Beekeepers on the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island are being advised to be alert for signs of varroa destructor mite in their bees.

More than 600 hives and 6 million bees have already been destroyed in New South Wales in an attempt to the mite spreading.

A Biosecurity Emergency Order is now in place in that state after the mite was detected around Newcastle and at Gosford. The order says the mite has been detected at several properties and is now suspected to be present at numerous others.

The mite has the potential to have a significant economic on the bee keeping industry and then impact pollination dependent industries.

In Australia, 65% of plant-based industries depend on pollination, particularly almonds, apples, cherries, blueberries, lucerne and clover.

The South Australian Department of Primary Industries (PIRSA) has put restrictions in place to stop any bees, hives, beekeeping products or property coming into NSW or any other state where the mite is detected. The items cannot be brought into South Australia without written permission of the Chief Inspector of Stock.

Anyone who suspects the presence of varroa mite should immediately contact PIRSA on the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or [email protected].

There are more than 2000 beekeepers in South Australia and approximately 68 000 hives.

Anyone who keeps honeybees must register as a beekeeper every 12 months.

Beekeepers can check their hives with a sugar shake test.

The dusting of adult bees with icing sugar causes mites to fall off the bee into the white sugar where they are more easily seen.