitoring for varroa to determine mite load
Choosing appropriate treatment method
Rotating chemical modes of action for Varroa treatments
Following all permit/label instructions for treatment duration and dose
Monitoring post treatment to determine treatment efficacy
Keeping good apiary records
If you think your treatment isn’t working or you see unusual mite or colony activity we urge you to contact your department:

25/01/2026

We are excited to announce we are now the Australia wide distributor for the revolutionary new Micro Honey Harvester, this system allows small beekeepers to harvest honey in a simple non messy way, come visit our Knoxfield shop to learn more or visit our website.

https://www.tbbyard.com.au/shop/category/beekeeping-supplies/micro-honey-harvester/14043

30/09/2025

We now have a full range of Varroa treatments in stock including the Chemical free Varroa Controller

20/11/2024

Our shop is now open Saturday mornings 9am to 1 until Christmas

24/10/2024

We have 10 marked and mated Victorian queens available, must produce Beekeeping registration before collection.

12/09/2024

Sticky Matt’s will be our first sign of Varroa detection and have loads of Sticky Matts in stock at our Knoxfield shop.

02/09/2024

Some great information here

🚨🐝 We are continuing surveillance following the detection of varroa mite in a beehive near Mildura.

During National Biosecurity Week, we are urging beekeepers to remain vigilant and check their hives regularly.
Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 if you see or suspect Varroa mite.

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa

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