Manage varroa mite

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) was first detected in New South Wales in June 2022.

In September 2023, the National Management Group announced the transition from eradication to management for varroa mite, with all Australian states and territories committing to this approach.

The National Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor) Response Plan (PDF, 580KB) was endorsed in February 2024 and aims to:

  • slow the spread of varroa mite
  • build industry resilience
  • support pollination security
  • provide education and training opportunities to industry on the recommended management approach (integrated pest management).

Transition stages

In Queensland, the transition will be over 3 stages to:

  • limit the impacts and slow the spread of varroa mite
  • provide time for industry and government to adapt to managing varroa mite
  • enable Queensland's industries that rely on honeybees and pollination to enhance their bee biosecurity and business resilience.

Stage 1: Not present in Queensland

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) has now been detected in Queensland. While we are now in Stage 2, the following elements of Stage 1 are still current:

As Stage 2 and Stage 3 progress, the varroa mite biosecurity zone and permit requirements will be changed.

It is vital that surveillance data captured from government and industry activities is reported using the Bee 123 form. Deidentified data is reshaped into the varroa mite surveillance map and will be used to inform any changes needed to mite-loading thresholds.

Stage 2: Initial detection

Queensland will now focus on Stage 2, which includes:

  • confirming the pathway of entry
  • establishing how long the pest has been here by determining the extent of infestation and mite loading.

Chemical distribution and supply will follow these guidelines:

  • Queensland is now included in general use permits, allowing beekeepers to purchase chemical and organic acaricides from beekeeping supply stores.
  • Acaricides will be available for rotational use in pest management, and their use will depend on mite loading.

Biosecurity Queensland will:

  • provide all registered beekeepers with education and training opportunities on integrated pest management approaches
  • provide pathways for support and wellbeing to affected beekeepers.

It's important for all Queensland beekeepers to register as a biosecurity entity. This will help them stay up to date with education opportunities available in their local area.

Beekeepers must strictly follow instructions when using chemicals, to ensure maximum residue levels remain within food-safety guidelines. Record keeping for chemical usage is required.

Mandatory euthanasia will not be used to control varroa mite infestations. However, in cases of non-compliance activities (such as illegal movement), Biosecurity Queensland will take the appropriate action to protect the broader industry.

Varroa mite online training is now available.

The varroa mite surveillance map highlights the presence and absence of varroa mite in Queensland.

Stage 3: Long-term management

Both government and the beekeeping community will share the responsibility of slowing the spread of varroa mite in Queensland.

Effective long-term management will be needed to ensure varroa mite's impact is minimised. This will be supported through:

  • government-led education (training workshops)
  • proactive involvement by industry
  • community awareness activities
  • trial of new innovations in detecting and managing varroa mite
  • grant funding for the beekeeping community to:
    • promote community action and innovation in biosecurity
    • enhance the varroa mite management capabilities in the community and industry sectors
    • lead new innovative varroa mite management techniques.

In partnership with beekeepers, Biosecurity Queensland may:

  • undertake surveillance to determine pest presence and mite loading
  • trial best practice management options.

Integrated pest management approaches will continue to evolve and be promoted to minimise the potential of varroa mite gaining chemical resistance.

Reporting

Beekeepers need to report their hive checks and any unexpected bee deaths or concerns.

This data ensures we can accurately represent Queensland's absence and presence of varroa mite populations.

Chemical treatment

Queensland is now added to general use permits for the control of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) in managed hives. A range of chemical and organic acaricides are now available for beekeeping supply stores to stock.

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority permits currently available to persons generally within Queensland are:

Chemical treatment should only be carried out where mites are detected to avoid any risk of a chemical-resistant mite population.

Beekeepers must strictly follow instructions on the permits and labels when using chemicals to ensure maximum residue levels remain within food safety guidelines. Penalties apply for incorrectly using chemicals.

Data from New South Wales has shown that during the initial build-up phases of varroa mite populations, infestations in managed hives can lead to colony collapse within 1 month.

More information