Varroa mite
Varroa destructor (Varroa mites) are parasitic mites that are about the size of a pinhead (1mm), and they primarily affect the European honeybee. These mites can be easily identified by their oval shape, flat body, and reddish-brown colour.
It’s thought to be one of the greatest threats to Australia’s honey and honeybee pollination plant industries.
What you need to do
- Register your hives, it is mandatory under the Biosecurity Regulation 2025 and helps the ACT Government keep you updated on bee-related disease outbreaks. To apply for a registration or to ask questions, call ACT Biosecurity on 02 6207 3587 or email ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au.
- Inspect your hives regularly for Varroa mite using a sugar shake test or alcohol wash. Links to information and videos on hive care and how to check your bees for Varroa mite can found on the NSW DPIRD website.
- If you suspect you have found Varroa mite in your hives phone ACT Biosecurity on 02 6207 3587 or email ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au.
Education program
A national Varroa mite education program is being rolled out to inform beekeepers on ways to manage the pest. The free workshops provide beekeepers with the latest information on how to manage Varroa mite in bee hives.
- Upcoming courses for the ACT and surrounds are published on Training — National Varroa Mite Management Program
Movement restrictions
On 20 December 2024 all movement restrictions under the Animal Diseases Act 2005 (now repealed) for importing of European honeybees, beehives and apiary equipment from NSW were lifted.
Movement restrictions have been lifted as they are no longer considered necessary, nor effective to protect the ACT from the natural spread of Varroa mite.
More information about Varroa mite
Contact
For more information about bees email bees@act.gov.au.
If you suspect you have found Varroa mite in your hives phone ACT Biosecurity on 02 6207 3587 or email ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au.