Total: $0.00
Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout
Beekeeping in Western Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world. Our clean environment, diverse flora, and world-famous Jarrah Honey make this region one of the last strongholds for truly pure, unadulterated, active honey. But with the spread of Varroa Mite across Australia, WA beekeepers need to stay alert, informed, and proactive to protect our bees and our industry – and the Bee Industry WA (BICWA) are here to help.
Why Varroa Matters in Western Australia
The Varroa Mite is one of the most serious threats to honeybee health worldwide. These tiny parasites attach to bees, weakening colonies by feeding on their fat bodies and spreading viruses. In regions where Varroa takes hold, hives can collapse within months if not managed properly.
While Western Australia has so far avoided widespread infestation, BICWA is now being supported by the National Varroa Mite Transition to Management Program (T2M) and has introduced Varroa Development Officers to engage with and offer advice to beekeepers in building resilience and awareness within WA. From backyard hobbyists to commercial operators, every beekeeper plays a vital role in keeping WA’s bees safe.
Tips to keep your hives and WA Bees Healthy
1. Practice Strong Biosecurity weak brood and sluggish bees.
- Avoid moving hives unnecessarily.
- Clean your gear.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provides great
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provides great resources on WA bee biosecurity — make sure you’re familiar with their guidelines.
2. Support Hive Strength Naturally
Healthy bees are more resilient. Encourage sustainable beekeeping practices that focus on nutrition and natural balance:
- Provide diverse forage: Bees thrive when they can feed on a mix of native flora, especially Jarrah, Marri, and Banksia.
- Minimize chemical use: Only treat when necessary.
- Requeen regularly: use local, mite-resistant stock.
Strong colonies are less vulnerable to pests and stress, helping preserve the quality and purity of Western Australian honey.
3. Stay Connected and Informed with The WA Bee Industry
With spring approaching, now is a great time to book a free Varroa Development Officer visit. These personalized sessions are available weekdays until January 2026.
Your visit can include:
- Varroa monitoring and preparedness
- Spring swarm prevention and control strategies
- Queen identification and marking
- Hive health checks and Varroa surveillance
- Record keeping and reporting tips
Get in touch with your local Varroa Development Officer here: t2m.varroa.mite@dpird.wa.gov.au, to arrange a free Varroa Development Officer visit.
4. Visit the House of Honey
Alternatively, you can meet your local friendly VDO – Tiff Bates – right here at The House of Honey. Across five dates in November and December 2025, Tiff will be with us hosting a Varroa Mite Awareness and Protection information stall here at The House of Honey.
Drop by from 10am - 2pm:
Friday 14th November
Friday 21st November
Friday 5th December
Friday 12th December
Friday 19th December
Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy future for our Western Australian bee colonies and ecosystems. Sharing information about hive health, seasonal conditions, and biosecurity alerts helps us all respond faster. The strength of WA beekeeping lies in our collective knowledge and care for the land.
