Varroa Destructor Mite

On 19 September 2023, the National Management Group (NMG) the peak decision body for the National Varroa mite Emergency Response decided to shift the focus of the response from eradication to transitioning to management of Varroa mite.

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) was detected on 22 June 2022 in surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle.

Government and industry are working together to slow the spread of Varroa mite and to prepare industry to live with the pest by building resilience and supporting management options.

There have been no detections in the ACT.

What is it?

Varroa mites:

  • are parasitic mites the size of a pin head that affects the European honeybee
  • are easily identifiable as they are oval, flat and a reddish-brown colour
  • do not pose a risk to human health or food safety.

Movement Restrictions

Movement restrictions under the Animal Diseases Act 2005 apply to European honeybees, beehives and apiary equipment that have been in areas in NSW where Varroa mite has been detected or is being managed at any time since December 2021.

The following can be imported into the ACT from areas in NSW where Varroa mite has not been detected provided you can satisfy the mandatory import conditions:

  • queen bees
  • escort bees
  • queen cells
  • honey supers
  • apiary equipment.

The restrictions also allow irradiated hives and hive components that satisfy the mandatory import conditions to be imported into the ACT. This enables beekeepers to sterilise hives using irradiation, helping to control other diseases that affect honeybees like American Foulbrood in the ACT.

These restrictions will continue to be reviewed as the National Management Plan for Transition to Management for Varroa is developed and implemented by government and industry.

Read the import restrictions.

What you can do

  • Register your hives. Beekeeper registration is free and helps the ACT Government to easily contact you in the event of a bee-related disease outbreak.
  • Inspect your hives regularly for pests and diseases. Checking for Varroa mite should be included in a hive inspection. Information on performing a hive inspection and photos of a range of bee pests and diseases are available on the Bee Aware website.
  • Follow the rules. Make sure you follow the applicable import conditions if moving honey bees, hives and apiary equipment into the ACT.
  • If you suspect you have found varroa mite in your hives phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information

For more information on import restrictions, email Bees@act.gov.au

To learn more about Varroa mite: