Varroa Mite: A Growing Threat to WA Honey

Western Australia is one of the last places in the world still free from Varroa destructor, a tiny but devastating parasite that attacks honey bees. While the mite has already established itself in the eastern states, it is edging closer to WA — and its potential arrival has far-reaching consequences, not just for beekeepers but for every one of us who depends on healthy bees.

What is Varroa Mite?

Varroa mite is a small, reddish-brown external parasite that attaches to honey bees and feeds on their body fat. It spreads viruses, weakens bee colonies, and, if unmanaged, can wipe out entire hives. Globally, it is considered the most serious threat to honey bee health.

Why This Matters to Western Australia

Here in WA, our honey industry is world-renowned for its unique monofloral honeys like Jarrah, Marri, and Karri — honeys celebrated not only for their flavour but also for their natural antimicrobial strength. Our beekeepers work tirelessly to keep hives healthy and to produce raw, pure honey that is in demand across the globe.

If Varroa mite reaches WA, the impact will be felt in two major ways:

1. Beekeeping & Honey Production

   • Increased costs and labour for hive management.

   • Reduced honey yields and hive losses.

   • Threat to WA’s reputation as one of the cleanest, healthiest honey producers in the world.

2. Pollination & Food Security

   • Bees are vital for pollinating crops like almonds, avocados, apples, and berries.

   • Without healthy bee populations, farmers face lower yields, higher costs, and reduced food availability.

   • This means the impact stretches beyond honey — it touches the entire food supply chain.

What We Can All Do to Help

Protecting WA from the full impact of Varroa mite is not just the job of beekeepers. It requires community awareness and support. Here are some simple ways we can all make a difference:

• Choose Local Honey from trusted honey producers
  Every jar of WA honey you buy from registered beekeepers with legally required food registration directly supports the beekeepers working to keep hives strong and sustainable.

• Stay Informed
  Keep up to date with industry news and understand why supporting local bees matters for food security.

• Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens
  Growing native plants and flowers provides essential forage for bees and strengthens local pollination networks.

• Support Policy & Advocacy
  Backing organisations like the Beekeeping Industry Council of Western Australia (BICWA) ensures beekeepers’ voices are heard at government level.

• Respect Our Bushlands
  WA’s bees rely on access to healthy native forests. Protecting and preserving these environments safeguards both biodiversity and honey production.

Standing With WA Beekeepers

The challenge of Varroa mite is bigger than just beekeeping — it’s about protecting pollination, food security, and one of WA’s most unique natural industries.

By choosing South West Honey, you’re not just enjoying raw, active honey; you’re supporting local beekeepers, our bees, and the future of WA honey.

Together, we can ensure that Western Australia continues to thrive as one of the world’s last strongholds of healthy, resilient honey bees. 💛