Report suspected varroa mite

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is notifiable under the Queensland varroa mite biosecurity zone. V. destructor was delisted as prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, as it no longer met the definition under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Help slow the spread of varroa mite in Queensland:

Step 1: Take a photo of the suspected varroa mite

The best photo of suspected varroa mite includes:

  • the mite against a white background
  • a clear view of the specimen, separated from other material
  • the specimen laying right-side-up (legs down) or upside-down (legs up)—as long as the shape of the mite is clearly visible
  • something for size comparison (such as a cotton bud, coin or ruler).

Placing the mite on the tip of a cotton bud is the preferred method.

If you cannot separate the mite from the bee or pupa, take a photo of the mite still on the bee or pupa. Make sure the mite is in clear view.

If you cannot take a photo, contact us online, by phone or in person.

photos of varroa mite specimens resting on the tip of a white cotton bud.photos of varroa mite specimens resting on the tip of a white cotton bud.
Images: Examples of good photos of varroa mite taken using a standard smartphone

Step 2: Preserve the sample

After you have taken a photo of the suspected varroa mite, save the sample.

If the mite is still attached to a bee or pupa, save the whole bee or pupa with the mite still attached.

Place the mite (whether on or off a bee or pupa) into a sealable or screw-cap specimen container, or a ziplock or press-seal bag. A non-crushable container is ideal and will maintain sample integrity.

If you have access to a vial and >70% ethanol (such as methylated spirits), you can use this to preserve the sample. However, this is not essential.

Use a waterproof marker to clearly label the container or bag with:

  • your name
  • the date the sample was collected
  • details of the sample (for example 'Suspected varroa mite on bee').

Place the labelled container or bag in the freezer (−20°C) overnight.

Step 3: Report the suspected varroa mite

Report online

Complete the Bee 123 form to report your suspected varroa mite. Attach the photos of the mite.

If you're having trouble accessing the form, email varroa@dpi.qld.gov.au.

Email

If you're not using the Bee 123 form, send an email to varroa@dpi.qld.gov.au. Include:

  • your full name
  • your phone number
  • the location where the mite was found
  • photos of the mite
  • the subject line 'Suspected varroa mite'.

Step 4: Wait for a biosecurity officer to contact you

We will contact you once we've received your report.

Step 5: Check the varroa mite surveillance map

On the varroa mite surveillance map, search for the location where you found the mite.

Determine whether the location is:

  • within an infested area (shown as orange on the map)
    • or
  • outside an infested area (shown as blue on the map).

For a location within an infested area (orange)

We know varroa mite is present in this area, so you do not need to keep your sample.

Continue to monitor your hives monthly and report your findings using the Bee 123 form. Treat the pest when threshold levels are reached.

You do not need to complete steps 6 and 7.

Read about how to manage varroa mite.

For a location outside an infested area (blue)

Varroa mite has not been reported in that location before, so you will need to keep your sample. Biosecurity officers may need to validate your sample so that a new location of the pest's presence can be mapped.

When you are instructed by a biosecurity officer, complete steps 6 and 7.

Step 6: Prepare your sample for sending

Make sure each sample is triple-packaged and quarantine-secure.

If you used ethanol, drain all liquid ethanol off the sample before sending. This is required because ethanol is classed as a 'dangerous good'. The sample will remain wet with ethanol even after draining and will remain well-preserved until it gets to us.

As part of step 2, you will have kept the sample in a labelled container or plastic bag in the freezer overnight. This package is the first layer of the triple packaging.

For the second layer, put the labelled container or plastic bag inside another ziplock or press-seal plastic bag or plastic container.

For the third layer, put this plastic bag or plastic container inside a padded bag, tough bag, corrugated cardboard box or bio-bottle.

Step 7: Complete the sample submission form and send the sample to the Plant Biosecurity Laboratory

Complete the varroa mite sample submission form. Print a copy to include with your sample.

Make sure all your contact details are correct.

Address the package correctly and to the attention of 'Entomology'. An incorrect address will delay the receipt of your sample.

Send your sample on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and at least 3 days before any public holidays if possible. Samples that sit in transport over weekends or public holidays can become degraded. If delivery is delayed, the specimen may not be in a condition to allow identification.

Your package can be:

  • delivered by courier (preferred option)
  • dropped off in person
  • sent by express post (if under 2kg).

A biosecurity officer will contact you after your sample has been received.

Courier or drop-off address

Plant Biosecurity Laboratory
Ecosciences Precinct
B3 Loading Dock
Joe Baker Street
DUTTON PARK  QLD  4102

Postal address

Plant Biosecurity Laboratory
Ecosciences Precinct
GPO Box 67
BRISBANE  QLD  4001

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