Bumble bees are familiar, fuzzy visitors in gardens, often seen moving among flowers. Many people wonder about these insects, particularly whether they can sting. Understanding their behavior helps in appreciating their role in the ecosystem while also knowing how to interact safely with them.
Do Bumble Bees Sting?
Bumble bees can sting. Only female bumble bees, which include both queens and worker bees, have stingers. Male bumble bees (drones) lack stingers and cannot sting. The stinger in female bees is a modified ovipositor, an organ evolved from egg-laying into a defensive tool.
Unlike honey bees, whose barbed stingers typically remain embedded, leading to their death, bumble bees have smooth stingers. This smooth design allows a bumble bee to retract its stinger after use, allowing multiple stings. While a single sting might be less painful than a honey bee sting, the capacity for repeated stings can amplify the overall effect.
Why and When Bumble Bees Sting
Bumble bees are docile and non-aggressive. They avoid confrontation, focusing on foraging for nectar and pollen. A sting is a defensive mechanism, used only when threatened or its nest is disturbed.
Situations provoking a sting include accidentally stepping on one, handling it directly, or disturbing its nest. They may also sting if they feel trapped, such as in clothing or hair, or if sudden movements startle them. Some bumble bees might exhibit a defensive posture by raising a middle leg as a warning before resorting to a sting.
Responding to a Sting
A bumble bee sting causes immediate, sharp pain, followed by localized symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site. These reactions last for a few hours, though swelling or itching may persist for a day or two. Applying a cold compress reduces swelling and discomfort.
For pain relief, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken, and anti-itch ointments may alleviate itching. Clean the sting area with soap and water to prevent infection. While most stings are not severe, medical attention should be sought if swelling spreads significantly, if the sting is in the mouth or throat (due to risk of airway blockage), or if severe allergic reaction symptoms occur, such as difficulty breathing, widespread hives, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.