Bees rescued from properties at Bonny Hills

“They were everywhere, it was like bee rain or snow,” she said. 

“I couldn’t even go outside to hang the washing.”

Renae’s dog was stung and she was worried about her two children. 

She sought help from Dunbogan couple and beekeepers Barbara and Scott Martin, who came into her backyard to relocate the animals. 

Barbara and Scott estimated they saved about 20,000 bees.

Renae is very grateful for their help. 

“My neighbour also had a hive in his backyard, so they came to get that too.” 

Barbara and Scott caught the swarm in the afternoon and returned to the property at dusk to collect the box with the bees. 

Renae wants to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the bee population in Australia. 

“People don’t realise they are at risk of extinction.” 

Barbara said a lot of crops, including almonds and tomatoes, depend on the pollination of bees.

The Martins have carried out a few bee rescues in the local area and further afield since spring (the swarm season).

Barbara said if people see a swarm they should call a local beekeeper as soon as possible. 

“Don’t wait for them to go away and don’t spray the bees with anything,” she said. 

“Stay calm and keep pets and children at a safe distance, although swarming bees are usually not aggressive.

“They gorge themselves on honey before leaving the original hive so are heavy and sluggish when relocating.

“Plus they don’t have a hive to protect (brood and honey stores) so they have no reason to be aggressive unless threatened directly.

Barbara said swarming is the natural way of their reproduction, and occurs when a hive is split where the old queen leaves and the remaining bees raise a new queen.

For more information or if you need help with relocating bees contact Barbara and Scott Martin on 0400 483 451.