Asian honey bees may compete with European honey bees and native animals for food and nesting cavities. They are natural hosts for varroa mites. If these mites are introduced into Australia, Asian honey bees could aid their spread, and this could cause severe losses in European honey bee colonies.

They tend to nest in small cavities (such as letterboxes and garden sheds) in urban environments.

A sting from an Asian honey bee has been known to cause an anaphylactic reaction in a person who is allergic to other bees.

Be on the lookout for bees and check vessels, vehicles and trailers before travelling long distances.

Some photos are provided by Arthur Gibli.