When encountering a bee, a common question is whether it bites or stings. Bees do not bite defensively; they use a different mechanism for protection. Understanding this distinction helps identify the source of an insect encounter and respond appropriately. This article clarifies that bees primarily sting and details the biological processes involved, along with information about insects that do bite.
Bees Do Not Bite
Bees are stinging insects, using a stinger as their primary defense against larger animals or humans. A bee’s mouthparts, called mandibles, serve various functions in their daily activities. Bees use mandibles for chewing pollen, manipulating wax to build combs, and handling materials inside the hive.
While honey bees can bite pests like mites or other workers, these bites are ineffective against human skin. They are not used for defense against humans or large animals. Therefore, any perceived “bite” from a bee is almost certainly a sting, as their mandibles are designed for tasks other than inflicting defensive wounds.
The Anatomy of a Bee Sting
A bee’s sting is located at the end of its abdomen, serving as a modified ovipositor, an egg-laying organ found only in female bees. A honey bee’s stinger is barbed, with backward-facing hooks that cause it to lodge in the skin of mammals. In contrast, bumblebees and most other bee species have smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times without self-injury.
When a honey bee stings, the stinger, with its sharp shaft and two barbed lancets, becomes embedded. Muscles attached to these lancets continue to pump venom from the venom sac into the wound even after the stinger detaches from the bee’s body. This detachment is fatal for the honey bee, as it rips away parts of its digestive tract, muscles, and nerves. Bee venom is a complex mixture, approximately 88% water, with the remaining portion consisting of various active compounds. These include peptides like melittin, which causes pain and inflammation by disrupting cell membranes, and enzymes such as hyaluronidase, which helps the venom spread through tissues. Histamine is also present, contributing to the pain and swelling experienced after a sting.
Insects That Do Bite
Many insects bite as a primary defense or feeding mechanism. Flies, such as horseflies, deer flies, and stable flies, are common biting insects sometimes mistaken for bees. Stable flies, resembling house flies, are brownish-gray with a pointed proboscis for piercing and sucking blood. Horseflies can be large, appearing entirely black or light brown with shiny green eyes.
These biting flies use specialized mouthparts to inflict wounds. Horseflies and deer flies have scissor-like mouthparts that cut skin, allowing them to lap up blood, and they inject anticoagulant saliva to keep blood flowing. Stable fly bites often feel like sharp needle pricks, commonly on legs and ankles, and can result in red rashes and bumps. Black fly bites leave small puncture wounds, leading to swelling and occasionally systemic symptoms like headache, nausea, or fever, sometimes called “black fly fever.”
Wasps, while primarily known for their stings, can also bite in defensive situations. Unlike honey bees, wasps possess smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times without dying. Their bites are typically less severe than their stings, but they contribute to the overall defensive capabilities of these insects.
Distinguishing Stings from Bites and First Aid
Distinguishing between an insect sting and a bite involves observing the immediate reaction and the presence of a retained stinger. A bee sting typically causes immediate, sharp, burning pain, followed by localized swelling, redness, and itching. A key indicator of a honey bee sting is the presence of the stinger itself, often visible as a pulsing, amber sac embedded in the skin. Conversely, bumblebee stings usually do not leave a stinger behind. Most insect bites, such as from mosquitoes or flies, typically result in an itchy welt or small puncture marks, with a different pain sensation compared to a sting.
Prompt first aid can alleviate discomfort from both stings and bites. For a honey bee sting, quickly remove the stinger by scraping it with a fingernail or credit card, avoiding tweezers as squeezing can inject more venom. After removal, clean the affected area with soap and water. Applying a cold compress or ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes can help reduce pain and swelling; elevating the affected limb can also be beneficial. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, along with antihistamines, can help manage pain and itching. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can also provide relief. For general insect bites, cleaning the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress or anti-itch cream are standard recommendations.
Medical attention is necessary for severe reactions. Seek emergency help immediately if symptoms of anaphylaxis occur, such as:
Difficulty breathing
Widespread hives
Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
Dizziness
Rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
Individuals with known allergies should carry and be prepared to use an epinephrine autoinjector. Multiple stings, exceeding a dozen for adults or five for children, can also lead to a severe reaction requiring medical evaluation.