When I first became interested in keeping bees, I was fascinated by what was happening inside the hive. Thousands of bees work together to raise young, collect pollen and nectar, regulate the hive and keep an entire colony functioning.
But keeping bees has also made me think much more about something that affects ecosystems right across Australia: biosecurity.
Biosecurity is essentially about protecting our environment, agriculture and communities from pests, diseases and invasive species. It can sound like something only scientists or government agencies deal with, but in reality, all of us can play a role.
For beekeepers, that role has become especially important. On 3 March 2025, Varroa destructor was confirmed in Queensland for the first time. Varroa is a parasitic mite that affects honey bees and can seriously weaken colonies. Regular monitoring and good hive management are now an increasingly important part of beekeeping in Queensland.
Looking after a hive therefore involves much more than collecting honey. It means observing. Are the bees behaving normally? Is the brood healthy? Are there unusual insects or mites present? Has something changed since the last inspection?
These are exactly the sorts of questions scientists ask.
That is one of the things I love about using insects in STEM education. A student looking closely at a bee, ant or other tiny invertebrate is not simply identifying body parts. They can start asking bigger questions: What species is this? Should it be here? What role does it play in the ecosystem? What might happen if a new species arrives?
In northern Queensland, these questions are particularly relevant. Exotic bees and other pests can enter Australia by travelling on ships, boats, cargo, containers, vehicles and machinery. Early detection matters, and the Australian Government encourages people to report bees or swarms that look unusual, particularly around ports and imported goods.
For me, my beehive has become a little outdoor laboratory. Every time I open it, there is something new to notice and another question to investigate.
That curiosity is something we can encourage in young people too. Biosecurity does not have to begin with a textbook. It can begin by slowing down, looking closely at the world around us and asking: 'What am I seeing, and why does it matter?'
References
• Queensland Government - Varroa mite detections in Queensland
• Australian Government - Exotic bees and biosecurity
• Australian Government - Honey bees, crop pollination and varroa mite FAQs
About our Author
Shandelle O'Reilly, Senior Programs Manager at DeadlyScience
Areas of Interest
STEM education, science communication, environmental science, ecology, bees and pollinators, biosecurity, invasive species, microscopy and hands-on science learning.
Get To Know Shandelle
How old were you when you knew you wanted to become a scientist?
I don’t remember one particular age when I decided I wanted to be a scientist. I was always curious about the natural world and enjoyed science, which eventually led me to study a Bachelor of Science and become a science and STEM educator. My interest has continued to grow through teaching, hands-on science and working with communities.