I SAW with alarm this morning that a new outbreak of varroa mite has occured in the Hunter, with the parasite detected at Lochinvar. I commend the NSW govenment Department of Primary Industries for their efforts. Hives near my home were in the varroa "red zone" and had to be destroyed, but it appears all were not destroyed.
I am a veteran and have been in and out of hospital for the past seven months fighting back-to-back golden staph infections. I am immune compromised and a bee sting could kill me, I was not aware a bee disaster was unfolding. Imagine my surprise when I discovered four active bee hives sitting in one of my sheds down the back paddock, put there without my permission. We had a cleaning firm visit our property last Wednesday - they rang in panic due to a bee swarm at our house, people were stung. The swarm settled next to my back door. Then I learn we are in a varroa Mite "red zone" and that all bees should have been destroyed.
