A tiny invader is making big waves in the Australian bush, and experts are sounding the alarm.
The culprit? The varroa mite—a pest so small it’s invisible to the naked eye, but with the power to wreak havoc on our native bees, beekeepers, and the broader ecosystem.
If you’ve ever drizzled golden honey on your toast or admired the vibrant wildflowers in your local park, this is a story you’ll want to pay attention to.
The ghost in the hive: What are varroa mites?
Varroa mites, recently detected in several Sunshine Coast areas—Beerburrum, Beerwah, Mooloolah Valley, Bald Knob, and Crohamhurst—are being described by experts as ‘ghosts in the hives’.
According to commercial beekeeper and honey bee expert Kevin Tracy, these mites are ‘pheromonally invisible’ to bees, slipping undetected into colonies and spreading before the bees even know they’re under attack.
Once inside, the mites wound both larvae and adult bees, stunting the colony’s population and vitality.
‘The bees don’t have longevity—they aren’t able to fly as well, or live as long, or do the jobs they do as well as possible. The colony will diminish in numbers,’ Kevin explains.
The result? A grim outlook for both bees and the humans who rely on them.
Why should we care?
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a pest you can’t see, but the consequences are anything but invisible.
Bees are the unsung heroes of our environment, pollinating crops and native plants alike. When their numbers dwindle, the ripple effect is felt across the entire ecosystem—fewer pollinated plants, reduced crop yields, and a hit to the food supply chain.
For beekeepers, the stakes are even higher. Not only does the varroa mite threaten the health of their hives, but it also slashes honey yields and ramps up the cost of hive management by as much as 30 per cent.
‘Honey is not worth producing at present because of the price of honey, versus how much money goes into the labour and treatment of the mites,’ Kevin says.
For many, it’s a three-year slog just to learn how to live with the pest.
Credit: onequeen.ro / TikTok
A national challenge
Queensland isn’t the first state to face this crisis. New South Wales has already experienced the devastation, with authorities forced to shift from eradication to management.
The source of the Queensland outbreak remains a mystery, but the urgency is clear.
In response, Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced a $60.9 million investment over five years to bolster biosecurity.
This includes 100 new frontline officers and regionally-focused action plans to tackle threats like the varroa mite head-on.
What can you do? Support local, buy local
While the science and policy responses are critical, there’s one simple action every Australian can take: support your local beekeepers.
‘Buy honey not in the shop, but from locals,’ Kevin urges. ‘And for goodness’ sake, buy genuine Australian honey. That’s a real sign of support and encouragement.’
By choosing local honey, you’re not just getting a tastier, more authentic product—you’re helping keep our beekeeping industry afloat during a challenging time.
Plus, you’re supporting the broader fight to protect our native bees and the bushland they call home.
Credit: Creek Side Bees / Instagram
How you can help: Practical steps
- Check Your Own Backyard: If you keep bees, inspect your hives monthly and report any signs of mites to authorities—even if you don’t find any. Vigilance is key.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from your state’s Department of Primary Industries and local beekeeping associations.
- Spread the Word: Share information with friends and family about the importance of buying local honey and supporting Australian beekeepers.
- Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens: Native flowering plants can provide vital food sources for both wild and managed bees.
A call to action for our community
The varroa mite crisis is a stark reminder of how interconnected we all are with the natural world.
Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a honey lover, or simply someone who enjoys a stroll through the bush, the health of our bees matters.
Have you noticed changes in bee activity in your area? Are you a beekeeper facing new challenges, or a honey enthusiast with a favourite local supplier? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions. Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation buzzing!
Together, we can help protect Australia’s bees, our bushland, and the sweet taste of homegrown honey for generations to come.
Also read: ‘Super pests’ are now impossible to kill? Are your home and family at risk?
