VARROA destructor may sound like the name of a villain from a science fiction film, but the reality is now much closer to home. Most people know them simply as varroa mites. Though they pose no threat to humans, to our bees, they are nothing short of ruthless, often wiping out entire colonies.
The parasite was first detected in Australia in June 2022 in New South Wales and has been spreading ever since. Much to the dismay, but not to the surprise of local beekeepers, varroa mites were detected in South Gippsland for the first time this week when a case appeared in Yarram.
Local beekeeper and Vice President of South Gippsland Beekeepers Inc, Peter Gatehouse, said he was not surprised by the news. “I have been preparing for it. It has always been a case of when, not if,” he said.
Varroa mite is identified through regular hive monitoring, often using an alcohol wash. “You sample half a cup of bees, which is about 300 bees, and put them in a container with methanol. Unfortunately, the bees die, but it is for the greater good of the colony. The mites will then show up at the bottom of the container,” Peter explained.
Peter, who runs about 80 hives, said his own bees remain mite free so far.
According to Peter, there is no way to stop varroa mite from eventually entering a hive. While the BeeMAX map can help some commercial beekeepers avoid high-risk areas when moving their hives, stationary hives will almost certainly become infected.
Once the mites are present, beekeepers can treat hives with non-synthetic or synthetic miticides, along with mechanical methods, to keep numbers down. Re-queening is another option to prolong control before treatments are needed again.
Peter said there has been a strong effort to prepare beekeepers for this moment. “We have had 25 varroa management workshops across Victoria and there are 12 Varroa Development Officers in the state who help beekeepers of all sizes manage the pest,” he said.
The number to contact a VDO is 1800 958 485.
He is concerned that not all local beekeepers are taking the risk seriously. “There are still people who are underestimating the threat. If you wait until it arrives in your hive, you will be scrambling,” he said.
Peter believes some recreational beekeepers will likely lose hives and may give up altogether, while commercial operators may need to reduce hive numbers or hire extra hands to manage the workload. The financial toll could be heavy, with treatments costing $7 to $12 per hive. For large commercial operations, that figure quickly climbs into the thousands.
The impact on pollination will also be felt. Varroa mite spreads quickly, not only through managed hives but also wild and unmanaged colonies. As these collapse, managed bees will often raid them for honey, bringing mites back with them. “That will be a big issue for the next three or so years in Australia,” Peter said.
Eradication is no longer on the table. Australia is now in what is known as transition to management, meaning the focus is on living with the pest and keeping numbers under control.
Peter encouraged local beekeepers to attend the next South Gippsland Beekeepers club meeting at St Peters Anglican Church Hall in Leongatha on Thursday, September 11 at 7pm, where Varroa Development Officer Ally Driessen will speak about monitoring and management techniques.
He also praised the Yarram beekeeper who came forward with the detection. “Beekeepers should be grateful. Many do not report it, so he should be congratulated as it really helps others know that varroa mite is in the area,” Peter said.