The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries biosecurity arm, Biosecurity Queensland, is fighting the pest bee on more than one front.

Teams are continuing to monitor rural areas around Gordonvale, while others are following up reports of bee nests in the homes and backyards at Parramatta Park and Bungalow.

A 15th nest was detected and destroyed this week in a container at a Portsmith business, the industrial suburb where Asian honey bees were first detected in May last year.

Biosecurity Queensland operations manager Ian Rodger said reports from city residents have led to the immediate destruction of nests in residential areas within the city limits.

"We fear there are more out there," Mr Rodger said.

"The need for public assistance is greater now that we are in residential areas.

"The bees are often difficult to locate so it is important residents become increasingly vigilant around their own homes and report any suspicious bees or swarms.

"The Asian honey bees may have established more nests in the city area as well as in rural areas, and we are keen to find them if they are there."

Biosecurity Queensland surveillance supervisor Wim de Jong joined the Asian honey bee response team during last year's incursion.

As a commercial beekeeper Mr de Jong has a vested interest in ridding the region of the pest bee.

He is so grateful for public support that he has donated his own honey products to residents who have reported nests to Biosecurity Queensland.

"I cannot stress enough how much the bee industry appreciates community support," Mr de Jong said.

"It is critical that we locate and kill all Asian honey bees. They have the capacity to carry the varroa mite that will destroy feral and hobbyist hives and have a significant economic impact on the commercial bee industry, pollination of commercial crops and the environment.

"Public reporting is vital to our response operations."

Asian honey bees (Apis cerana) are slightly smaller than the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and its abdomen has a more distinctive brown and yellow stripes.

* Residents who believe they have Asian honey bees on their property are urged to contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.