Bee Pests and Diseases in New Zealand
New Zealand hives face a short but serious list of problems, and the difference between a beekeeper who copes and one who loses hives is mostly knowing what to look for. Two of these, varroa and American foulbrood, are non-negotiable parts of keeping bees here. The good news is that New Zealand is still free of some of the worst pests that plague other countries.
Varroa mite
Varroa is the single biggest killer of New Zealand hives and every colony must be actively managed for it or it will die. It is established nationwide and there is no varroa-free corner of the country. We cover it in full in the guides on varroa management, monitoring and treatment.
American foulbrood (AFB)
AFB is a bacterial brood disease that cannot be cured. An infected hive must be destroyed, and managing AFB is a legal obligation under New Zealand's national pest management plan. Learning to recognise it is a core beekeeping skill. The full legal picture is in our guide to beekeeping rules and the law.
Nosema and wax moth
Nosema is a gut parasite that saps a colony, more of a problem in damp, stressed or poorly fed hives, and strong well-managed colonies usually shrug it off. Wax moth larvae tunnel through stored comb and weak hives, so the answer is keeping colonies strong and storing spare comb properly rather than leaving it lying around.
The pests we do not have, and want to keep out
New Zealand is currently free of small hive beetle and tropilaelaps mite, both of which devastate hives overseas. Keeping them out is everyone's job. Learn what they look like, never import bees or used gear illegally, and report anything suspicious. If you see a pest you cannot identify, call the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
- Varroa: established, must be monitored and treated, the main cause of hive loss
- American foulbrood: incurable, infected hives destroyed, legally must be managed
- Nosema and wax moth: manageable by keeping colonies strong and comb stored well
- Small hive beetle and tropilaelaps: not in New Zealand, report any suspected sighting to MPI
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Zealand have small hive beetle?
No. New Zealand is free of small hive beetle, and we want to keep it that way. It is a damaging pest in Australia and the United States. If you ever see a small dark beetle in a hive that you cannot identify, report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
What is the most important pest to manage?
Varroa, by a wide margin. It kills more New Zealand hives than anything else and every colony needs active mite management. American foulbrood is the other non-negotiable, because managing it is a legal duty.
Who do I report an exotic bee pest to?
Call the Ministry for Primary Industries exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Fast reporting is how New Zealand keeps pests like small hive beetle and tropilaelaps out.