Varroa Mite Clinic

Don't miss this event being held along the banks of Turkey Point Bay!  Come join the team of BRAWES Bee Farm LLC under the shade trees on June 24, 2023 from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.  This course is designed for beekeepers who have established hives and needing to manage the Varroa Destructor.  Those seeking to begin beekeeping in the Spring of 2024 are encouraged to take the Introduction Course first.

This event will focus on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of the Varroa Mite Destructor, along with the acute and chronic affects produced by these parasites.  Participants can expect to collect bees from our hives, conduct bee and mite counts, determine acceptable and unacceptable thresholds, and participate in multiple mite management treatments.  The overarching goal of this course is to provide the apiarist with the empirical evidence that mites do exist, eliminate all intimidation and nervousness associated with mite treatments, debunk myths about alcohol and power sugar mite counting methods by demonstrating an analysis, and solidify information with multiple types of treatments that includes: Oxalic Acid, Formic Acid, Potassium Salts, Thyme, and Acaricides. 

Please bring your beach chair or folding chair with plenty of water or favorite refreshment/snacks.  Alcohol and/or smoking products are prohibited at the farm.  Participants will need safety glasses, and at a minimum a bee veil (bee jacket/suit would be preferred).  This will be hands-on, and outdoors the entire course, PLAN ACCORDINGLY.  Kids under the age of 18 must have adult supervision and an enrollment sponsors.  A $15 cancellation fee will be assessed to your refund if you cancel your enrollment on or after June 23.  This course fills up quickly, act now.  Last minute cancellations hinder others from planning and attending.

WARNING
Under North Carolina law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.