Feral bees are swarming

The European Honeybee, Apis mellifera, was introduced into Australia soon after Europeans arrived. It is now found across much of Australia. The bee was introduced to produce honey and pollinate crops.

When bees swarm and leave their managed hives they become feral bees. It is now the time of year when feral honey bees are swarming and looking to set up new colonies. Feral bees take over natural and artificial nesting hollows and compete with native animals for nectar.

Without a suitable hollow, many birds and mammals can’t breed. When a hollow is found, the native animals are still not safe. Feral bees can come along and evict the tenants. If there happen to be flightless chicks in the hollow then the feral bees can sting them to death.

The Friends of Queens Park Bushland are working with the City of Canning to remove all feral bee colonies in remnant bushland. If you see a feral bee colony in the bushland please contact us. If you own a managed hive please install a screen or queen excluder to stop the larger queen bees leaving the hive and swarming.