Varroa mite alert
Varroa destructor is a tiny parasite that attaches itself to honey bees and honey bee brood.
Alert
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) has been detected in New South Wales.
Queensland remains free of varroa mite.
Queensland is a varroa mite biosecurity zone. You must hold a permit issued by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to move bees, beehives, used beekeeping equipment or bee products (including unprocessed honey) into Queensland from states or territories where varroa mite has been found.
You must follow all permit conditions — penalties apply.
Monitor your hives for unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, parasites, poor brood patterns and dead brood.
- If you suspect the presence of varroa mite, you must report it to either
- Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23
- the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
- Use our Bee 123 online form to report any checks you make on your hives, even if you do not have any suspect mites.
Visit our eHub for more information.
About varroa mite
Varroa mites are a parasite of honey bees. They are listed as prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Moving bees and hives
Find out how to safely and effectively move bees and bee hives.
Check hives for varroa mite
Learn how to check honey bee hives for varroa mite.
Report bee hive check
Find out how to report suspected cases of varroa mite.
- Last reviewed: 7 Jul 2022
- Last updated: 7 Mar 2023