Varroa Mite in Gippsland
Varroa mite has been detected in Gippsland.
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a serious parasitic pest that attaches to honey bees, feeding on their fat bodies and spreading harmful viruses that can weaken or destroy entire colonies. South Gippsland Beekeepers Club is committed to helping members understand and manage this threat through regular workshops, demonstrations, and shared resources. We provide up-to-date information on monitoring techniques, treatment options, and integrated pest management strategies suited to different hive types and conditions. By promoting early detection and practical, evidence-based responses, we aim to support healthy, resilient colonies across our beekeeping community.
Report any suspect Varroa mite or any other plant pest or disease immediately to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
In Victoria this hotline is staffed 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and public holidays - please leave a message with your contact details outside these hours.
Our Varroa Specialist Team
Andrew Cochrane 0418 749 237
Donna Russell 0409 180 795
Peter Gatehouse 0423 244 107
(VDO until 31 Jan 2025, club specialist from 1 Feb 2026)
The role of the Varroa Specialist is to guide you in finding resources to support you in making your own decisions regarding the management of your hives. They can help you develop a management plan, especially during the first two years of varroa treatment, known as the mite bomb phase when re-infestation is expected to occur.
The Varroa Specialists are only as far away as a phone call. Please remember that mentors are volunteers and respect the time they give you. This is a phone service and not a visiting service, unless that arrangement is mutually agreed upon.
The arrival of varroa can be experienced as distressing and members will have different preferences for best management practices, however please remember that no form of aggression or disrespect towards the specialists will be tolerated.
Varroa Resources
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Latest Heatmap (Vic)
Find out where varroa has been recorded in Victoria
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varroa.org.au
For information on monitoring, reporting and managing varroa
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From Peter Gatehouse
Latest report from our VDO with localised advice
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Varroa Chemical Treatment Table
From the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council
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Varroa Mite Management
Information and Workshop Notebook
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Mechanical Methods
Advice for using mechanical methods to assist in controlling varroa
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Rigorously Monitor and Evaluate
Guide to monitoring for varroa and treatments according to mite load