Varroa mite Varroa destructor is an external parasite that attacks European honeybees (Apis mellifera). It’s considered one of the greatest threats to Australia’s honey bee population and plant industries that rely on bee pollination.

Detection in Australia

In June 2022, varroa mite was detected in sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales. Following a 14-month emergency response, it was determined in September 2023 that eradication of varroa mite in Australia was no longer achievable.

Varroa mite has since been detected in South Australia, Victoria, ACT and Queensland.

Miticide resistance

In January 2026, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Resources (DPIRD) collected samples from a small number of apiaries in northern NSW following a suspected treatment failure of a hive.

Genetic testing of the V. destructor samples confirmed a single mutation called L925I that is associated with resistance to pyrethroids. Pyrethroids in use in Australia include Bayvarol and Apistan.

This is the first time pyrethroid resistance has been detected in Australia’s varroa mite population.

There are a number of ways resistance can develop in varroa mite populations and it can arise quickly, particularly when there is repeated use of pyrethroid insecticides.

NSW DPIRD is continuing to investigate this treatment resistance, including whether it developed locally or if there has been a new incursion of varroa mite into Australia, as well as the potential distribution of this resistance in the varroa mite population.

When varroa mites develop resistance to one or more treatment chemicals, valuable tools for controlling their populations are lost. With fewer available and effective control options, mite levels in colonies can rise, leading to increased stress on hives and higher rates of colony decline or mortality.

Advice for beekeepers

Beekeepers can take steps to slow the development and distribution of this resistance by rotating miticides and following the instructions on the chemical’s label or permit, including the dose rate and treatment duration.

Using miticides incorrectly can cause resistance in entire varroa mite populations which limits control options available to beekeepers.

Management program

In September 2023, the National Management Group (NMG) – the peak decision-making body for the national varroa mite emergency response – decided that the eradication of varroa mite was no longer achievable. In early 2024 the response shifted to a transition to management program.

This program focussed on slowing the spread of varroa mite and improving the ability of beekeepers and growers to detect and manage the pest.

The two-year transition to management program wound up in February 2026 but resources that were developed under the program remain publicly available to support best practice management, including in newly affected areas.

These free resources are available at varroa.org.au.

Other mechanisms to support bee biosecurity such as the National Bee Biosecurity Program, also remain in place to support industry.

Your obligations

Bee keepers should maintain good biosecurity practices and check their hives regularly for signs of pests and disease.

Refer to varroa.org.au for advice on varroa mite integrated pest management and beeaware.org.au for advice on bee biosecurity more broadly.

Report sightings

New detections of varroa mite should be reported along with suspected miticide resistance. This will help us understand the distribution of varroa mite and effectiveness of control measures.

To report, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or go to varroa.org.au/reporting.

Vessels and imported goods

People working around foreign vesels and imported cargo need to be vigilant for signs of exotic bees, hives and any other hitchhiker pests. Report any sightings to See. Secure. Report on 1800 798 636 or use the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s online form.

Follow the rules

Keep exotic dangerous pests and diseases out of Australia. Never ignore our strict biosecurity rules.

Import shipments may need to be treated and certified. Before you import, check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

Movement restrictions

Check state and territory restrictions on the entry of bees, beehives, bee keeping equipment and bee products:

About the pest

Image of a bee with varroa destructor mite

Varroa mite is an external parasitic mite that attacks European honey bees and the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana). Australian native bees are not affected by varroa mite.

It is a distinctive-looking small mite, around 1mm in diameter, reddish-brown in colour and can be seen with the naked eye.

The mite attaches itself to the bee and feeds on them. It weakens them and kills colonies. European honey bees infested with varroa are likely to die within 3 to 4 years if left untreated. The mite also transmits honey bee viruses.

Varroa mite is a Category 2 Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) under Schedule 13 of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). Internal and external mites of bees are listed as number 9 in the Top 42 National Priority Plant Pests.

Resources

See more on the response program or varroa mite.