Resources

An illustration of a file folder with the letters S, G, and B on it. A bee with a magnifying glass is seen looking at the folder, and another bee is flying near a squiggly paper with blue lines.

In this section you’ll find various how-to guides, interesting articles and links to other websites.

Common Hive Procedures

Total run time: 7m 37s

  • Opening and closing the hive/ cleaning off burr-comb and propolis (not narrated)

  • Installing a Small Hive Beetle Trap

  • Installing a Queen cage with a new queen

  • Marking the Queen

  • Sugar Shake test for varroa mite

  • Slide test for American Foul Brood

  • Drone brood uncapping test for varroa mite

Useful Articles

  • A light green bee swarmbox placed on a blue tarp with bees swarming around and on it.

    Build your own Swarm Box and catch your own bees!

    Download
  • Close-up of a wooden hive entrance, surrounded by dry leaves and twigs.

    Organic Beekeeping in Australia by Colin Goodwin, March 2017

    Download
  • A beekeeper examining a honeycomb frame in a top bar hive.

    Selling Honey for Small Scale Producers by Colin Goodwin

    Download

Compliance

Under the Australian Honeybee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice V2.1 (2025), beekeepers managing 20 or more hives must demonstrate advanced biosecurity knowledge and pest and disease management skills. Part C of the Code specifies approved ongoing training requirements in these areas.

Compiled by the Australian Honeybee Industry Council, these two documents contain all the information you need.

Varroa Resources

  • A color-coded hexbin map displaying data points across Victoria.

    Latest Heatmap (Vic)

    Find out where varroa has been recorded in Victoria

    OPEN THE VARROA MAP
  • Logo of the National Varroa Mite Management Program featuring a bee and a hexagon shape.

    varroa.org.au

    For information on monitoring, reporting and managing varroa

    Go to the site
  • Peter Gatehouse with a honeycomb frame with bees.

    From Peter Gatehouse

    Latest report from our VDO with localised advice

    Download PDF

Other Pests and Diseases