Bees and wasps
Bees
Bees play a vital role in pollinating plants, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring our food supply. Because of their importance, Council does not remove bees unless they pose a serious risk to public safety. Council encourages coexistence with bees wherever possible, as protecting them helps protect our environment and future.
European wasps are an introduced pest in Australia, they compete with native species, damage crops and disrupt ecosystems. Please see below to find out more about wasps.
Bees are hairy, whilst wasps usually have smooth and shiny skin. Wasps are narrow-waisted, have four wings and may be brightly coloured, with black and yellow pattern
Bees on Council Land
In most cases, Council will not remove bees from Council land because they are vital to the ecosystem. However, if a hive or swarm is creating a significant risk, for example, near a childcare centre or school, you can raise a request with us to have the area inspected and the bees managed.
When raising a request with Council we will need to know:
- Whether your request is relating to a swarm of bees or wasps
- The hazard of the swarm/nest.
- A specific location of the nest.
Please note: Bees and wasps can fly a long way away from their nest, so we will need an exact location of the nest to treat them.
To raise a request for inspection, you will need to call us on 1300 368 333.
Bee/Swarm Collectors
Beekeepers are sometimes called to capture swarms that are cast by feral honey bees or from the hives of domestic beekeepers.
Most beekeepers will remove a honeybee swarm for a small fee or maybe even free if they are nearby.
Bee swarms can almost always be collected alive and relocated by a competent beekeeper or bee removal company.
Bee populations around the world are rapidly declining. Extermination of a bee swarm is rarely necessary and discouraged if bee removal is possible.
The Yarra Valley bee group are a community apiculture group that supports local beekeepers and have members trained in swarm collection, to pass onto beekeepers to hive, as an alternative to poisoning bees.
European Wasps
Council will treat wasp nests on Council land, if the nest can be located and is not too high off the ground.
European wasps became widespread across Australia in the late 1970s after arriving in Tasmania in 1959. They are similar in size to a bee and can be told apart by their thin waist, yellow legs and two long black antennae. It should be noted there are more than 10,000 native wasps in Australia* that are not deemed pests.
European wasps are opportunistic scavengers and hunters and able to take food from a variety of different sources including humans eating outdoors.
Tips to prevent European wasp activity on your property:
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees
- Do not leave open drinks unattended
- Do not leave unattended food outdoors
- Feed pets indoors.
Removal of Wasps
If you find a nest on your property you should contact a professional to deal with it. Wasps can sting repeatedly, especially if its nest is disturbed. For the odd wasp you can make your own European wasp trap using household ingredients. Research - 'European wasp trap' online to find the best method for you, ensuring you check your trap to determine the correct species is being captured.
*https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/nature-wildlife/2024/04/australias-weird-and-wacky-wasps/
Resources
Agriculture Victoria European Wasp Information »
Victorian Department of Health Wasp Information »