Bees

Bees belong to the insect order Hymenoptera, which also includes wasps and ants. Australia has a diverse range of native bees, as well as the introduced European honey bee, Apis mellifera. Honey bees live in organised colonies containing a queen, workers and male drones. Most Australian native bees are solitary, although some species form social colonies. Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowering plants. During these activities, they transfer pollen between flowers, making them important pollinators. Bee management requires an understanding of the species involved and whether the activity relates to a temporary swarm, an established colony or individual nesting bees.

Bees vary considerably in size, colour and appearance depending on the species. Honey bees generally have a hairy brown and golden-banded body, two pairs of wings and specialised structures on their hind legs for carrying pollen. Native bees vary from tiny, dark-coloured stingless bees to larger, more colourful species with distinctive abdominal bands. Some bees can resemble wasps, but bees generally have more body hair, which assists in collecting and transferring pollen. Correct identification is important because different bee species have different nesting habits, sting risks and management requirements.

Bees undergo complete metamorphosis through four life stages: Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult In honey bee colonies, the queen lays eggs within wax comb cells. Developing larvae are fed and cared for by worker bees until they pupate and emerge as adults. Worker bees perform various duties throughout their lives, including caring for young, constructing comb, maintaining the colony, guarding the entrance and collecting food. During periods of colony growth, a honey bee colony may divide through swarming. A queen leaves with a group of workers, which may temporarily gather on a branch, fence or other surface while searching for a suitable nesting location. Most solitary native bees have a different life cycle. Individual females construct or occupy nesting cavities and provision cells with pollen and nectar for their developing young.

Honey bees forage during daylight hours and may travel considerable distances to collect nectar, pollen and water. Established colonies can be found in tree hollows, wall cavities, roof spaces and other sheltered locations. They construct wax combs to raise young and store honey and pollen. A temporary swarm may be seen clustered on vegetation, fences or other surfaces. This is different from an established colony containing comb and developing brood. Native bees have diverse nesting habits. Some establish colonies in tree hollows, while solitary species may construct individual nests in soil, sandstone, plant stems, timber cavities or soft mortar. Bee activity often increases during warmer weather when flowering plants provide abundant food.

Although bees are beneficial insects, problems can arise when their nesting or swarming activity creates a risk to people or buildings. Honey bees can sting when threatened or when defending an established colony. Stings can cause pain and swelling, while people with a severe allergy to bee venom may experience a potentially life-threatening reaction. Colonies established within wall cavities or roof spaces can also create building maintenance problems. If a colony dies or is removed without addressing the remaining comb and honey, these materials may attract ants and other pests, leak into building materials or contribute to further problems. Some solitary native bees may excavate nesting tunnels in soft or deteriorating mortar. Repeated nesting activity can contribute to localised deterioration of affected joints. The appropriate response depends on the bee species, the nesting location and the level of risk.

Effective bee management begins with correctly identifying the bees and determining whether they are swarming, nesting or simply visiting flowers and other food sources. Where possible, management should consider preserving beneficial bees while addressing genuine safety or building concerns. PROFESSIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT BEEKEEPER ASSESSMENT & RELOCATION Where honey bees have established a swarm or colony, contacting an experienced beekeeper should be the first option. A beekeeper may be able to collect and relocate the bees, depending on the location, accessibility and condition of the colony. WHEN PEST MANAGEMENT IS NECESSARY Where collection or relocation is not practical, and the bees continue to present a significant risk or problem, professional pest management may be considered. Surekill Pest Control recommends that customers explore suitable beekeeper services before requesting pest control intervention. Any subsequent management will depend on the bee species, nesting location, accessibility, surrounding conditions and potential risks. ESTABLISHED COLONIES WITHIN BUILDINGS Honey bee colonies established within wall cavities, roof spaces or other structural areas may require additional consideration. Where a colony has been established for some time, remaining honeycomb, honey and other nesting materials can attract pests or cause building maintenance problems. Appropriate follow-up measures may be required. NATIVE BEE MANAGEMENT Many native bees are beneficial pollinators and do not require treatment. Where solitary bees are nesting in deteriorating mortar or other building materials, repairing the affected materials and reducing suitable nesting opportunities may provide a more effective long-term solution. PREVENTION & NON-CHEMICAL RISK MANAGEMENT Reducing opportunities for unwanted bee colonies to establish can help minimise problems around buildings. Gaps and openings that provide access to roof spaces, wall cavities and other concealed areas should be sealed where appropriate, provided no bees are occupying these spaces. Existing bee colonies should be professionally assessed before sealing entrances, as trapping bees inside a building can create additional problems. Deteriorating mortar and other damaged building materials should be repaired where appropriate, particularly where solitary bees have established nesting tunnels. Bee swarms and established colonies should not be disturbed, sprayed with household products or approached unnecessarily.