The fast-spreading parasite, varroa mite, is expected to wipe out half of the ACT's 6,000 bee hives within two years, putting local fruit and vegetable crops at risk.

Varroa mites are 1 to 2 millimetre-long parasites that attach to honey bees, eventually killing the bees and their colonies.

The ACT's first infestation was found in a hive in Kowen in April this year.

The government has since received reports of eight cases of verroa mites — five of which had been confirmed.

ACT Biosecurity Engagement Officer, Micah Wood, predicts the varroa mite will be present in about half of the ACT's hives within a year, before spreading to all hives to varying degrees within two years.

"Looking at the other countries that have dealt with varroa, we're looking at losing 50 per cent of our hives here in Canberra," Mr Wood said.

"Varroa spreads very quickly once it gets in your hive. If you're not helping the bees manage, it's going to take over."

Varroa mites have also been found in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

The varroa mite is a parasite that latches onto bees. If left untreated, it weakens and eventually kills them. (Supplied: Alex Wild, UT Austin)

Bee losses to hit local food production

The widespread loss of pollinators in the ACT is expected to disrupt fruit and vegetable production for farmers and backyard vegetable patches alike.

Canberra Regional Beekeepers Association President, Mark Paterson, lived in California for 12 years and maintained 30 hives with the varroa mite through that time.

"Once varroa is established, the population of managed hives in Canberra will drop down to half what they are now and plateau for a period of time and then slowly, gradually start to build back up," he said.

"So [there's] probably about a five-year cycle to get back to some degree of where we are today."