Spring is here! Guess what? It’s also bee season in Perth. This is a significant time for both bees and homeowners. As the weather warms up, bees become more active, and homeowners may notice increased bee activity around their homes and gardens. While bees play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem, their presence near homes can sometimes lead to unwanted encounters or concerns. By understanding the bee season, why bees removal in Perth matters, and how to coexist safely with bees, you can enjoy the weather and stay away from the buzzing insects. In today’s blog, we’ll tell what homeowners in Perth need to know about bee season, how to protect their homes, and how to handle bee-related issues safely.
When is Bee Season in Perth?
Bee season in Perth starts in late spring and continues through summer and early autumn, peaking between September and April. As the days get warmer, flowers bloom, providing bees with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive. During this period, bees are most active, building their colonies and collecting food to prepare for the colder months. This is the time you should call bee removal specialists near you for help.
The increase in bee activity coincides with outdoor living for many Perth residents, as they spend more time gardening, barbecuing, or simply relaxing in their yards. It’s important to be aware of bee season to avoid accidental disturbances to bees and potential stings.
Why Are Bees Important for the Ecosystem?
While bees can sometimes be a nuisance, they are vital to our ecosystem. Bees are excellent pollinators, helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. Without bees, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we enjoy wouldn’t be able to grow.
Perth’s local flora, including various wildflowers, relies heavily on bee pollination. Homeowners with gardens also benefit from bees, as they help boost the health and productivity of fruit trees and flowering plants. Supporting bee populations, even during bee season, is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the environment’s overall health.
Common Bee Species in Perth
There are several species of bees you might encounter during bee season in Perth. Understanding the difference between them can help you better identify what you’re dealing with.
European Honeybee: The most common species, European honeybees are responsible for much of the pollination in gardens and farms. They are also the species most likely to form hives near homes.
Native Australian Bees: These bees are typically smaller and less aggressive than honeybees.
Some species, such as the blue-banded bee, leafcutter bee, resin bee, reed bee, masked bees are solitary and rarely sting. Others, like the Tetragonula carbonaria, a type of stingless bee, are non-aggressive and beneficial for gardens.
Wasps vs. Bees
Wasps are often mistaken for bees but are more aggressive. Unlike bees, which die after stinging, wasps can sting multiple times. Learning to distinguish between bees and wasps is essential for safe interaction.
Signs of a Bee Infestation or Hive Near Your Home
It’s common for bees to be attracted to residential areas during bee season, especially if you have flowering plants, water sources, or sheltered areas that appeal to them. Bees tend to form hives in protected locations like tree hollows, wall cavities, roof spaces, or garden sheds.
Signs of a bee hive or infestation near your home include:
- Frequent bee activity around a particular area, such as a wall or tree.
- Seeing bees entering and exiting a hole or crack in your home’s structure.
- Hearing a buzzing sound near a wall or roof space.
- Discovering a honeycomb or nest in your yard, shed, or roof.
- If you suspect a hive is near your home, it’s important to address the issue safely to avoid disturbing the bees, which can make them more aggressive.
How to Protect Your Home and Family During Bee Season?
While bees are generally not aggressive unless provoked, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of bee encounters around your home.
Seal Openings: Inspect your home for cracks, holes, or gaps in walls, roof spaces, and sheds where bees might try to build a hive. Seal these openings to prevent bees from nesting inside your property.
Remove Attractants: Bees are attracted to flowers, water sources, and sugary foods. Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors, and ensure that bins are sealed to reduce the chance of attracting bees. In your garden, limit excessive flowering plants near high-traffic areas like patios or decks.
Use Natural Repellents: Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella can help deter bees from certain areas. Use these oils in outdoor sprays or diffusers to make areas less attractive to bees without harming them.
Create Safe Zones: Designate certain areas of your yard where bees are likely to gather, such as flower beds, away from frequently used areas. This allows the bees to thrive while keeping them out of human spaces.
What to Do if You Find a Hive or Swarm?
If you come across a bee hive or swarm in your yard or near your home, it’s essential to stay calm. Swarming bees are typically not aggressive, as they are searching for a new place to build a hive. However, attempting to remove the hive yourself can be dangerous.
Call a Professional
When it comes to trusted bee removal service, always contact a professional bee removal service like Bees Removal Perth to safely relocate the hive. As bee removal experts, we are trained in handling bee colonies without harming them. We also offer relocation to beekeepers who can care for the bees in a controlled environment.
Avoid DIY Removal
Never attempt to remove a hive or swarm on your own, as disturbing the bees could provoke them, leading to multiple stings. DIY treatments may also harm the bees, which is detrimental to the environment.
Bee Stings: Prevention and First Aid
Even with precautions, bee stings can happen. Knowing how to prevent and treat bee stings is crucial, especially for individuals allergic to bee venom.
Bee season in Perth is an important time for both bees and homeowners. While bees play a crucial role in the environment, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid unwanted encounters, especially if a hive forms near your home. Whether you need to manage a beehive, prevent stings, or simply create a bee-friendly garden, get help from the bee control professionals from Bees Removal Perth at (08) 6244 4292/0451 563 333 today.