A BEETLE the size of a match head that could cost beekeepers and farmers untold damage has been found in Cairns.
Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed the small hive beetle has been located in a backyard at White Rock.
The Queensland Beekeeping Association says if the pest is allowed to spread further, it could have a devastating effect on the region’s crops.
The beetle has wiped out about a third of individual keepers’ hives in New South Wales and they have caused damage estimated at $10 million in Queensland.
The invader has been detected at Mareeba. However, its presence in Cairns suggests the beetle may be more widespread than originally thought.
White Rock beekeeper Tim Smith found the pest beetle in one of his 100 hives two weeks ago and contacted authorities immediately.
Mr Smith, who has been keeping bees for about 20 years, said if the beetle was allowed to spread to other hives, it could be disastrous for other keepers.
"I’m a little bit worried, but strong hives and good management should see us through," he said.
The beetle’s larvae burrows through beehives, consuming bees, pollen and honey. Honeycombs are damaged as the beetle produces a repellent slime so bees do not remove the pest.
Combs that are damaged drip honey, which ferments and is rendered useless.
The beetles were responsible for the loss of 20,000 hives within two years in Florida.
Queensland Beekeeping Association president Trevor Weatherhead said the beetles were not only bad news for beekeepers, but also crop farmers.
"What will happen is if you lose the hives, then those bees aren’t available for pollination," Mr Weatherhead said.
