A single varroa mite was detected in Hilo Thursday by state agriculture department crews that were searching for and checking wild beehives.

The sole mite was found among 700 bees collected along a wastewater plant access road near Hilo Airport.

The hive has since been destroyed.

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

Varroa mites, 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).

The state is also asking beekeepers and the public not to transport bees or beekeeping equipment in or out of a 15-mile radius around Hilo Bay.

Information and previous news releases on varroa mites are available on the department's Web page at http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc/varroa-bee-mite-page.