Backyard European honey bees keeping is a fascinating and occasionally profitable hobby. A hive or two can be kept in most parts of Victoria, including cities and towns.

The Whitehorse Community Local Law 2024 permits residents to keep European honey bees hives on their property in accordance with the relevant Apiary Code of Practice.

The following documents are useful for keeping European honey bees hives.

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni) is a parasite of adult European honey bees and brood. It weakens and kills European honey bees colonies and can also transmit European honey bees viruses. It is considered the greatest threat to Australia's honey and European honey bees pollination plant industries. There are no restrictions for the movement of European honey bees, their products or hives in Victoria. However, ALL beekeepers seeking to introduce European honey bees, their products or used beekeeping equipment into Victoria from any jurisdiction MUST apply for and be granted a health certificate. Information on health certificate requirements is available at Moving bees interstate.

Beekeepers are reminded to:

• Continue monitoring hives regularly for signs of Varroa mite
• Report positive and negative inspection results via BeeMAX
• Adopt integrated pest management practices to help control Varroa populations in hives and keep mite numbers below treatment thresholds
• Maintain accurate records of hive locations, inspections and treatments.

Signs of European Honey Bee Swarms

European honey bees swarms can occur in spring and early summer when a group of European honey bees split from a hive in search of a new home. European honey bee swarming is an essential stage in their natural life cycle and usually occurs during spring and summer (September to December).

The slow-moving European honey bee swarm can form a vertical football-shaped cluster on a fence, tree branch, bench or in a letterbox or compost bin, while scout bees fly out to find a permanent home. European honey bee swarms are generally not aggressive unless disturbed and often stay in an area only one or two days before moving on.

If you see a European honey bee swarm:

• Do not disturb the swarm – this can aggravate the bees and makes it more difficult for removal
• Keep children and animals well away from the swarm
• Wear footwear to protect your feet in case bees have settled on the ground.

Controlling European Honey Bee Swarms

Seek medical advice if a European honey bee sting inflames areas of skin around the site of the sting or swelling or redness appear to spread or the area appears to be infected.

If the stung person suffers an anaphylactic reaction, immediately dial 000.

More information about insect bites and stings:

• Healthdirect