Biosecurity, Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees

Program Overview

Biosecurity, Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees

Course Overview

Healthy bees are easier to manage, and recognising pests and diseases early is key to effective control. Understanding whether an issue is a pest or a disease and knowing how to handle it makes all the difference. Practising good beekeeping means staying informed about biosecurity and taking the right steps for prevention and treatment. This course is essential for the well-being of your bees and the wider beekeeping community, especially now as we tackle the challenges posed by the Varroa mite.

Topics Covered

• Causal agents of disease
• Endemic brood diseases
• Adult bee diseases (endemic & exotic)
• Types of pests
• Record keeping
• Special focus on: Identification, testing, and management of Varroa destructor

Biosecurity & Colony Inspection Procedures

• Monitor, identify, and manage major endemic pests and diseases to minimize impact
• Understand the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) pyramid
• Promote awareness and surveillance of exotic pests and diseases threatening Australian beekeeping
• Gain insight into The Biosecurity Code of Practice

Practical Skills

• Hive surveillance & brood examination
• Sampling procedures for diagnostics:
  • Brood and honey sampling
  • Adult bee collection for testing
  • Mite and beetle control

Course Outcome

Statement of Participation

Ways to Study

• On campus

Study Locations

• Gold Coast

Campus

• Robina

Start Date

• 06 Sep 2025

Duration

• 2 weeks

Workload

• Part time 1 day per week 9am - 4pm with excursions off-site

What You'll Pay

• Full fee: $350

Resources Required

• This course includes practical work with live honey bees.
• In the afternoon of both lessons, there will be an excursion & tour to an operating commercial Apiary.
• Details will be provided at the beginning of the class. You will need to provide your own transport to and from this local Apiary.
• Pen and paper for note taking.
• BYO lunch.
• If you have one, bring your bee suit, however basic PPE will be provided.
• If anaphylactic, please bring your Epipen and health management plan.

Important Information

• We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to get checked in and settled as class starts on time.
• Course commencement is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
• The Seedpod Cafe on site at our Robina Campus is not open for business on the weekend or in the evenings so you are advised to bring your own refreshments.
• The Green Fields bar & restaurant is on site - Level 4 Rooftop of our Robina Campus, for opening hours please see Green Fields information.