Australian honey bees are free of the many bee pests and bee diseases found around the world making them some of the healthiest honey bees in the world.
The strength and productivity of a honey bee colony can be impacted by pests and diseases. Exotic pests are pests that are not found in Australia and we are relying on beekeepers to inspect their beehives for any of the following:

Exotic Pests and Diseases

Africanised Honey Bee

Asian Honey Bee

Asian Hornet

Dwarf Honey Bee

Giant Honey Bee

Large Hive Beetle

Tracheal Mite

Tropilaelaps Mites

Varroa Mites

Endemic Pests and Diseases

American Foulbrood

Chalkbrood

European Foulbrood

If you see anything suspicious

If you observe mites on bees, an exotic bee or a new bee pest or bee disease currently unknown in Australia IMMEDIATELY call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or call DAF on 13 25 23 or Qld Bee Biosecurity Officer on 0436 858 838.

Submit a Brood Sample for Testing

Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) Course

It is every beekeeper’s biosecurity obligation to know the pests and diseases of a honey bee colony.

The BOLT course has been designed to help beekeepers understand both exotic and endemic pests.

QBA recommends every new beekeeper undertake this free training within one (1) year of owning and/or caring for their first hive. We recommend the course is completed every three (3) years as a refresher for all beekeepers. Use this link to access the free BOLT training. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to access the beekeeper specific BOLT training.

What Our Members Say

Jessica Berry. - QBA Member,

Being a member of the QBA is my way of helping to support the association’s tireless efforts to ensure a viable apiculture industry in Queensland, which in turn positively impacts Australian agriculture as a whole.

Rob Dewar. - QBA Member

Membership with the QBA allows me to be actively involved in shaping the future of beekeeping in Australia.

Jacob Stevens. - QBA Member

Membership allows me to stay informed about matters that influence my industry and my beekeeping operation.

9562

Hobby Beekeepers

161377

Total Qld Bee Hives

439

Commercial Beekeepers

9682000000

Bee Population Qld

Get In Touch

We encourage members of the public to connect with the QBA via email. One of our friendly team will be in contact with you as soon as possible.