About
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is the world’s most serious pest of honey bees. It has invaded Australia and is spreading rapidly across New South Wales from Newcastle. Successfully managing varroa is now the greatest challenge for Australian beekeepers. The warm climate of NSW is expected to be favorable for varroa.
Varroa mites attach to bees and feed on their fat bodies, weakening and poisoning them. As they spread through colonies, they also transmit viruses, which can become epidemic. Early studies suggest that Australia may not yet have the most serious viruses spread by the mite in other parts of the world. This gives us a window of opportunity where the impact of varroa on our bees may not be as severe as elsewhere. It is vital that we use this window to develop effective methods for controlling varroa in Australia.
“Our desired outcome is to provide Australian beekeepers with effective, non-chemical options for managing this pest.”
Almost all current varroa treatments are chemical-based, involving the placement of pesticides inside beehives. These chemicals can negatively impact the bees themselves and leave residues in honey and wax. Our goal is to develop non-chemical methods to control mites in hives, focusing on physical and mechanical control techniques.
Throughout the project, we will consult with beekeepers to understand both the opportunities they see for varroa control and the barriers that might prevent them from adopting new methods. We will explore ways to alter the environment inside the hive to disadvantage the mite without harming the bees. In addition, we will prototype grids and screens to place inside the hive that could damage or dislodge mites from the bees’ bodies.