STINGLESS bee keepers Russell and Janine Zabel will visit Redlands Organic Growers Inc (ROGI) on February 14 to answer questions about this fascinating enterprise.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
The couple has been keeping social stingless bees for more than 30 years and manage more than 600 colonies, many agisted in Redlands.
Colonies are sold to enthusiasts through the eastern states of Australia, along with empty boxes, books and various tools.
Mr Zabel said stingless bees have an excellent success rate and there is not really much that can go wrong after correct placement.
Of the three species of social singles bees found in the south-east Queensland region, Tetragonula carbonaria is the most common.
“This species naturally lives in hollow gum trees but has adapted well to suburbia where they are kept in small wooden boxes. Some colonies are found living in water meter boxes as well as footpath trees,” he said.
“Stingless bees are great pollinators of macadamias, avocados, mangoes, stone fruit, citrus fruit and many other ornamental flowers.
“They also produce about one kilogram of honey yearly.”
The Zabels also have experience in keeping stingless bees in the tropics and have lived in the northern parts of Australia while undertaking training for traditional owners.
Stingless bees are great pollinators
- Russell Zabel
Join ROGI members on Wednesday February 14 from 6.15 for a 7pm start at the Salvation Army Church at the corner of McDonald Rd and MacArthur St, Alexandra Hills. Visitors are welcome to attend for a $5 entry.
