HONEY BEE & POLLINATION 
21 pages
Published: 31 Oct 2025
Author(s): Holmes, M.J. , Mikheyev, S.
ISBN: 978-1-76053-575-9
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Australia’s honey bee and pollination sector now faces a major threat. Varroa destructor was found in New South Wales in September 2023. As a result, this report shares findings from the first Australian National Colony Loss Survey. It sets a clear starting point for hive health as Australia adjusts to Varroa.
The survey ran from February to April 2025 and covered the 2023-24 season. In total, 997 usable responses were received. Together, they represented 121,802 colonies. Although commercial beekeepers (50+ hives) made up only 16% of respondents, they managed 96% of the colonies surveyed. Therefore, the results strongly reflect the industry’s economic core.Across Australia, annual colony losses were 6.8%. Overall, losses were higher in the warm season (7.4%) than the cool season (6.1%).
However, NSW showed a tougher picture. Varroa was a leading cause of losses, especially for amateur beekeepers. In addition, it added real time and money costs. NSW beekeepers spent an average of 22 minutes per hive on Varroa control, plus an average of AU$22.18 per hive.
Many beekeepers preferred synthetic miticides. However, the report warns resistance can build over time. For this reason, it calls for strong monitoring and an integrated pest approach. It also flags possible links with small hive beetle. Finally, it recommends improving survey options, including clearer “queen problems” categories.
