Get ready for autumn

Australian native bees will remain active throughout late summer and into early autumn in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW. You will find them foraging on late-flowering native plants, building up their energy reserves before getting colder. Later in autumn, as it gets cooler, native bees in some areas may become less active.

Choose plants indigenous to your local area for better compatibility with Australian native bees e.g. banksia

Tips to support your native bees during autumn

• Avoid pesticides. Do not use systemic insecticides, which can be harmful to pollinators, especially during this critical time for preparing for winter.

• Offer source of water. Provide a shallow dish of water with stones for native bees during late summer and warm autumn days.

• Go local. Choose plants indigenous to your local area for better compatibility with Australian native bees e.g. some species of banksia, grevillia and correa. Check with your local nursery or garden centre for autumn flowering species.

• Mix it up. Mix shrubs, groundcovers, and trees to provide a continuous food source.