The state Department of Agriculture reported today that varroa mites were found at two monitoring bait stations yesterday on the Big Island near the Hilo Airport post office.

One mite was detected among 155 bees collected at one station and five mites from a collection of 335 bees at the other station, said Janelle Saneishi of the Agriculture Department in a news release today. The two bait stations are within several hundred yards of each other, added Saneishi.

Agriculture Department personnel have been continuously trapping, monitoring and testing bees since varroa mites were first detected on the Big Island in August. Varroa mites have not been detected in any hives managed by beekeepers on the Big Island, Saneishi said.

Since Aug. 22, the state has found 51 varroa mites on the Big Island.

The state is asking Big Island residents to report wild beehives and bee swarms to the toll free pest hotline at 643-7378.