Varroa Mite Management in Victoria

Varroa Mite – Basics

1. What is the Varroa mite and why is it a problem for beekeepers?

Varroa (Varroa destructor) is a small external parasitic mite that feeds on honey bees, weakens colonies, and spreads viruses — a major threat to beekeeping worldwide.

2. How does Varroa spread within and between hives?

Mites transfer on adult bees and through drifting bees, robbing behavior, swarm movements, and hive equipment. Monitoring and record-keeping help track and mitigate spread.

3. What are the life cycle stages of the Varroa mite?

Varroa reproduce inside capped brood cells; children mites emerge with new bees, then infesting others — key to understanding monitoring and treatment timing.

4. What are the early signs of Varroa infestation?

Beekeepers use monitoring methods like alcohol wash, sugar shake, or soapy water wash of bee samples and watch for declining colony health.

5. Do I need to stop beekeeping if Varroa is present?

No — the focus in Australia has shifted from eradication to management, with growers adapting practices and treatments to control mite levels.

Monitoring and Detection

6. How often should I monitor for Varroa?

Before establishment: at least 4 times per year. After establishment: monthly monitoring (except during treatment and very cold winter).

7. Which mite monitoring methods are recommended?

Standardised methods include alcohol wash, soapy water wash, and sugar shake of 300 bees per colony.

8. What tools and videos can help me learn detection methods?

The program provides instructional videos on alcohol wash, sugar shake, drone uncapping, and surveillance decision making.

9. How do I know when mite levels are too high?

Monitoring over time shows trends — decisions are based on mite load thresholds tailored to your regional context.

10. What do I do if I find Varroa mites?

Report detections as required (notifiable in some states) and begin integrated management, including treatment and biosecurity practices.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

11. What is integrated pest management (IPM) for Varroa?

IPM combines monitoring, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls to reduce mite populations sustainably.

12. What cultural and mechanical controls exist?

Strategies include brood breaks, drone trapping, hive splitting for control, and hygienic practices to reduce mite reproduction.

13. What is a Varroa treatment plan and why do I need one?

A treatment plan helps track apiary details, weather, colony cycles, labour, and treatment schedules to streamline mite management across operations.

14. Where can I find templates for treatment plans?

Varroa.org.au provides downloadable regional sample templates based on state/territory and operation size.

15. Why is record keeping important?

Detailed records support decision-making, legal reporting, tracking of mite trends, and evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Chemical and Other Treatments

16. What chemical control options are approved in Australia?

A range of approved miticides and control options are accessible through the management program’s chemical control section.

17. How do I choose the right miticide or treatment?

Selection depends on mite levels, hive conditions, and safety considerations — factsheets and label guides clarify options.

18. How can I avoid miticide resistance?

Rotate products and integrate cultural/mechanical tools to prevent mites developing resistance. Resources and videos cover this topic.

19. Are there non-synthetic treatment options?

Yes — e.g., Formic Pro is a non-synthetic Varroa treatment discussed in the resources.

20. How do I safely use chemical controls?

Understand chemical labels, safety data sheets, respirator use, and withholding periods to protect bees, yourself, and consumers.

Additional Practical Questions

While not all are directly answered on the Varroa.org.au page, the following are common follow-ups Australian beekeepers often ask, supported by linked resources and general best practice:

21. How do mites affect honey bee viruses?

Varroa spreads viruses within colonies; understanding this helps prioritise monitoring and control.

22. Do I need to report Varroa to authorities in my state?

Varroa is notifiable in some states; reporting requirements can differ and are covered in government biosecurity pages.

23. Will having Varroa affect my pollination contracts?

Mite presence and control practices may influence pollination requirements and expectations; resources provide tips for pollination outcomes.

24. Where can I get trained on Varroa management?

Online basics courses and introductory training are offered to prepare beekeepers for detection and management.

25. How expensive will mite management be?

Costs vary with tools and treatments, but monitoring and chemical applications add operational expenses — planning in treatment plans helps forecast costs.