• about
  • CHIMNEY
  • WALL
  • ROOF
  • TREE
  • OTHER
  • LEARNING HIVE
  • IDENTIFY YOUR BEE
  • SERVICES
  • REMOVAL LOCATIONS

Home > HONEYBEE > HONEYBEE

HONEYBEE

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Description:

Honeybees are well-known for their critical role in pollination and honey production. They are distinguishable by their golden-brown and black-striped bodies, which are more robust compared to wasps. Honeybees live in highly organized colonies with a single queen, and unlike wasps, they can only sting once.

Key Information:

SIZE: 1.0 – 1.5 cm long
DIET: Nectar and pollen from flowers
HABITAT: Gardens, woodlands, meadows, and agricultural areas
DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide, especially in managed colonies and wild environments

1. Importance of Pollination
Honeybees are vital for flower pollination, but with the widespread use of insecticides and pesticides, they have become endangered. According to the U.N., of the 100 crop species that provide 90 percent of the world’s food, more than 70 percent are pollinated by bees. Protecting honeybees is essential for food security and biodiversity.

 

2. Aggression and StingsThough typically non-aggressive, honeybees can become defensive, particularly when their colony is threatened. Their sting, while painful, is usually not lethal unless the person stung is allergic to bee venom, in which case it can become a life-threatening situation.

 

3. Swarming Behavior
Swarms occur when a queen bee leaves her colony, accompanied by thousands of worker bees, to establish a new hive. Swarming is a common sight during the summer months, with bees often resting in large clusters on trees or bushes before moving to a permanent location.

 

4. Colonization in Structures
Honeybees prefer to colonize cavities, whether in man-made structures such as chimneys, walls, and roofs, or in natural environments like tree hollows. When honeybees establish colonies in buildings, they can cause structural damage and pose health risks, particularly when provoked.

 

5. Bee Removal and Public Health
Special care must be taken in the removal of honeybee colonies to avoid contamination of the honeycomb with pesticides or insecticides. As honeycomb is a human food source, improper removal can lead to severe consequences, including fines of up to £25,000 for illegal treatment.

 

6. Non-Lethal Bee Removal
At Beegone®, we specialize in the expert, non-lethal removal of honeybee swarms and colonies from chimneys, walls, roofs, and trees. We relocate the bees alive and bee-proof the structure to prevent future colonies from returning. Our methods are environmentally friendly and pesticide-free, ensuring the safe removal of bees without harm.

 

Identify your bee