Field Day / WORKSHOP - Saturday, July 11
Varroa Mite Detection & Management WORKSHOP
Have you attended lectures on Varroa mites but still wonder if you're monitoring correctly in your own apiary? This hands-on field day is designed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
While HABA's June club presentation focuses on understanding Varroa biology, colony impacts, and treatment strategies, this workshop puts those concepts into action. Participants will work through the actual process of sampling bees, performing mite counts, interpreting results, and determining when management or treatment may be needed.
Open to beekeepers of all experience levels, the workshop will include a review of Varroa biology and colony health impacts before focusing on practical, hands-on monitoring techniques. Every colony has Varroa mites—the key to successful beekeeping is accurately measuring mite levels and responding before they reach damaging thresholds.
Do you think you're monitoring correctly, but your colonies are still struggling or dying? Are you collecting enough bees for an accurate sample? How do you know if your mite counts are reliable? What factors determine your treatment options? These are the kinds of questions we'll address in the field.
This workshop is ideal for beekeepers who want to:
Gain confidence in performing mite counts
Learn proper sampling and monitoring techniques
Understand how to interpret mite count results
Determine when treatment may be necessary
Improve colony health and productivity
Increase overwintering success
If you've learned about Varroa mites in the classroom, this is your opportunity to practice the skills that can make the difference between losing colonies and keeping them healthy.
As part of your registration, you'll receive a mite testing kit (a $25 value) to take home and use in your own apiary. Thanks to HABA subsidies and Don Lam’s discount on testing kits, the cost to participate is just $10 per person, payable at the event.
Space is limited to 25 participants, so register early to reserve your spot!
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Don Lam Bees, 882 W. 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423
What to Bring:
Lawn chair
Protective beekeeping gear
Cost: $10 per person, payable at the event (cash or check made payable to HABA)
Presenters
Rick Arnold, HABA Past President
Shelly Arnold, HABA Board Member, Co-Webmaster & Co-Newsletter Editor
Don Lam, HABA Founding Member