Honey Bee Facts & Identification

Honey bees are one of nature’s most vital pollinators, responsible for producing honey, beeswax, and contributing to the pollination of many crops worldwide. While they play an essential role in the ecosystem, honey bees can sometimes become a nuisance or pose a risk, particularly in residential areas. Understanding their behavior, appearance, and life cycle can help you coexist with these remarkable insects—or determine when professional pest control services may be needed.

Honey Bees in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to a variety of bee species, including the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), also known as the western honey bee. Honey bees in Wisconsin contribute significantly to agriculture and the local ecosystem by pollinating crops and wild plants. They are eusocial insects, living in colonies made up of a queen bee, worker bees, and drones.

WHAT DO HONEY BEES LOOK LIKE?

Honey bees are relatively small, ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 inches long. Their bodies are typically golden-brown, often striped with black, and covered in fine hairs, aiding them in collecting pollen. The honey bee’s body can be divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. 

A key feature of honey bees is their pair of compound eyes, used for detecting light patterns and motion, which assist them in navigating and foraging. They also have ocelli, three small, simple eyes located on the top of the head, aiding in light detection. Females have corbicula, or Pollen baskets, on their hind legs to store and transport pollen. All honey bees have four wings, with the forewings larger than the hind wings.

Animals on white background: insects of europe - bees: side view macro of western honey bee ( Apis mellifera) isolated on white background with wings spreaded

SIGNS OF A HONEY BEE INFESTATION

If you’re concerned about a honey bee infestation in your home or yard, these are the signs to look out for:

Visible nests or swarms: Look for large clusters of bees or the presence of a nest in trees, sheds, or wall cavities.

Frequent bee activity: A significant number of bees flying around a specific area, especially near entry points like vents or cracks in your home, can indicate a nest nearby.

Buzzing sounds: A distinct buzzing noise coming from walls or structures may suggest a nest inside.

For advice on pest control for bees and other stinging insects, contact your local Terminix Wil-Kil branch.

HABITAT, DIET, LIFE CYCLE & BEHAVIORS

Understanding the habitat, diet, and life cycle of honey bees is crucial for effective stinging insect control. 

WHERE DO HONEY BEES LIVE?

Honey bees are incredibly adaptive and can establish nests in a variety of locations. Scout bees search for a suitable location, ideally offering protection from predators and shelter from harsh weather. In the wild, they often nest in hollow trees, rock crevices, or other cavities. However, in residential areas, honey bees may establish nests in wall cavities, attics, or under roof eaves. 

Once they have found a suitable sport, the bees create nests made of beeswax, which worker bees secrete. Inside, they create hexagonal cells to store honey and pollen and raise their young.

DIET

Honey bees forage on nectar and pollen from flowers, which they convert into honey and bee bread – a mixture of pollen, saliva and nectar or honey — to sustain the colony. The bees also gather water to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the hive.

LIFE CYCLE

The honey bee’s life cycle consists of four stages: First, the queen bee lays thousands of eggs, which hatch into larvae within three days. Worker bees then feed the larvae royal jelly or bee bread, depending on their future role. The transformation to an adult bee begins with the larva spinning a cocoon, in which it transitions into an adult bee over several weeks. Once fully developed, bees emerge as either worker bees, drones, or future queens.

The queen bee is the sole reproductive female in the colony, responsible for laying eggs, and the female worker bees maintain the hive, forage for food, and protect the colony. Meanwhile, the male drone bees’  primary function is to mate with the queen.

BEHAVIORS

Honey bees exhibit a variety of interesting behaviors, including their famous “waggle dance,” used to communicate the location of food sources to other bees in the hive. As they forage for nectar, honey bees transfer pollen between plants, aiding in the reproduction of flowering plants. When a colony becomes overcrowded, honey bees may swarm in search of a new nest site. They are highly defensive of their hive and will sting if they feel threatened,

ARE HONEY BEES DANGEROUS?

Honey bees are generally not aggressive unless provoked or their nest is disturbed. However, their stings can pose a threat to individuals who are allergic to bee venom. In these cases, a single sting can lead to severe reactions, requiring immediate medical attention. Africanized honey bees, also known as “killer bees,” are more aggressive and more likely to swarm when threatened.

Unlike wasps and hornets, the honey bees die after stinging. They have a barbed stinger that becomes lodged in the skin. And when one  bee stings, it releases a pheromone that signals other bees to defend the hive, potentially leading to multiple stings.

HOW TO GET RID OF HONEY BEES?

If a honey bee colony has established itself in or near your home, it’s essential to handle the situation carefully. Since honey bees are protected in many areas due to their ecological importance, it’s best to avoid DIY removal attempts.

Beekeepers may safely remove and relocate the nest, preserving the colony, but for colonies that pose a risk or can’t be relocated, professional stinging insect control services may be required. Never attempt to remove a nest yourself as honey bee removal often requires specialized equipment and expertise.

HOW TO PREVENT HONEY BEES

Preventing honey bees from nesting in or near your home can save you from dealing with infestations in the first place. Here are a few preventive measures:

  • Seal entry points: Block cracks and openings around your home where bees might enter to establish a nest.
  • Remove potential food sources: Clear away food waste, sugary liquids, or flowering plants near high-traffic areas in your yard.
  • Be mindful of outdoor spaces: Regularly check sheds, attics, and wall cavities for early signs of nest building.

If you frequently experience bee problems, residential pest control services can help with stinging insect control and provide preventive solutions.

NEED HELP WITH STINGING INSECT CONTROL IN YOUR WISCONSIN HOME?

Honey bees are valuable pollinators, but they can also pose risks if they establish nests near human activity. If you’re dealing with honey bees, wasps, hornets, or other stinging insects in Wisconsin, consider contacting a pest control expert for assistance. Professional services can safely remove bees and prevent future infestations.

FAQS

DO HONEY BEES STING?

Yes, honey bees sting to protect themselves or their hive. Worker honey bees die after stinging due to their barbed stingers.

HOW LONG DO HONEY BEES LIVE?

Worker honey bees typically live for around six weeks during the busy summer months, while queens can live for up to five years.

WHY DO HONEY BEES SWARM?

Swarming occurs when a colony becomes too large, and part of the colony leaves to establish a new hive.

DO HONEY BEES HAVE STINGERS?

Yes, worker bees have barbed stingers, which they use in defense.

DO HONEY BEES HIBERNATE?

Honey bees do not hibernate. Instead, they remain active in their hive throughout the winter, surviving off stored honey.

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Honey Bee Facts & Identification in Sun Prairie, WI

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