Learn how to identify, prevent and manage honey bee pests, diseases and hive health issues to maintain stronger, healthier and more productive colonies.
Updated in 2025, this edition includes current Varroa surveillance and management practices with the most effective recommendations for each seasonal phase. Also updated with the latest information on common honey bee pests and diseases affecting Australian beekeeping.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- How to recognise common pests and diseases in brood and adult honey bees
- Strategies to prevent disease outbreaks and colony losses
- Varroa surveillance and seasonal management practices
- How nutrition and environmental conditions affect colony health
- How to identify and respond to exotic pests and emerging hive threats
- Best-practice hive health management techniques
- Legal responsibilities for beekeepers in Australia
- Practical approaches to maintaining healthy, productive hives
WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR
- All beekeepers—hobbyists through to commercial beekeepers
- New beekeepers building foundational knowledge
- Pollination service providers
- Beekeeping clubs and associations
- Anyone preparing for or managing Varroa
Healthy colonies are the foundation of successful beekeeping. Healthy Bees: Managing pests, diseases and other disorders of the honey bee provides practical guidance for identifying and managing the threats that can affect hive health, productivity and profitability.
Produced by NSW DPIRD, this comprehensive AgGuide combines current industry knowledge with practical management strategies to help beekeepers recognise diseases, monitor colony health and respond effectively to pest incursions.
The second edition has been updated in 2025 to include the latest information on honey bee pests and diseases affecting Australian beekeepers, including expanded guidance on Varroa surveillance and seasonal management practices.
Whether you're managing a few backyard hives or operating a commercial apiary, this guide provides the knowledge needed to maintain stronger, healthier and more resilient colonies.
Table of Contents
- The honey bee
- Colony size
- Nutrition
- Effects of seasons and location
- Disease and disorder
- Strategies to prevent disease
- Diseases of brood
- Diseases of adult honey bees
- Hive pests
- Exotic pests
- Surveillance and response to exotic pests and disease
- Honey bees and the law
- Glossary of terms
Product Information
Author: Douglas Somerville and Nicolas Annand
ISBN: 9781742566009
Year published: 2025
Pages: 98 pages
Size: A4
Catalogue number: B945
Publisher: NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development