How the state lockdown affects recreational beekeepers

The ABA is working closely with the DPI and AHBIC to provide you with clear, accurate and up to date information.

The whole of NSW is now covered by Biosecurtiy (Varroa Mite) Emergency Order 2022 No.2. You cannot move any honeybee hives, or any honeybees, packages and queens. This applies to everyone and harsh penalties are in place. 

Four different ‘zones’ have been declared. See map for current perimeters. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/seasonal-pests-and-diseases/spring/varroa-mite

“Can I check my bees?”

Do not touch or manipulate hives in any way, except to carry out mite checks.. 

You may carry out mite checks — sugar shake, alcohol washing and drone uncapping — as a surveillance measure. The bees cannot be moved from the premises to do this. Any suspicious results: call 1800 084 881 immediately.  

If you live in a cold area, your hives may not contain much or any brood but you can still sugar shake bees taken from the cluster. Pick the warmest part of the day and minimise the time the hive is open. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/bees/pests-diseases/sugar-shake-month

If the DPI specifically asks you to do a mite check, please do it promptly and, as instructed, report your results whether they are negative or positive. 

"Can I still extract honey?”

The order for the whole state says you cannot "tamper, disturb or interfere with bees” other than when directed by an authorised officer or when performing a mite check. This means you cannot add supers, remove honey or honeycomb or manipulate hives while the order is in place. Honey processed and stored prior to the lockdown may be packaged, transported and sold.

“Can I take my suit and other equipment to different sites?

In red and purple zones (up to 25 km from confirmed sites), apiary equipment – and that includes suits, tools, smokers – cannot be moved from one premises to another. 

In the rest of the state, there’s currently no such restriction.

“How else can I help?”

If you are in red, purple or yellow zones (up to 50 km), the Number 1 priority is: notify the DPI of the location of your hives and any feral or unmanaged bees you know about. https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247 Await further instructions.

Everywhere in the state, 

• make sure you are registered with the DPI and your details are up to date

• report any suspicious activity, particularly if you believe someone is moving bees https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247

• encourage any unregistered beekeepers to register now https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/bees/beekeeper-registration?SQ_VARIATION_444177=0 The DPI has assured beekeepers there will be no repercussions for unregistered beekeepers who contact them now to register or report hive locations

• take note of any feral honeybee colonies in case you are asked to report them later

For crisis support services 

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/droughthub_old/wellbeing