Varroa mite surveillance map

This map displays the number of beehive checks where varroa mite has and has not been detected in Queensland, including reports through the Bee 123 form.

About the map

Each rectangle on the map represents an area of about 100km2.

The map uses shading to show:

  • where hive inspections have been reported
  • the number of reports that did and did not detect varroa mite.

A white rectangle has had no reported hive inspections.

A coloured rectangle has had at least 1 reported hive inspection within it.

You can use the map to:

  • find localities where varroa mite has been reported as present
  • find localities where varroa mite has been reported as absent
  • help make business decisions when planning to move hives to new locations.

About the data

The map data:

  • is updated daily
  • includes hive health checks reported by beekeepers through the Bee 123 form
  • includes government surveillance results from commercial and recreational apiary sites
  • is de-identified so that individual addresses are not displayed.

View the map

Varroa mite present

Orange shading indicates that varroa mite has been detected. The grade of shading indicates the number of detections. When you click on an orange rectangle, data for presence and absence for that area will be shown.

  • Present: 1–10
  • Present: 11–50
  • Present: 51–100
  • Present: 101–250
  • Present: 251+

Varroa mite absent

Blue shading indicates that varroa mite has not been detected. The grade of shading indicates the number of reports with no detections.

  • Absent: 1–10
  • Absent: 11–30
  • Absent: 31–75
  • Absent: 76–100
  • Absent: 101+

View larger varroa mite surveillance map (this will open a new browser tab).

Using the map

You can watch a video to learn how to navigate and use the map.

Watch this instructional video to learn how to navigate and use the varroa mite surveillance map.

  • The varroa mite surveillance map is a tool designed to assist beekeepers in their decision making.

    To use the map, start by visiting the webpage on the Business Queensland website and scroll down the page to the map.

    To view it in full screen, click on the link below the map. This will open a larger version.

    Use the plus and minus buttons on the left-hand side to zoom in and out, or scroll with your mouse.

    At the top left corner, click the double-arrow icon to expand the menu. This reveals display options for both present and absent varroa mite reports, shown over different time periods. You can choose to view presence and/or absence data by ticking the boxes to the left of each option.

    For example, to only see where the most recent reports of varroa mite have occurred, only tick the box beside 'Hive inspections – varroa present – last 16 weeks'.

    Click the arrow icon again to collapse the menu.

    Each coloured square on the map represents approximately 100 square kilometres.

    Orange indicates where varroa mite has been reported as present, and blue indicates negative varroa mite reports.

    White areas indicate no hive inspections have been reported in that area.

    Clicking on a square will show how many reports of presence and absence have been submitted in that area. These numbers reflect reports submitted through Bee 123 and Biosecurity Queensland surveillance activities. It does not refer to the number of mites found at a particular location.

    In the top right corner, you can enter an address or location in the search bar to focus on a particular area. On the map, click around that location to view local reporting data.

    Zoom out at any time to get a broader view.

    Once you are finished viewing the information you need, save the webpage to your favourites.

    • Report your hive health checks to Bee 123, even if no mites are found.
    • We don't include exact locations in any reports so that your privacy is protected.
    • In Queensland when varroa mite is found, it must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to us at varroa@dpi.qld.gov.au.

Watch video
- duration of 2:00

Move around the map

You can move around the map by:

  • clicking and dragging with a mouse
  • touching the screen (on a touchscreen device) and dragging with your finger
  • using the arrow keys on your keyboard.

You can zoom in or out by:

  • clicking or touching the + or – symbols
  • touching the screen (on a touchscreen device) with 2 fingers and pinching in or out.

See the results for a locality

You can click or touch the magnifying glass symbol in the top right corner to search for a specific locality.

You can select a rectangle to view the total hive inspections and detections by:

  • clicking on the rectangle with a mouse
  • touching the rectangle (on a touchscreen device) with your finger.

Adjust the map to show specific periods

You can adjust the map so that the shading indicates results for a specific period by:

  • clicking on or touching the double arrows in the top left corner
  • selecting the category or categories you want to view.

The shading on the map will change to show the results for your selection.