Complaints about urban beehives prompt Whanganui District Council survey

Beehives in urban areas are generating complaints to the Whanganui District Council.

Bees have some Springvale residents abuzz with complaints.

Residents' concerns about "bee poop" and stings have prompted the Whanganui District Council to survey an area of Springvale to map a bee flight path.

"Mapping the flight path and the areas which are most adversely affected by bee poop will help us to locate the apiary causing the issues," environmental health officer Alison Smith said.

"The results of the survey will be used to provide data about where hives are being kept so that we can then talk to beekeepers about doing something to mitigate the bee poop issue.

"Of the complaints we receive, 90 per cent are the result of people moving commercial or semi-commercial hives into an urban area. For example, some commercial operators are keeping up to 10 hives in one area and bees are flying off the property to find food."

Ms Smith said the council had issued only one abatement notice to date and it was later withdrawn as the bees were removed.

"We try to work with the beekeepers and residents to come up with a solution which suits everyone before issuing abatement notices."

The council's Keeping of Animals, Poultry and Bees Bylaw says that in all areas of the district anyone keeping bees, or permitting bees to be kept on their premises, must ensure the bees do not cause a nuisance to other people.