Live from the Pacific Northwest Beekeeping Conference: Varroa, Invasives, and Winter Prep (407)

Recorded live at the Pacific Northwest Beekeeping Conference in Wenatchee, Washington, this episode brings together five experienced voices for a fast-moving discussion of some of the biggest issues facing beekeepers today. Jeff Ott moderates a panel featuring Adam Pachl, Dr. David Peck, Dr. Brandon Hopkins, Kamon Reynolds, and Fred Dunn. The conversation begins with a familiar question: after nearly 40 years of Varroa in the United States, are we actually making progress?

The panel looks at resistant stock, improved management strategies, RNAi technology, and the reality that Varroa will likely remain part of beekeeping for years to come.

The discussion then turns to invasive pests and the importance of vigilance in port states such as Washington, including Tropilaelaps and invasive hornets. Panelists emphasize that local clubs and individual beekeepers can play an important role in early detection and monitoring.

Audience questions bring practical issues to the forefront: creating brood breaks, queen caging, pheromones, warm winters, mite-treatment choices, amitraz resistance, oxalic acid, and the limitations of current Varroa monitoring methods.

The panel closes with one simple challenge: go home, look carefully at your colonies, prepare them for winter, and keep learning from the bees.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org The National Honey Board: https://honey.com Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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