Duane Bischoff will be leading a discussion on honey harvesting and extraction (the topic we had lined up for July) and we'll touch on mite management and mitigation.

Whether you’ve been harvesting for years or you’re about to do it for the first time, bring your questions and join the conversation.

Another critical issue we face this time of year: Varroa mites and treatment strategies. By August, Varroa destructor—those tiny, red-brown parasites we all know and dread—are nearing their population peak, just as your colonies are raising the bees that will carry them through winter. This is where it all comes together: if you want healthy bees in spring, your success starts now.

Varroa mites do more than just weaken bees by feeding on their fat bodies. They also spread viruses, like Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), that cripple bees and entire colonies. And here’s the kicker: mite damage in late summer often doesn’t show up until it’s too late—usually as a dead-out in early spring.

If you’ve got questions, ideas, or just want to listen in and learn, don’t miss it, and bring a friend!

If you've missed a previous newsletter, find them all archived here.

SIBA Meetings occur the 3rd Thursday of each month through the year with topics being added to the event ahead of each meeting. Meetings are held at 6:30pm at the Sunman American Legion unless otherwise stated ahead of time in the newsletter and website. We're also looking for volunteers to help make the club GO. Contact us to let us know you are interested in helping out!

Check the website or Facebook for the latest information.

• SIBA Facebook Page - General Announcements, etc.
• SIBA Instagram Page
• Discussion Group - Bee questions answered within 24 hours