Varroa is a foreign pest that’s threatening the nation’s bee population and it’s not the only problem Australia faces when it comes to protecting its honeybees. A wet summer has created ideal conditions for the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), making the combination of both pests an even more formidable foe. Australia is already facing a severe crisis, and the focus has shifted from eradication to long-term management.
Know Your Enemy
Varroa was first detected in Australia at the NSW Port of Newcastle in June 2022. The mite is now widely established in NSW and in Queensland between Toowoomba and Brisbane. It was detected in Victoria, North-West of Melbourne in February and the ACT earlier this month. In September 2023, Australian authorities acknowledged that eradication was no longer possible, and the focus shifted to long-term management.
- Australia is under pressure to protect its bee population due to the increasing threat of Varroa mites and small hive beetles.
- Varroa mites can spread viruses that destroy entire bee colonies.
- The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae), weakening them.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that varroa mites seem to be making hives more susceptible to the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida). This species arrived in 2002 and thrives in warm, humid conditions, laying eggs inside hives. The larvae feed on honey and wax, turning once-thriving hives into a foul, fermented mess.
The Deadly One-Two Punch
A healthy bee colony can usually defend itself against beetles. However, when bees are weakened by varroa mites, they’re far less capable of resisting a beetle invasion. This deadly combination has already devastated many beekeepers in NSW.
“I had large infestations of mites. And then following the mite, I got the boom of the hive beetles. I probably lost 30 hives to beetles.” – A commercial beekeeper from NSW.
What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation
Backyard beekeepers can take several steps to protect their hives. Here are some tips:
- Inspect your hives at least once a month. If larvae appear to be tunnelling through honeycomb, or the honey appears fermented, these are signs beetles may be present.
- Monitor for mites visually, but it’s difficult to detect them when there are few mites present. Use techniques like placing 300 bees in ethanol or icing sugar and shaking them until mites fall off.
- Report mites to the relevant state authorities. Failure to do so can result in fines.
- Treat the infested hive and move it at least ten metres away from any others.
- Chemicals called miticides can kill varroa mites and knock the population down, but be prepared for side effects like queen loss.
- Consider caging the queen and taking a short break from brood production to reduce the mite population. Mites prefer male bee larvae, so removing these can help.
Protection Against Mites and Beetles
To prevent your backyard hives from being infested by mites or beetles, follow these tips:
- Keep colonies well fed, so they don’t rob other colonies and catch their parasites.
- Help bees recognize hives, so they don’t enter the wrong colony with varroa mites on their back (paint hives, space them apart by a few meters, ideally 10m).
- Reduce the size of hive entrances to help bees block access to intruders.
- Regularly check that your beetle traps are still working, as bees often block the holes that let the beetles into the traps with tree resin.
- Fill the cracks where beetles hide.
How Consumers Can Help
Australians can support the nation’s beekeepers in several ways:
- Buy 100% Australian honey and hive products from trusted, local sources.
- Consider reducing sugar consumption in favour of honey and other natural sweeteners.
- Avoid imported honey and bee products to reduce the chance of bringing bee viruses into the country.
- Plant pollinator-friendly gardens to feed local bees.
Safeguarding an Industry and a Popular Hobby
Protecting the beekeeping industry requires a shift in mindset, from emergency response to long-term pest management. With good science, community support, and adaptive management, beekeepers can weather the storm.
