A year since the varroa mite entered Qld, honey bee colonies have collapsed
The varroa mite has severely impacted honey bee colonies in Queensland, with 90% of wild colonies collapsing within a year. Beekeepers are facing significant financial burdens as they attempt to manage the crisis, spending thousands monthly on treatments. Despite the devastation, some hope remains with the potential for new treatments and genetically resistant bees to support the industry.
- ▪The varroa mite first appeared in Queensland beehives in March 2025.
- ▪It is estimated that 90% of south-east Queensland's wild honey bee colonies have collapsed due to the mite.
- ▪Beekeepers are spending between $1,500 to $3,000 extra per month to manage the infestation.
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Queensland beekeepers paying thousands each month to fend off varroa mites as colonies devastatedWBy Will MurrayTopic:BeekeepingThu 4 Jun 2026 at 5:35amThu 4 Jun 2026 at 5:35amThu 4 Jun 2026 at 5:35amAlmost all of south-east Queensland's managed honey bee colonies are impacted by varroa mites. (ABC News: Will Murray)abc.net.au/news/varroa-mite-devastating-queensland-honey-bees/106749192Link copiedShareShare articleIn March 2025, the 'varroa destructor' first appeared in Queensland beehives.It is believed the parasitic mite, deadly to European honey bees, was carried over the Scenic Rim from New South Wales, which has been battling varroa since 2022.Just a year on, it is estimated 90 per cent of south-east Queensland's wild honey bee colonies have collapsed, and almost all managed colonies…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).