There are a variety of established pests of honey bees in Australia that have an impact on the strength and productivity of a colony. There’s also a range of exotic pests that are not yet present in Australia but are affecting honey bee colonies elsewhere around the world.
Beekeepers have an important role to play in protecting their honey bees and the entire honey bee industry from the spread and impact of established pests, as well as the possible entry and establishment of exotic pests. Every beekeeper should be familiar with established pests, the symptoms they cause and how to control them. Beekeepers should also be aware of threats posed by exotic pests, and how to monitor hives and apiaries for their possible presence.