South Australian authorities are playing a crucial role to combat the persistent threat of the varroa mite. This comes on the heels of its detection in South Australia’s Riverland region. At the same time, the state’s beekeeping industry is facing similar challenges from drought and changing weather. To save its charismatic existence, we must commit to a long-term strategy for managing them. Stakeholders from all around the country are urging the need for more resources, education, and partnership to fight against this invasive pest.
The very first varroa mite infestation was found in South Australia. The source of the contamination was traced back to hives shipped from Western Australia and Queensland. This shocking change called for swift response by Washington, including bee baiting to eliminate forager bees from the surrounding area.
WA-based beekeeper Aaron Woolston, who was stationed at a stingless bee farm at the time, called for an integrated approach to varroa management. For him, the key to ensure the industry’s future is stakeholders working together.
“We really need something long-term and permanent to help not just the beekeeping industry, but all the associated pollination-dependent industries.” – Aaron Woolston
Education and Awareness are Key
Adrian Harvey, another industry expert, stressed the need for awareness and education for successful varroa mite control. He encouraged all beekeepers in South Australia to register their apiaries with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA). In return, they will be notified about significant biosecurity alerts.
“We urge all unregistered beekeepers to register and get the advice as soon as we provide it on detections and other biosecurity issues.” – Adrian Harvey
Additionally, Harvey noted that bee baiting has been adopted as a control practice. What he did not openly discuss was that they would be placing sentinel hives. These hives will be followed over time to see if any varroa reappears in area bee populations.
“We’re also doing bee baiting to reduce those forager bees around the area.” – Adrian Harvey
The community is responding to these challenges. In late November, PIRSA convened a workshop on the Loxton Research Centre. From beekeepers to blueberry growers, they got producers the most up-to-date information on the varroa mite. This initiative aims to enhance collective efforts and prepare for potential future threats.
Long-Term Solutions Needed for Industry Sustainability
For years, South Australia’s beekeeping industry has been under-resourced, greatly limiting the ability to manage varroa mite effectively. As honey production declines—Capilano Honey’s Chris Berkin reported a drop from seven tonnes in previous years to just 500 kilograms in 2024—beekeepers are increasingly concerned about their future in this essential agricultural sector.
Chris Berkin reiterated the need to start thinking about bees as livestock, reminding the audience of their essential contribution to food production. He cautioned that without these beekeepers, our most essential crops like apples, almonds and blueberries could be at risk.
“People have got to treat the bees as livestock … and they’ve got to realise that if [beekeepers] aren’t around, then people won’t get cabbages on their plates.” – Chris Berkin
Woolston was adamant in agreement with these feelings. Given all the threats that have faced the industry in recent years, he stressed the importance of having a long-term solution.
“This is just the latest threat in a long list of threats and challenges to the beekeeping industry, so we really need permanent and extra resourcing.” – Aaron Woolston
Funding for varroa development officers (VDOs) through the National Varroa Mite Management program will expire in February 2026. Stakeholders are rightfully concerned about the signal this decision sends and its potential effect on future support. This long-standing role of VDOs has been incredibly valuable, guiding beekeepers on best practices for prepping, inspecting, educating, hive management, monitoring, and implementing biosecurity measures.
