Controlling feral honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), populations in Australia: Methodologies and costs

Abstract

The level of impact of feral honey bees on the Australian ecosystems is controversial but may include competition with native fauna for floral resources or nesting sites, inadequate pollination of native flora or undesirable pollination of exotic flora. The precautionary principle suggests that control of feral bees in areas of high conservation value would be desirable. This raises the question of the feasibility and cost of controlling or eradicating feral bees in conserved areas. Possible methods for controlling feral bees in Australia are reviewed. It is concluded that eradication is not feasible on a broad scale, but would be in small areas that are heavily used by the public.