Blue Banded Bee Rescue on a Rainy Afternoon
On a wet afternoon, my attention was drawn to a desperate buzzing sound coming from my kitchen window. There, trapped in the window tracks, was one of Australia’s most distinctive native pollinators – a Blue-banded bee, its metallic stripes catching the light as it struggled against the aluminium frame.
Four blazing blue bands. A Queen.
She was about the size of a European bumblebee, the exhausted Queen had become trapped while likely seeking shelter from the rain.
Time was critical, as these solitary bees typically don’t survive long when stressed. Armed with a bug catcher, I carefully manoeuvred the distressed bee from the window tracks, noticing how its usually energetic movements had slowed to a concerning lethargy.
Knowing that tired bees often need energy, I prepared a small rescue meal – a mixture of honey and water. I offered the solution on a teaspoon, keeping a careful watch to ensure the bee wouldn’t become stuck in the sticky substance. After a few minutes near the honey solution, I gently moved the bee onto a piece of cuttlefish bone, providing it with a safe, dry surface to rest and recover. The white, textured surface of the cuttlefish seemed to offer the perfect emergency landing pad for our exhausted native pollinator.
For several tense 10 minutes, the situation looked grim.
The bee barely moved on its cuttlefish perch, and I worried it might not survive its ordeal. But nature proved resilient – after about twenty minutes of rest, the bee suddenly sprang to life. In a heartbeat, it took to the air with the characteristic darting flight pattern typical of Blue-banded bees, disappearing into the garden as quickly as it had entered my kitchen.
This successful rescue illustrates how these beautiful native pollinators sometimes need our help, particularly when they become trapped in human structures during wet weather.
Their presence in our gardens is precious, as they’re pollinators of both native plants and common garden vegetables like tomatoes through their specialised buzz pollination technique.
Safe onward journey your majesty.
Explore More
- Australian Insects | Comprehensive Guide to Bugs and Their Roles Dive into the world of Australia’s fascinating insects, from pollinators to predators, and learn their ecological importance.
- Wildlife Gardening | Creating a Haven for Native Species Learn how to make your garden a safe and inviting space for Australia’s blue-banded bees and other wildlife.
- Local Native Bees of Australia | A Guide to Identification and Care Discover the diverse world of native Australian bees, including the stunning blue-banded bee.
- How to Make a Butterfly and Bee Habitat | Step-by-Step Guide Create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard to support pollinators like blue-banded bees.
- Traditional Fire Starting Methods and Wet Weather Tips Explore time-tested methods to create fire or warmth while protecting wildlife in Australia’s unpredictable weather.
