Varroa mite detections in Queensland
Varroa destructor
On 3 March 2025, varroa mite (Varroa destructor) was confirmed for the first time in Queensland.
Samples from recreational and commercial apiaries in the Lockyer Valley are undergoing further testing to:
- confirm the presence of Varroa destructor in multiple locations
- check for other exotic pests and diseases.
Samples from the Somerset region (also in southern Queensland) are also being tested.
Alongside the beekeeping industry, we have been preparing for this event for some time. Since September 2023 we have aligned to the national transition to management approach. We are working closely with affected beekeepers to:
- slow the spread of varroa mite
- minimise the impact of varroa mite on the beekeeping industry and people who rely on it
- help guide management practices.
We expect to see increased detections in Queensland's border regions in coming months due to natural spread from New South Wales.
Varroa mite remains a prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
What you need to do
If you have received bees, beehives or beekeeping equipment from the Lockyer Valley since December 2024, we strongly encourage you to:
All Queensland beekeepers should:
- monitor for mites monthly using the alcohol wash method
- report all hive check results using the Bee 123 form, even if no mites are found
- immediately report any suspect mites
- immediately call 13 25 23 to report any
- unexpected hive deaths
- deformed bees
- bees with parasites
- poor brood patterns
- dead brood
- complete a hive health check after moving hives to new locations
- regularly check the varroa mite surveillance map when planning to move hives to new locations
- subscribe to our bee e-alert to stay up to date with the latest information
- attend a training workshop to learn how to best manage varroa mite in your hives
- register as a biosecurity entity, whether you have 1 hive or 100
- use decontamination practices between apiaries and always come clean and leave clean
- keep up to date with movement restrictions for your intended destination before moving bees or equipment
- support these proven ways of slowing the spread of varroa mite
- early detection
- effective hive health management using integrated methods and decontamination practices.
Support
Varroa development officers can provide free advice to all Queensland beekeepers to help with:
- early detection
- integrated pest management.
Email varroa@daf.qld.gov.au for more information.
The resilience officer from the National Varroa Mite Management Program can also support those impacted by varroa mite. For more information, read about beekeeper resilience.
Varroa jacobsoni
On 19 February 2024, a single varroa mite (Varroa jacobsoni) was found in a sentinel beehive at the Port of Brisbane.
More Varroa jacobsoni were then found in a feral Asian honey bee nest nearby. This feral nest was destroyed. Testing showed this was a new, exotic incursion of Asian honey bee. None of these bees had exotic bee viruses.
Asian honey bees are the natural host for Varroa jacobsoni.
There has been no evidence to suggest Varroa jacobsoni or Asian honey bee has established at the Port of Brisbane.