Honey bees sting primarily as a defense mechanism for their colony, not out of aggression. Understanding why and how they sting can help in coexisting with these pollinators. Their sting is a potent tool used to deter perceived threats to their hive, which contains their queen, brood, and vital food stores.
The Nature of the Honey Bee Sting
Honey bees sting when they perceive a threat to their hive or themselves. When a worker honey bee stings, particularly a mammal, its barbed stinger becomes lodged in the skin.
The stinger’s barbed design means it cannot be easily pulled out once embedded. As the bee attempts to pull away, the stinger, along with part of its abdomen, digestive tract, muscles, and nerves, is torn from its body. This severe injury leads to the worker bee’s death shortly after stinging. The venom sac, still attached to the embedded stinger, continues to pump venom into the wound for 30 to 60 seconds, increasing venom delivery.
Roles in Stinging Behavior
Not all honey bees possess the ability to sting, as their capabilities vary based on their role within the colony. Worker bees, which are sterile females, are the primary defenders of the hive and are typically encountered outside. Their barbed stinger, a modified egg-laying organ, is used for defense, and its use against a thick-skinned target like a mammal results in their death.
Queen bees, the reproductive females, also possess a stinger. Unlike worker bees, a queen’s stinger is smooth and lacks significant barbs, allowing her to sting multiple times without fatal injury. Queen bees rarely sting humans or other animals; their stinger is primarily reserved for battles with rival queens, ensuring only one queen leads the hive. Drone bees, the male honey bees, do not have a stinger and are therefore incapable of stinging. Their main purpose is reproduction.
What to Do If Stung
If a honey bee stings, promptly remove the stinger to minimize venom delivery. Scraping the stinger out with a fingernail, credit card, or a blunt edge is recommended over pinching it, as pinching might squeeze more venom from the attached sac. While some research suggests the method of removal is less important than speed, quick removal is advised.
After stinger removal, wash the sting area thoroughly with soap and water to clean the wound and reduce infection risk. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can alleviate discomfort, and oral antihistamines or topical creams like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion may help with itching and swelling. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling beyond the sting site, dizziness, or a rapid pulse, occur.
How to Avoid Stings
Minimizing the chances of being stung by honey bees involves understanding their behavior and taking simple precautions. If bees are present, remain calm and move slowly, avoiding sudden movements or swatting, which can provoke them. Bees are not aggressive unless they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed.
Wearing light-colored, smooth-textured clothing can make you less attractive to bees, as dark or fuzzy materials may be perceived as a threat. Avoiding strong perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions is also advisable, as these fragrances can attract bees. When outdoors, keep sugary foods and drinks covered, and be cautious around flowering plants, fruit trees, or areas where bees might be nesting.