Experts say half of the ACT's 6,000 beehives have been impacted by the fast-spreading parasite, varroa mite, with well over 1,000 destroyed. Varroa mites are 1 to 2 millimetre-long parasites that attach to honey bees, eventually killing the bees and their colonies. Micah Wood says varroa mite has been reported in every major Canberra suburb. (Supplied: Micah Wood) The mite was first found in the ACT in April last year — and ACT Biosecurity Engagement Officer, Micah Wood, said it is now widespread.