paperclip honeybee

Honeybees

Biology

  • Unlike wasps, honeybees only sting when they are protecting something. They can only sting once since their stingers have barbs on them and remain attached to the surface that is being stung.
  • The stinger should always be removed as quickly as possible by scraping it sideways since it will continue to pump small amounts of venom into the flesh.
  • Honeybees form permanent colonies and do not die in the fall like their relatives. They are capable of overwintering in a rather inactive state.
  • They usually nest in protected cavities like hollow trees, wall spaces, chimneys and buildings.
  • Though morphologically similar to wasps, honeybees have a furry abdomen whereas wasps are smooth.
  • Vibration is the stimulus that renders them the most aggressive.

How to Control

  • Since they are so beneficial, it is best to avoid killing them. If they are inside a wall, a dusting of insecticide should eliminate them (same for wasps).
  • A landing strip of insecticide can also be put out at the nest entrance.

After they are dead, it is important to remove the honeycomb as it could attract various insects such as the wax moth. Melting honey can also discolour walls and cause damage. The putrefaction of the hive and its occupants would also cause an extremely unpleasant odour. It is best to bury or burn the comb after extraction.