April is Sugar Shake Month

Featured

Sugar Shake Kits now available in ABA webshop

Sugar Shake Testing, Explained

What is Sugar shaking?
When is a good time to perform a sugar shake?
What equipment is required for a sugar shake?

How to perform a sugar shake test

Varroa quiz

What do you know about varroa?

Take this short true-or-false quiz and be ready to identify this threat to honeybee health.

How to make a DIY sugar shake jar

Step-by-step instructions to make your own sugar shaker from a plastic jar and wire mesh

What will a sugar shake test detect?

Learn how to spot trouble

Varroa: the No. 1 Threat

Australia is currently free of this deadly bee parasite. Here's how you can help keep it out.

The ABA is joining forces with the DPI to help beekeepers learn how and why to perform this essential health check.

Sugar shaking is a simple test. It is quick and easy - and does not harm the bees. It will help detect varroa parasites when (not if) they arrive in Australia. So it's really important that we all learn how to do the check now.

Amateur beekeepers, because we can keep a close watch on all our hives, could be the first to spot a varroa incursion. And that could mean the difference between Australia being able to act quickly and eliminate the deadly pests, or racing to try to contain them when they have already spread through the bee population.

You have an important role in protecting our bees -- so learn to sugar shake now.

Your local club will be distributing free sugar shake kits to members in April. These have been supplied by the ABA. Clubs are also encouraged to show members how to perform a sugar shake test and to help with any questions.