A single varroa mite was detected in Hilo yesterday by crews from the state Department of Agriculture that were searching for wild beehives.

The sole mite was found in a collection of 700 bees along an access road to a wastewater plant near Hilo Airport. The hive has been destroyed.

The bee mite count is now at 44 from a total of about 34,000 bees collected.

Varroa mites, considered among the most destructive pests of honey bees, have not been detected in any hives managed by beekeepers on the island.

The department will continue to collect samples in Hilo and around the island to determine the extent of the varroa mite infestation. Hilo residents are asked to report wild beehives and bee swarms to the state's toll-free Pest Hotline at 643-PEST (7378). It is also asking beekeepers and the public not to transport bees or beekeeping equipment in or out of a 15-mile radius of Hilo Bay.

More information on varroa mites, including previous news releases, is available on the department's Web page at hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc/varroa-bee-mite-page.