Varroa + Small Hive Beetle

Why Beehives in Some Australian Regions Are Under Pressure

For many Australian beekeepers, hive inspections have been feeling a little different this season.

You open the hive expecting to see strong bee numbers and healthy brood, but instead you notice something worrying.

The colony seems smaller than usual. Beetles scatter across the frames. Maybe the honey looks slightly fermented.

Individually, these signs may not seem alarming.

But together, they can sometimes signal a larger challenge facing Australian beekeepers right now: the combination of varroa mites and small hive beetles.

Across affected regions, many beekeepers are learning how these two pests interact and how to manage them together.

While conditions are challenging, your bees can continue to thrive if you give them some extra support - and we’re here to help.

A tough season for many Australian beekeepers

Beekeepers in some regions are noticing something worrying during hive inspections.

Why varroa and small hive beetle are a difficult combination

Small hive beetle has long been part of Australian beekeeping. Normally, strong colonies can keep beetles under control.

However, when colonies are weakened by varroa mites, beetles can gain a foothold much more easily.

This often follows a pattern:

1. Varroa mites weaken the colony
2. Bee populations decline
3. Small hive beetles begin laying eggs inside the hive
4. Larvae multiply quickly, creating a slime-out

Because nearby colonies may also be collapsing, bees rob weakened hives and unknowingly bring additional mites back to their own colony.

This can cause mite numbers to increase quickly, even when treatments are being applied. 

(If you’ve lost a hive to beetles this season already, we’ve got info here on what to do next.)

Signs your hive may be struggling

Some colonies appear healthy until quite late in the process, which is why regular hive inspections are so important. There are a few warning signs that may indicate your colony is under stress or dealing with pests like varroa mites, including:

• Declining bee populations
• Increased beetle activity during inspections
• Fermented or slimy honey
• Beetle larvae present in comb

Monitoring your hive regularly is one of the best ways to catch problems early.

If you’d like to learn more about monitoring for varroa mites and choosing the right treatment options, this free guide on our website includes practical advice and step-by-step videos to help you take the next steps.

What you can do to protect your hive

Managing both pests together is key. Here are a few practical steps that can help support your colony.

Monitor for varroa regularly and treat when necessary

• Conduct alcohol washes, sugar shakes, or CO2 monitoring
• Track mite levels over time
• Apply appropriate treatments when needed - download our varroa treatment table here

Reduce small hive beetle pressure

• Add vegetable oil or diatomaceous earth to your pest tray
• Install beetle traps inside the hive
• Place a folded chux-style cloth on top of frames to trap beetles

Maintain strong colonies

• Avoid giving bees more space than they can defend
• Keep inspections consistent
• Address weakening colonies quickly

Using several beetle management methods together often gets you the best results. And if you can get on top of the issue early, it’s much easier to keep it from becoming a major problem for your colony.

If you’d like to learn more about monitoring mites and choosing treatment options, our varroa treatment deep dive includes detailed guidance and step-by-step instructional videos that can help.

The varroa build-up phase will pass

The current stage of varroa spread is one of the most challenging periods for beekeepers.

As the mite spreads into new regions, colonies can experience rapid increases in mite numbers, as your hive can be reinfested soon after you apply a varroa treatment if your colony robs a weakened feral hive, which is why this phase requires beekeepers to be extra vigilant in order to help their bees make it through.

The good news is that this stage doesn’t last forever. In the rest of the world, where varroa has been present for longer, mite levels tend to stabilise after a season or two, and beekeepers have learned how to manage the pest successfully.

Here in Australia, beekeepers are already adapting, sharing knowledge, and developing the skills needed to care for their hives in this new environment. 

While the transition can be challenging, hope isn’t lost, and colonies can continue to thrive with the right monitoring, management, and support.