Bees are important pollinators that support native plants, gardens and agricultural crops. Although an individual foraging bee will generally leave people alone, bees may sting when they are trapped, handled or defending an established colony.
The appropriate response depends on whether you have found a single bee, a temporary swarm or a colony established inside a structure. This guide explains the potential risks and what to do when bees settle close to your home or business.
Bees in Newcastle
Newcastle is home to European honey bees and a range of Australian native bee species. Both native bees and introduced honey bees can contribute to the pollination of flowering plants and crops.
European honey bees live in large colonies and produce the honey commonly harvested by beekeepers. In contrast, most Australian native bees are solitary. Only a small number of native species form social colonies, and their nesting behaviour differs from that of European honey bees.
Difference Between Honey Bees and Native Bees
The European honey bee is an introduced species that forms large, permanent colonies. It is widely managed for honey production and crop pollination.
Australia also has more than 1,500 species of native bees. Most are solitary, meaning that each female prepares her own nest rather than living in a large hive. However, some native stingless bees form social colonies in tree hollows and other cavities.
Bee species vary considerably in size, colour, nesting behaviour and appearance. Like other insects, adult bees have six legs, antennae and three main body sections. They also have two pairs of wings, although the front and rear wings connect during flight and may appear to form a single pair.
Correct identification is important because a native solitary bee, a temporary honey-bee swarm and a colony established inside a wall cavity require different responses.
Do All Bees Sting?
Not every bee can sting. Male bees do not have stingers, while females of many bee species can sting. Australia also has native stingless bees that cannot deliver a functional sting, although they may defend their nests in other ways.
Most foraging bees are not aggressive and will generally move away if left alone. However, the likelihood of stinging may increase when a bee is trapped, stepped on or handled, or when a colony is disturbed.
For most people, a bee sting causes immediate pain, redness and localised swelling. However, some people can experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Multiple stings can also require urgent medical assessment, even in someone without a known allergy.
Signs of anaphylaxis can include:
- Difficult or noisy breathing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Wheezing or persistent coughing
- Dizziness, collapse or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty speaking or a hoarse voice
If anaphylaxis is suspected, use an adrenaline autoinjector immediately if one is available, then call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow the person’s allergy action plan where one is available.
What to Do If You Find A Bee Hive
Do not touch, spray or attempt to move a swarm or established colony. Keep children and pets away, avoid blocking the bees’ flight path and observe the location from a safe distance.
A swarm is a cluster of bees temporarily resting while scout bees search for a new nesting site. An established colony has usually occupied a cavity, roof space, tree hollow or other protected location and may show regular flights through a particular opening.
An accessible swarm may be suitable for collection by an experienced beekeeper. However, bees established inside a wall, roof or another inaccessible structure may require assessment by a licensed pest management professional. The appropriate method depends on the species, location, accessibility and risk to people nearby.
For more guidance, read what to do if you find a beehive.
What to Do After a Bee Sting
Move away from the area to reduce the risk of further stings. If a stinger remains in the skin, remove it promptly. Wash the area and apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to help reduce pain and swelling.
Speak with a pharmacist or health professional about appropriate relief for persistent pain, itching or swelling. Seek medical attention following multiple stings or if symptoms are severe.
If the person develops signs of anaphylaxis, use an adrenaline autoinjector immediately if available, call Triple Zero (000) and follow their allergy action plan.
Bee Removal and Control in Newcastle
The appropriate response to bee activity depends on whether the bees are foraging, temporarily swarming or living in an established colony. Identification and inspection should therefore come before any removal or treatment.
Where relocation is safe and practical, collection by an experienced beekeeper may be considered. If bees have established themselves inside a wall cavity, roof or another inaccessible part of a building, professional pest management may be required.
Contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators to discuss the location and type of bee activity on your property. Our team can assess whether pest management is appropriate and explain the available options.
