INVASIVE BEES
In Australia, invasive pest bees are responsible for interrupting the natural pollination process,
competing with native bees for food and nesting sites, spreading parasites,
displacing wildlife and causing damage.
The Australian Problem Bees
Australia is home to over 1700 native bee species that are crucial to our ecosystem. Unfortunately, native bees face threats from invasive and destructive pest bees. These invaders bring with them a host of problems, from spreading parasites to competing
for scarce resources and damaging homes.
Feral Honeybees
Feral bees are bees imported to Australia from various countries and come from a domesticated stock. They are also known as wild honeybees or honeybees that escape from managed hives and compete with native bees and animals for food and nesting sites in tree hollows. These
contested resources between feral honeybees and native bees play a crucial role in the survival and success of both species.
Feral bees are larger and operate in bigger groups than their native counterparts. They also do not have the same pollinating techniques as some native bees, which have adapted specifically for the Australian environment.
Unlike domesticated honeybees, feral bees are known for their aggressive behaviour. They possess stingers, which they can use to defend themselves and their hives. These stings can be painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
Why Feral Honeybees Are Pests
Feral bees are a problem because they were not meant to be in Australia. They do not have the same pollination
skills and behaviours of the Australian native bees, and it results in a disruption of the ecosystem,
endangering the essential bees and their habitat.
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COMPEATING FOR NESTING SITES
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COMPEATING FOR FOOD
One of the primary resources shared between feral honeybees and native bees is nesting sites. Both species require safe environments to construct their hives or nests, and they often compete for the same locations. Caves, hollow trees, and underground tunnels are popular nesting sites for native bees, while feral honeybees can readily establish hives in abandoned structures, such as buildings or wooden boxes. The availability of suitable nesting sites can have a significant impact on the population size and distribution of both feral honeybees and native bees.
Pollen is a crucial component of bees’ diet, providing essential nutrients for their growth and reproduction. Similarly, nectar is an essential source of carbohydrates for energy. Farel Honeybees have evolved to thrive in specific floral species, while many native Australian bees have adapted to pollinate specific plants.
The introduction of Farel Honeybees has resulted in competition for pollen and nectar resources with native bees. Farel Honeybees possess a unique morphology, such as the ability to perform buzz pollination, which allows them to efficiently collect pollen from a wide range of plant species. This behavior can disrupt pollination dynamics, as Farel Honeybees may outcompete native bees for floral resources.
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INCORECTLY POLINATING NATIVE PLANTS
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SPREADING PARESITES TO NATIVE BEES
Native plants in Australia have evolved specific pollination mechanisms, often involving specific pollinators such as native bees or birds. When feral honeybees inadvertently pollinate these native plants, it disrupts the natural reproductive process and can lead to reproductive failures or reduced seed production. This can lead to a decrease in native plant diversity and abundance.
Also, feral honeybees have a preference for certain types of pollen, which may not align with the pollen needs of native plants. They may visit native plants in search of nectar but inadvertently transfer pollen from their own preferred plant species. This incorrect pollination can result in reduced reproductive success for native plants and hinder their ability to adapt and survive in changing environments.
Farel honeybees, due to their widespread presence and large population, act as vectors for several diseases that affect native Australian bees. The primary vectors for these diseases are typically associated with the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.In addition to diseases, Farel honeybees also transmit parasites to native Australian bees. These parasites can have detrimental effects on the native bees’ health and population dynamics.Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite, is another significant disease threat to honeybees and native bees alike. These mites attach to the honeybees’ bodies, feeding on their hemolymph and weakening their immune system. Varroa mites can also transmit viral diseases, exacerbating the negative effects they have on the bees’ health. Farel honeybees, which are already infested with Varroa destructor, introduce these mites to native bee colonies, leading to the spread of disease.
Mortar Bee
European Feral Bee
Red Mason Bee
Mortar Bees
Along with feral bees, there are other species which are also incredibly destructive in their own way. One of these bees is the mortar bee. Rather than destroying the environment, the mortar can destroy homes and buildings – causing untold damage every year.
Mortar Bees also known as Masonry Bees, are large, yellow and pale brown bees who are often found alone rather than in a hive. They like to burrow in crevices and holes in sand, hard soil, rock face and brick foundations – hence Mortar Bee. They are not known for stinging humans.
Mortar bees are considered pests because of their nesting habits. While they are not dangerous to humans, their nesting habits are incredibly destructive. Mortar bees build their nests inside mortar or masonry by burrowing small holes in the walls of buildings or bridges. They find soft mortar mixes and then burrow their way in, removing the mortar from the walls. These holes then allow moisture to enter the walls, leading to water damage and compromising the wall’s structural integrity.
Mortar bees’ widespread destruction makes them a significant pest across Australia, requiring immediate attention and effective pest control measures.
How We Can Help
We provide effective solutions that protect and promote the health of beneficial bees while reducing the damage of destructive bee species. We help take care of all pest bees quickly and efficiently, providing you with peace of mind knowing your surroundings are being taken care of.
