Support for beekeepers

Signs of stress

The presence of varroa mite in Queensland may cause stress and uncertainty for you, your family and businesses within the beekeeping community.

It’s understandable to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times of ongoing change and uncertainty.

Symptoms of stress are not a sign of weakness but it's important to:

look after yourself and others
know what support is available
break the stress cycle.

Support

Varroa development officers (VDOs) offer free advice on early detection and integrated pest management to all beekeepers. Email varroa@dpi.qld.gov.au.
A resilience officer with the National Varroa Mite Management Program can provide counselling, financial and welfare support.
You can connect with others and share information by joining a local beekeeping club.
Learn more about the grants and financial assistance available to you, including the rural financial counsellors.
If you or your family are struggling, confidential mental health support is available, including:
- mental health and wellbeing resources for businesses
- help lines, counselling and support groups.
Government support lines include:
- 13 QGOV (13 74 68)—general government services and support
- 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) Mental health access line—first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders
- 13 23 16 Farmer Assistance hotline.

Opportunities

Varroa mite presents a challenge but also a chance to:

improve hive management
strengthen industry collaboration
futureproof your business.

Some of the potential benefits include:

stronger demand for managed hives and less pressure from small hive beetles as feral colonies decline
formal pollination agreements between growers and beekeepers
greater access to floral resources for managed hives
increased honey yields from reduced competition
more control over genetics and breeding
improved industry practices through regular inspections
stronger collaboration across the beekeeping community.

You have access to global expertise and research to guide your practices. A range of chemical options are available for managing varroa mite, with more undergoing approval through the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Leaving the industry

If you want to leave the industry, follow this process:

Check your hives using an alcohol wash.
If no varroa mite is detected, report your results and then contact your local bee club to discuss hive rehoming.
Once rehomed, deregister your hives.
If varroa mite is present, report your results and contact your local VDO (email varroa@dpi.qld.gov.au) or bee club to explore your options.

Learn more about how to best leave the industry or rehome your hives.