BEE BLITZ PUSHES WA BEEKEEPERS TO STAY SHARP

April is “Bee Blitz” month in Western Australia, and authorities are calling on beekeepers to step up and keep a close eye on their hives.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working with volunteers to monitor for pests and diseases across major entry points like Fremantle, Kwinana and Derby.

More than 4,000 registered beekeepers are part of the effort, helping protect WA’s industry — one of the few places still free from the destructive varroa mite.

Kimberley beekeeper Jason Bradley says for those on the ground, Bee Blitz is about staying alert and checking hives regularly.

“We’re constantly testing our hives and looking for any signs of diseases entering,” he said.

He says threats like varroa mite, hive beetle and wax moth are always front of mind.

WA remains free of varroa mite, but other parts of Australia are already dealing with the fallout. In the ACT, experts say about half of the region’s 6,000 hives have been hit, with more than 1,000 destroyed.

Bradley says early detection is the difference between containment and disaster. He’s also urging anyone keeping bees — new or experienced — to follow the rules and register their hives.

“It’s very important… so the department can keep track and respond if something comes in,” he said.

But beyond the risks, Bradley says bees themselves continue to surprise him every day.

“There’s not one day that goes by that I don’t learn something new from the bees… they’re pretty amazing creatures,” he said.

He says their behaviour — from communication to how they organise the hive — still puzzles even experienced beekeepers.

“Something will happen one day and you’ll spend ages trying to figure it out,” he said.

For Bradley, it comes down to protecting both livelihoods and the wider environment.

“The more people get involved and do the right thing… they’re saving the bees,” he said.