Info for NSW Flow Hive beekeepers in varroa zones

Our hearts go out to all of the beekeepers who are being adversely affected at this time… [Published Jan '23]

All beekeepers in Australia should make sure their hive registration is current, and monitor updates from their state's official agricultural body.

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NSW DPI Hotline: 1800 084 881

NSW DPI FAQ

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Surveillance:

Varroa mite surveillance conducted in red and purple zones at this stage involves a sticky mat that sits at the base of the hive and four strips that are put in the brood chamber. 

The four strips have a chemical called Bayvarol which will leave some residue in your honey and wax. The honey sampled for MLR by DPI has come back with either undetectable or the highest MRL level of 0.005. 

The Bayvarol will stay in the wax for an indefinite amount of time. 

How to prepare your Flow Hive for sticky mat surveillance: 

1. Harvest your honey
2. The day before DPI is scheduled to come for the mat insert date, remove your Flow Frames but keep your empty Flow Super on so as to not cram the bees into the brood box. 
3. On the third day when DPI comes to remove the strips, you can put your Flow Frames back in. 

Removing your Flow Frames for this period prevents Bayvarol residue from getting onto your Flow Frames and future honey harvests. 

If you sell honey and chose to leave your super on for this period, you are legally required to get it tested before you sell it. 

Destruction: 

How to prepare your Flow Hive for destruction: 

1. Harvest your honey. 
2. Remove your Flow Frames and roof (you can leave the inner cover plugged). Any parts removed from the hive will need to be put in a freezer for 72 hours or put in a bee-proof area for 21 days. A bee-proof area includes a tub/garage where the gear can not come into contact with bees. 
3. If you have a regular super body or base that you can put in place of your Flow Hive supers and base, you can replace these. Please do this 24-48 hours before the team is scheduled to come. 
4. DPI will come in the afternoon to access the site, then come back when it’s dark to euthanise the bees. The Authorised Officer on the day will go through the reimbursement papers with you. 

If you opt for DPI to dispose of your gear, a contractor will come and collect your hive and you’ll be eligible for the $550 reimbursement. 

If you opt to keep your hive ware, you’re required to leave it as is for 21 days post-euthanasia. After this, you’ll be able to clean up the hive and will be eligible for a $200 reimbursement. 

IDENTIFY AND REPORT FERAL HONEYBEE COLONIES
If you discover the location of a feral colony, you must let the DPI know! This can be done by: 
A) Completing the Report a Biosecurity Concern form (nsw.gov.au)
B) Calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881 (9am to 5pm, 7 days a week)
C) Emailing hive.location@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au