May 20 is recognized globally as World Bee Day. The Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office of New Taipei City, Taiwan, reported that last year the city received 7,916 bee-related cases, among which 233 involved harmless honeybees.
Recently, a village chief in Xindian District reported a bee colony entering and exiting a tree hollow on Central First Street. Upon receiving the report, officials promptly inspected the site and confirmed the bees were harmless and merely passing through. To avoid disturbing the bees, a notice was posted nearby to alert residents to be aware of bee activity and maintain a safe distance.
Seasonal Bee Activity and Safety Tips
The Animal Protection Office noted that March to April is the peak season for bees searching for nesting sites. Residences with lychee, longan, or citrus trees are especially attractive to bees due to the nectar sources. Residents are advised to wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and hats when entering areas with bee activity, minimizing exposed skin. If bees fly rapidly in circles nearby, it may indicate the presence of a nearby hive. In such cases, people should calmly and quietly leave the area without making sudden movements to avoid provoking the bees.
Distinguishing Honeybees from Hornets
Besides honeybees, Taiwan's wild environment also hosts the more dangerous Asian giant hornet. Compared to honeybees, hornets are larger, have stingers that can be used repeatedly, and are more aggressive. With rising temperatures, summer is the peak nesting season for hornets. Early in the season, hornet nests are small and less aggressive, but by late summer, as the colony matures, their aggression increases, raising the risk involved in handling them.
If a suspected hornet nest is found near homes, residents are urged to report it promptly for professional removal. Hornet nests are typically spherical, light brown with distinct wavy patterns on the surface, often found on tree branches or under eaves, with patrol hornets flying around. In contrast, wasp nests resemble shower heads and are less dangerous. For more information, residents can visit New Taipei City's hornet hotspot website for educational resources.
World Bee Day Background and Call for Protection
World Bee Day was established in 2017 following an initiative by the Slovenian government to raise awareness of the vital role bees and other pollinators play in ecosystems and sustainable agriculture. The date, May 20, marks the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th-century pioneer of modern beekeeping from Slovenia.
Bees are crucial pollinators essential to human food supply and biodiversity. The day encourages public attention and protection efforts for these small yet indispensable creatures. The New Taipei City Animal Protection Office urges residents not to handle bee colonies or nests themselves for safety reasons. Instead, they should immediately call the 24-hour Animal Protection hotline at 02-2959-6353 or 1959 for professional assistance to ensure safety.
