Newcastle has recently been infested with the Varroa mite, which are a serious threat to bees. The mites attach themselves to the bees and feed on their blood. These mites weaken the bee and make them more susceptible to disease. Varroa mites are the most serious threat to bees and are responsible for the death of many hives each year.
There is currently an emergency order in place – Newcastle is in a red zone. Newcastle Pest Exterminators can assist you with your bee management.
For more information for the Varroa Mite Response, please visit DPI NSW.
If you think you may have Varroa mites in your hives, contact DPI NSW. The Varroa Emergency Response Hotline, accessed via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881, is operational Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. For urgent matters outside of these hours you can call the hotline number for instructions on accessing the on-call function for the Varroa Emergency Response Hotline.
How do I know if I have varroa mites?
At first, it can be difficult to tell whether you have Varroa mites. These pests are difficult to see with the naked eye, so it’s important to look for other signs that may indicate an infestation.
One key tip is to pay attention to the health of your bees. If you notice that your hives are weak or lethargic, or if there are fewer bees in your colonies than usual, this could be a sign of varroa mite infestation.
To determine for sure whether you have varroa mites and how severe the infestation is, it’s best to seek out the advice of a pest control professional. Newcastle Pest Exterminators can administer a physical examination and recommend treatment options.
What kills Varroa mites?
Unfortunately, the only way to ensure the eradication of varroa mites is to destroy the hive and start over. Please contact DPI NSW if you detect Varroa Mite.
Are Varroa Mites dangerous?
Varroa mites are not dangerous to humans, but they can decimate a bee population. A single mite can reproduce rapidly and destroy an entire hive in a matter of months. These mites are a danger to the entire Australian agricultural industry and need to be handled seriously.
What can you do to prevent Varroa mites?
There are a few things you can do to prevent varroa mites from taking over your hive. First, make sure to regularly inspect your hive for signs of infestation. Second, if you do find mites, take steps to destroy the hive and start over. You may need to dispose of them in a quarantine waste facility. Finally, consider using chemical pesticides, heat treatment, or fumigation to kill the mites.
Please notify DPI NSW as soon as you detect Varroa Mite. You can do that here.
