Landholder Resources

Controlling feral honey bees

The European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) is an introduced species in Australia and the most common feral bee in Victoria. Feral colonies can: 

  • Disrupt pollination of plants 
  • Displace wildlife from tree hollows and nest boxes 
  • Consume nectar that would otherwise support birds, mammals, and insects 
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These bee control methods are relevant statewide across a range of habitats. 

  • Identify bees correctly – there are many species of native bees that are essential for a healthy environment. Native bees are mostly solitary and do not form swarms 
  • European Honey Bees may be found in hives in hollows and nest boxes, or as swarms out in the open 
  • Qualified apiarists may be able to safely extract and relocate feral swarms 
  • Consider your safety. Bee stings and working at heights pose risks 

While qualified apiarists may be able to relocate hives and swarms, landholders may use chemicals to kill bees. 

Chemical control:  

  • Use non-residual insecticides (e.g. pyrethrum) to kill bees 
  • Fumigate using petrol-soaked rags or pyrethrum on cool nights when bees are inside 

Post-treatment: 

  • Remove old wax and honey residue to discourage the bees re-colonising 
  • Monitor the site for new swarms 
  • Regularly inspect nest boxes and hollows for signs of feral bee activity 
  • Remove old wax and honey residue 
  • Record sightings and report to local conservation groups or the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas 
  • Encourage native bees by creating suitable habitat (e.g. bee hotels, resin tubes) 

These bee control methods are relevant statewide across a range of habitats. 

  • Identify bees correctly – there are many species of native bees that are essential for a healthy environment. Native bees are mostly solitary and do not form swarms 
  • European Honey Bees may be found in hives in hollows and nest boxes, or as swarms out in the open 
  • Qualified apiarists may be able to safely extract and relocate feral swarms 
  • Consider your safety. Bee stings and working at heights pose risks 

While qualified apiarists may be able to relocate hives and swarms, landholders may use chemicals to kill bees. 

Chemical control:  

  • Use non-residual insecticides (e.g. pyrethrum) to kill bees 
  • Fumigate using petrol-soaked rags or pyrethrum on cool nights when bees are inside 

Post-treatment: 

  • Remove old wax and honey residue to discourage the bees re-colonising 
  • Monitor the site for new swarms 
  • Regularly inspect nest boxes and hollows for signs of feral bee activity 
  • Remove old wax and honey residue 
  • Record sightings and report to local conservation groups or the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas 
  • Encourage native bees by creating suitable habitat (e.g. bee hotels, resin tubes) 
Safety
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking land management. Follow all label instructions on equipment and local regulations. Be mindful of weather conditions. Do not conduct land management on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger or total fire ban. 
Further information
If you have a conservation covenant, please consult with your Trust for Nature regional staff member to ensure land management activities are in line with your covenant deed.

For further information, please contact Trust for Nature.
Phone: (03) 8361 5800
Email:  trustfornature@tfn.org.au
Disclaimer
Trust for Nature and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication