Monash Bulletin - 25 September 2007

Bee Smart this Spring

It is wasp and bee season again, with many residents turning to Monash City Council for help and advice.

Environmental Health Co-ordinator, Adrian White said wasps and bees become active in spring with numbers building over summer and peaking around March each year.

"Council responds to more than 300-400 calls annually regarding European wasps and bees. Calls in relation to wasps generally start to come through in the spring months," he said.

"We also get many calls relating to bees swarming. This behaviour is a part of their reproductive cycle; swarming bees present no danger if left alone and generally relocate within a few days," he said.

Mr White said European wasp and bee nests on Council property should be reported to Council, who will arrange for their treatment and eradication.

European wasp nests found on private property are the responsibility of the householder. Advice on treatment of nests is available at European Wasp Information or by contacting Environmental Health Services for a copy of our brochure 'European Wasp Information'.

"If the nest is not readily accessible, or if a resident has concerns over the treatment of nests, or suspects they may be allergic to bee or wasp stings, it is best to contact a licensed pest controller or apiarist," Mr White said.

The Bee helpline can be contacted on ph: 190 224 1059 for a list of apiarists who will remove bees.

• Keep compost heaps and rubbish bins covered
• Remove old and damaged fruit from trees, along with fallen fruit
• Clean up dog bones from the yard and cover pet food
• Cover bird baths and fish ponds with nets
• Remove ivy from the garden as wasps frequently nest in its strands

• Never drink outdoors from an open can or bottle; use a straw, or better still, drink from a glass
• Food consumed outdoors should be checked before each mouthful, as wasps like to hide inside and underneath food
• Keep away from nests and never approach them during the day
• Wear shoes around the garden, especially when watering
• Don't swat or annoy wasps; wasps are attracted to moving targets.

Residents who find a wasp or bee nest on Council property should notify Monash City Council Depot on 9518 3777, with details, including the address and location of the nest.

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Published: 25 September 2007

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