Varroa mite is a major challenge for Australian beekeepers, but there are plenty of resources to help manage the pest and protect honey bee populations.

• The AgriFutures Australia Varroa Destructor Research Strategy (2024-2027) outlines the plan for future research, while the National Honey Bee Breeding Strategy offers guidance on strengthening bee populations.
• The National Varroa Mite Management Program offers a comprehensive framework for managing the mite, including pest control strategies and biosecurity guidelines.
• The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) has made available a Varroa Chemical Treatment Table that lists approved treatments, as well as critical information on Withholding Periods to ensure safe use of chemicals.
• For practical advice, AHBIC podcasts and interviews offer insights from industry experts, while the Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa resource by AgriFutures outlines strategies for adapting to the challenges posed by Varroa.

Online training

• Online training options include Varroa Basics available on the NVMMP website and Introduction to Varroa Management available via Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) on the Plant Health Australia website. Face-to-face training is available at Varroa management workshops being held around the country over the next several months.

Professional Beekeepers website

• The Professional Beekeepers website also features a number of research-based articles covering key topics such as Varroa-resistant traits, the role of pollination-dependent industries in supporting Varroa management, chemical treatments, and the latest advice from international experts on Varroa.

Varroa development officers

• Beekeepers can also seek support from Varroa Development Officers within the National Varroa Mite Management Program, offering expert assistance and on-the-ground guidance or mental health support from the Resilience Officer. A factsheet containing tips for better pollination outcomes is also available, produced by the Pollination Coordinator.

Direct links

• Varroa destructor Research Strategy 2024-2027 | AgriFutures Australia
• Agrifutures National-honey-bee-breeding-strategy 2024-2029.pdf
• National Varroa Mite Management Program
• Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) – Varroa Chemical Treatment Table
• Agrifutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program -varroa-resources.pdf
• Resilient beekeeping in the face of varroa | AgriFutures Australia
• Interviews/Podcasts – Australian Honey Bee Industry Council
• What is a Withholding Period? – Australian Honey Bee Industry Council
• Varroa Development Officers — National Varroa Mite Management Program
• Professional Beekeepers CoP – Research articles on Varroa