Varroa mite detections in Queensland
Varroa destructor
On 3 March 2025, varroa mite (Varroa destructor) was confirmed for the first time in Queensland.
Since this time, multiple commercial and recreational apiary sites in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils have varroa mite. We thank all beekeepers who have reported varroa mite in their hives.
No exotic bee pests have been found and laboratory testing for exotic viruses is ongoing
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 the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions, as well as New South Wales.
Varroa mite remains notifiable under the Queensland varroa mite biosecurity zone. It is a requirement to report its presence. Anyone finding varroa mite in their hives must report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland. There are 3 ways you can report varroa mite in Queensland:
- Online using the Bee 123 form
- Phone us on 13 25 23
- Email varroa@daf.qld.gov.au
What you need to do
If you have received bees, beehives or beekeeping equipment from the Lockyer Valley or Somerset regional councils since December 2024, we strongly encourage you to:
- check your hives
- report your results to Bee 123, even if no mites are found.
Monitor and report
- 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.
Keep informed
- 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 detect varroa mite early and best manage the pest in your hives.
- Register as a biosecurity entity, whether you have 1 hive or 100.
- Keep up to date with movement restrictions for your intended destination before moving bees or equipment.
Slow the spread
- Detect varroa mite as early as possible.
- Use integrated methods to manage varroa mite once threshold levels are reached.
- Use a barrier system when varroa mite is present. This will help protect your own and neighbouring apiaries.
- Always come clean and leave clean and use decontamination practices between apiaries.
- Undertake a pre-departure hive health check and report results to Bee 123.
- Complete a hive health check after moving hives to new locations.
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.
A network of volunteer beekeepers has been established throughout Queensland to support recreational beekeepers with biosecurity advice. Contact your local beekeeping club to be in touch with their nominated biosecurity champion.
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.
Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 are available to help deliver innovative varroa mite management tools or education and training in Queensland. Round one has recently closed, however round 2 is expected to open in July 2025.
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.