Wasps & Bees in Perth
Wasps and bees are commonly found around Perth homes and gardens, particularly during warmer periods when activity increases around flowering plants, food sources and nesting locations. Although both can sting when threatened, bees are important pollinators and should not automatically be treated in the same way as pest wasps. Learn how to recognise activity, identify possible nesting locations and know when professional assistance is needed.
Common signs of wasp and bee activity
Seeing a few insects around flowering plants is normal. However, repeated activity around the same structure or opening may indicate a nest or established colony nearby.
Increased insect activity
Wasps or bees regularly appearing around a particular part of the home, garden or building.
Repeated flight paths
Insects travelling repeatedly to and from the same gap, opening, tree or structure.
Visible nests or swarms
A paper-like wasp nest, an established bee hive or a temporary cluster of bees.
Activity around roof areas
Repeated movement around roof spaces, eaves, wall openings or sheltered building gaps.
Food-related activity
Wasps gathering around outdoor food, sugary drinks, bins or fallen fruit.
Activity around gardens
Bees visiting flowering plants or insects repeatedly returning to a sheltered garden location.
Worth noting: Bees collecting nectar from flowers are not necessarily nesting nearby. Repeated movement into one fixed opening can be a more useful clue when investigating a possible hive.
Where do wasps and bees nest?
Nesting locations vary considerably depending on the species. Some wasps create exposed paper nests, while others use protected cavities or ground locations. Bees may establish colonies within trees, buildings and other sheltered spaces, or gather temporarily as a swarm.
Watch from a safe position. Repeated insect movement into the same opening may help identify an active nest or hive entrance. Do not approach the opening to investigate it yourself.
Roof eaves
Protected roof edges and overhangs around buildings.
Sheds and outdoor structures
Sheltered roof areas, external fittings and outbuildings.
Wall cavities
Concealed spaces behind walls and within building structures.
Roof spaces
Protected spaces beneath roofing and around concealed entry points.
Trees and gardens
Tree cavities, branches, dense vegetation and other sheltered garden areas.
Building openings
Gaps around eaves, walls, rooflines and other protected structural spaces.
Underground cavities
Soil openings and ground cavities used by some wasp species.
Fences and protected structures
Fence fittings, external surfaces and other sheltered locations.
What attracts wasps and bees?
Wasps and bees respond to different resources around a property. Some are attracted to food or flowers, while others are looking for shelter or nesting opportunities.
Flowering plants
Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and can also attract some wasps.
Accessible food
Sugary drinks, food scraps, outdoor meals and fallen fruit may attract wasps.
Rubbish and food waste
Uncovered bins and exposed waste can provide feeding opportunities for some wasps.
Water sources
Accessible water can attract bees and wasps in certain conditions.
Protected nesting locations
Roof cavities, wall gaps, tree hollows and sheltered structures may provide nesting sites.
Other insects
Some wasp species hunt other insects, which can influence their activity around gardens and buildings.
Wasps vs bees: Why does it matter?
Wasps and bees are different insects and may require different approaches. Appearance alone is not always enough to identify them, so consider their behaviour and nesting activity as well.
Wasps
Wasp behaviour varies by species. Some build paper-like nests or repeatedly use a sheltered nesting location.
- May gather around outdoor food
- Some species build exposed nests
- Some species use cavities or ground sites
- Can defend an active nest when disturbed
Bees
Bees are valuable pollinators. Honey bees may gather temporarily in a swarm or establish a colony inside a sheltered cavity.
- Often visit flowering plants
- May gather in a temporary swarm
- Can establish colonies in tree or wall cavities
- Relocation may be considered where suitable
Important distinction: A temporary bee swarm is not the same as an established hive. Bee relocation depends on the location, accessibility and circumstances of the colony.
How can you reduce unwanted activity?
Simple housekeeping and maintenance may help reduce some unwanted wasp activity around outdoor living and working areas. These measures should not involve disturbing active nests or preventing bees from accessing an established hive.
Learn about Bee Removal & Relocation PerthNever disturb an active nest. Do not strike, spray, seal or attempt to dismantle an occupied nest or hive yourself.
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Cover outdoor food and drinks
Limit exposed food and sugary drinks during outdoor activities.
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Keep rubbish bins closed
Use suitable bin lids and maintain outdoor waste areas.
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Clean spills promptly
Remove sugary drink and food residue from outdoor eating areas.
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Remove fallen fruit
Collect ripe fallen fruit where practical and safe.
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Maintain suitable building gaps
Seal unused gaps when no insect activity is present. Never block an active hive entrance.
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Manage exposed food waste
Avoid leaving food scraps around patios and outdoor living spaces.
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Keep people and pets away
Restrict access to areas containing suspected active nests, hives or swarms.
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Seek advice before removal
Have an active nest or swarm appropriately assessed before taking action.
What should you do if you find a nest or swarm?
An occupied wasp nest or bee hive can become dangerous when disturbed. Keep a safe distance and allow an appropriately experienced professional to assess the situation.
What you should do
- Keep a safe distance from the activity
- Keep children and pets away
- Observe the location from a safe position
- Arrange appropriate professional advice
What you should not do
- Do not strike or disturb a nest or hive
- Do not attempt DIY removal or spraying
- Do not seal an active hive entrance
- Do not open occupied walls or roof cavities
When is professional help needed?
Professional assistance should be considered when a wasp nest, bee colony or swarm is located near an area where it may present a risk to people or pets.
Wasps and bees require different approaches, so identifying the activity and its location is an important first step.
Bee colonies should be assessed for suitable management options, including relocation where practical and appropriate.
- An active nest near entrances or outdoor living areas
- Repeated activity around an occupied building opening
- A bee swarm or established hive near people or pets
- Activity around workplaces, rentals or shared access areas
Wasps & Bees in Perth: FAQs
Answers to common questions about wasp nests, bee swarms, relocation and keeping your property safe.
How can I tell whether I have wasps or bees?
Their appearance, nesting structures and behaviour can provide clues, but some species are easily confused. Avoid approaching the insects to identify them. A suitable professional can help assess the activity.
Does a group of bees always mean there is a hive?
No. Honey bees sometimes gather temporarily as a swarm while searching for a new nesting location. Repeated movement into a fixed opening may indicate an established colony.
Where do wasps commonly build nests?
Nesting locations depend on the species and may include roof eaves, outdoor structures, wall cavities and ground areas. Avoid disturbing a suspected nest.
Should I spray or remove a wasp nest myself?
It is safer not to disturb or attempt to remove an active nest. Some wasps defend their nests when threatened and may sting repeatedly. Arrange suitable professional advice.
Can bees be relocated instead of treated?
Relocation may be possible in suitable circumstances. The options depend on the colony's location, accessibility, surrounding structure and safety. Relocation cannot be guaranteed before assessment.
Should I block the opening bees are using?
No. Avoid sealing an active entrance before the colony has been assessed. Blocking an occupied opening may trap bees inside a structure or redirect their activity.
Are wasps and bees dangerous to pets?
Pets can be stung if they approach or disturb insects or nesting areas. Keep animals away from concentrated activity. If a pet is stung and develops concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly.
What should I do after a bee or wasp sting?
Move away from the insects and follow current Australian first-aid guidance. If a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis is suspected, use an adrenaline autoinjector if available and call 000 for an ambulance.
Found a wasp nest or bee swarm around your property?
We assist Perth homes, rentals and businesses with professional pest-control enquiries and bee removal assessments. Tell us where the insects are located and what you've noticed, and we'll discuss the appropriate next step.