🐝 What Is Varroa Mite and Why It Matters
Varroa mites are external parasites that feed on bees and brood. Even without Deformed Wing Virus (not yet present in Australia), they weaken colonies significantly — reducing productivity and making them vulnerable to collapse.
One of the early signs of mite-related stress is increased Small Hive Beetle (SHB) activity. If your hives are struggling with SHB infestations, it may indicate an underlying Varroa load.
🔍 How to Inspect Your Hives for Varroa
Consistent inspection is the best defence. Aim to inspect hives every 3–5 weeks, especially during active spring and summer periods.
🧪 Four Reliable Monitoring Methods:
1. Alcohol Wash
Shake ~300 bees into alcohol or methylated spirits and swirl — mites fall off and can be counted. This is the most accurate method.
2. Sugar Shake
A live-bee method using icing sugar to dislodge mites. Slightly less precise but useful for regular checks.
3. Sticky Boards
Placed under a screened bottom board to catch naturally fallen mites — especially useful after treatments.
4. Drone Brood Uncapping
Varroa prefer drone brood for reproduction. Use an uncapping fork to lift drone pupae and inspect them — and the cappings — for visible mites.
⚠️ Signs of a Hive Under Varroa Stress
- Spotty or inconsistent brood patterns
- Weak or shrinking population despite nectar flow
- Queen replacement or failure
- Increased Small Hive Beetle presence
- Mites visible on sticky boards or in drone cells
💊 Effective Varroa Treatments in Australia
Australia’s current legal treatments include both synthetic and organic options. Choosing the right one depends on the season, brood presence, and your honey flow.
⭐ Most Common: Bayvarol® (flumethrin)
- The number one Varroa treatment in Australia
- Safe to use with honey supers on
- Easy to apply, long-lasting
- ⚠️ In the USA, overuse has led to resistance — so rotate products as best practice
Other Treatment Options:
- Formic acid(e.g., Formic Pro): Can penetrate capped brood; temperature-sensitive
- Oxalic acid: Most effective during brood breaks (dribble or vapour application)
- Thymol-based treatments: Useful in mild seasons but sensitive to temperature
- Amitraz (e.g., Apivar): Strong miticide, **not suitable with honey supers on**
🧠 Reminder: Organic doesn’t mean gentle. Many acids are harsher on bees and beekeepers than synthetic strips. Always follow label directions.
🛠️ Plan Treatments with the Tocal College Tool
📚 The Tocal College Varroa Management Tool is a free online resource to help you:
- Plan treatments for different hive conditions
- Understand the timing and rotation of options
- Stay ahead of resistance risks
✅ What You Should Do This Week
- Inspect all your hives
- Alcohol wash or sugar shake at least one
- Uncap drone brood and check cappings
- Record your findings
- Choose and apply treatment
- Recheck mite loads post-treatment
- Stay connected with your local beekeeper group
🐝 Support from Happy Bee
At Happy Bee, we’re here to support Northern Rivers beekeepers with:
- Varroa inspection kits
- Legal, effective treatment options
- Fast, friendly advice from real beekeepers
📞 Questions? Contact us — we’re happy to help.