Are Honey Bees in Australia Endangered?
When people hear about bee populations declining around the world, it’s natural to wonder — are honey bees in Australia endangered too?
The short answer is: not yet — but they need our protection.
While Australia remains one of the few countries free from the devastating Varroa mite, the balance is fragile. Protecting our bees means protecting the future of our food supply, our ecosystems, and the honey we all love.
Why Bees Matter More Than Most People Realise
Bees are more than just honey-makers. They’re among nature’s most important workers — pollinating around one-third of the food we eat, from fruits and nuts to vegetables and grains.
Without bees, entire food chains would collapse. In Western Australia, native forests like Jarrah, Marri, and Karri rely heavily on bee pollination to thrive and regenerate.
That’s why every jar of honey tells a much bigger story — one of biodiversity, balance, and the vital link between bees and the land.
The Global Bee Crisis
Across the world, bee populations have been declining due to several threats:
Pesticide use – Chemicals used in agriculture can harm bees’ nervous systems, making it harder for them to navigate or survive.
Habitat loss – Urban expansion and land clearing reduce the wildflowers and native trees bees depend on.
Climate change – Shifts in seasons affect flowering cycles, limiting nectar sources.
Parasites and disease – In particular, the Varroa destructor mite has wiped out colonies in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Australia’s strong biosecurity and isolated geography have helped shield us so far — but vigilance is essential.
Are Australian Honey Bees Safe?
For now, Australia’s honey bees are among the healthiest in the world, especially those in Western Australia.
Our region is internationally recognised for its clean environment and strict quarantine standards, keeping diseases and pests at bay. Western Australia also prohibits the importation of honey and bees from other states to protect our hives.
However, that doesn’t mean we can take it for granted. In 2022, the Varroa mite was detected in New South Wales — a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.
Beekeepers across the country continue to work closely with biosecurity authorities to prevent its spread and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on healthy bees.
How Beekeepers Are Protecting the Future
Sustainable, ethical beekeeping is at the heart of Australia’s honey industry.
At South West Honey, our beekeepers focus on:
Maintaining healthy, resilient colonies through natural practices.
Avoiding chemical treatments that can harm bees or contaminate honey.
Supporting local biodiversity by keeping hives near pristine forests of Jarrah, Marri, and Karri trees.
This approach not only safeguards the bees — it produces raw, pure honey that reflects the natural environment it comes from.
How You Can Help Protect Bees
Even small actions can make a big difference:
🌼 Plant bee-friendly flowers and native trees in your garden.
🚫 Avoid pesticides and chemical sprays where possible.
🍯 Choose locally produced raw honey to support ethical beekeepers who prioritise bee welfare.
When you buy Western Australian honey, you’re helping to sustain beekeeping practices that protect both the bees and the bushland they pollinate.
In Summary
Australia’s honey bees are not yet endangered — but they’re under pressure.
By choosing ethical, locally produced honey, planting bee-friendly gardens, and supporting sustainable beekeeping, we can all play a part in keeping our pollinators healthy for generations to come.
At South West Honey, every jar is a tribute to the bees, the forests they sustain, and the people who care for them.
🐝 Explore our range of Premium Western Australian Honey — from Jarrah to Marri and Raw Honeycomb — and taste the pure difference that healthy bees make.
👉 Explore the Collection