Biotechnical Varroa Management: Brood Interruption & Queen Rearing

This two-day practical training workshop has been developed to support Queensland beekeepers in building the skills needed to incorporate biotechnical varroa management techniques into their normal beekeeping practices.

Unlike many existing programs that focus primarily on chemical treatments, this course explores sustainable, biologically based approaches to managing varroa by working with the natural biology of the honey bee colony.

Participants will learn practical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques including:

• Brood interruption strategies
• Brood removal methods
• Queen caging
• Drone brood trapping
• Queen rearing fundamentals to support colony resilience

The workshop combines classroom learning with hands-on practical work in active hives, allowing participants to see and practice these techniques in real beekeeping situations.

This course has been designed for sideline and small-to-medium scale beekeepers who want to develop practical skills that can be applied immediately in their apiaries.

To support learning beyond the workshop, participants will receive:

• Printed reference materials
• Copies of internationally recommended varroa management texts
• Practical experience
• Take home Queen rearing tools and equipment

Course numbers are intentionally kept small (10–12 participants) to allow for meaningful discussion, hands-on practice, and direct engagement with experienced trainers.

This training forms part of a Community Bee Innovation Fund project supporting Queensland beekeepers to strengthen bee biosecurity, improve business resilience, and prepare for the ongoing management of varroa.

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Host or Publisher The Gold Coast Amateur Beekeeper's Society Inc.