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Page Last Updated:
Tuesday, 20 May 2008 |
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| Bees are an important part of our environment. Bees typically swarm in spring when a queen and part of the honey bee colony leave the parent colony to establish a new hive.
After leaving the hive, the swarm will generally settle on a post, tree branch or similar while the scout bees search for a suitable new home. The bees will generally form a football shape around the queen to protect her. While they are clustered like this they can easily be collected and hived by people used to handling bees.
Provided the swarm is not aggravated they should not present a danger to people. The swarm will typically move off after a couple of days. However, should the swarm be located in a main thoroughfare for people on council land, please contact Council's Environmental Health Unit who can arrange to have the swarm removed.
Once the bees have established a nest, they can no longer be collected by a bee keeper and need to be eradicated by a pest control company with chemicals.
Bee swarms and nests located on private property must be treated by the property owner. Reports of bees on private properties can be directed to Council's Environmental Health unit for an officer to follow up with the owners.
After eradication, the entrances to the nest and other nearby holes should be sealed to prevent the entry by other swarms. Honeycomb should not be consumed as it may contain traces of chemicals. Removal of honeycomb should be left until all bee activity has ceased.
For further information on bees including locating and treating nests, contact Council's Environmental Health Unit on 1300 366 244.
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