Stingless bees are a fascinating and harmless addition to your garden. These tiny, hardworking pollinators play a critical role in supporting native plants and flowers while creating a thriving ecosystem. Here’s why they are a valuable part of any garden.
What Are Stingless Bees?
Stingless bees are small, native bees found in Queensland gardens. Key characteristics include:
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Size: Only 3–5 mm long, often mistaken for flying ants or small flies.
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Species in Brisbane: Common species include Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi.
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Colony Behavior: Unlike solitary native bees, stingless bees live in large colonies of up to a few thousand individuals.
How Do Stingless Bees Help Your Garden?
1. Pollination Power
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Stingless bees are essential for pollinating native plants and garden flowers.
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They collect nectar and pollen, ensuring plants can reproduce and thrive.
2. Safe for Observation
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No Sting: These bees are completely stingless, making them safe for children and pets.
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Gentle Nature: Stingless bees will only bite if their nest is disturbed, and even then, it’s a harmless nip.
3. Encouraging Biodiversity
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Their activity supports native ecosystems by fertilizing a variety of plants.
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They provide food for other wildlife that depends on healthy vegetation.
Where Do Stingless Bees Build Their Nests?
Stingless bees often nest in hollow spaces, including:
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Natural Cavities: Tree hollows are a common choice.
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Man-Made Structures: They may use water meter boxes or wall cavities in homes.
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Hive Activity: A hive is bustling with thousands of bees storing honey, pollen, plant resins, and raising their young in a central brood chamber.
If their current nest becomes overcrowded, they will swarm to find a new location, but even during this time, they are harmless to humans.
Interesting Behaviors of Stingless Bees
1. The Bee Dance
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Just like honey bees, stingless bees perform dances at the hive entrance to direct others to food or water sources.
2. Guard Bees
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Guards stationed at the entrance inspect returning foragers and fend off intruders like parasitic wasps or other insects that attempt to steal honey or lay eggs.
3. Foraging with a Purpose
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Returning bees carry nectar or pollen in sacs on their legs. This is easily visible and fascinating to watch.
What to Do If You See a Stingless Bee Swarm
Occasionally, stingless bees may swarm when they outgrow their nest and need to establish a new colony. If you see a swarm:
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Remain Calm: Swarms are harmless, and bees will not sting.
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Safe to Observe: It’s safe to walk through the swarm or let a bee land on you—it may tickle as it investigates your skin.
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Contact a Professional: If the swarm is in a problematic location, call a native bee specialist for advice.
How to Support Stingless Bees in Your Garden
1. Provide a Bee-Friendly Habitat
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Plant native flowers and trees to supply nectar and pollen.
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Avoid using pesticides, which can harm bees and other beneficial insects.
2. Install a Native Bee Hive
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Native bee hives are a great way to house stingless bees and support pollination in your garden.
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These hives are available from native bee specialists and can be set up in a safe spot in your yard.
3. Ensure Water Availability
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Place a shallow dish of water with small stones for bees to land on safely.
Why Stingless Bees Are Ideal for Families
Stingless bees are perfect for families with children:
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They are non-aggressive and safe to observe.
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Kids can watch their fascinating behaviors, such as the bee dance, foraging, and hive activity.
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Observing these bees helps teach kids about pollination and the importance of biodiversity.
When to Call for Assistance with Native Bees
While stingless bees are harmless and beneficial, you may need professional help if:
- A colony has nested in an inconvenient location (such as inside a wall cavity or water meter box).
- You want to install a native bee hive to support pollination in your garden.
At Peter the Possum & Bird Man, we provide expert advice and safe relocation services for native bees.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Benefits of Stingless Bees
Stingless bees are one of Australia’s most fascinating native pollinators. They help gardens flourish, are completely safe to observe, and support biodiversity. Whether you want to attract more native bees, install a hive, or need assistance relocating a colony, professional guidance ensures the best outcome.
Need expert advice or help with stingless bees? Contact us now for professional assistance with native bee management!
